Within the Prep we are proud to offer opportunities over and above those that may be available elsewhere and pupils benefit from a range of programmes that look to develop their wider knowledge and understanding as well as develop inquisitive learners with skills that will set them apart in the future.
Enrich & Explore
All pupils within Years 1 and 2 complete our innovative ‘Enrich and Explore’ programme.
The programme runs across the two year groups and covers a range of subjects including:
- Sign Language
- Nature
- Animal Care
- Problem Solving / Team Building
- Mindfulness
- Handicraft
- Speech & Language / Drama
Future Skills
Pupils within Years 3 to 6 take part in our ‘Future Skills’ course which covers a range of modules including:
- Problem Solving
- Philosophical Enquiry
- Independent Study
- General Knowledge
- Communication
- Integrated Task Module – combining the above modules
English Enrichment Programme
Various activities and events throughout the year help to enthuse and develop interest in reading and writing and we call this the English Enrichment Programme. Children enter writing competitions, participate in workshops and meet authors and illustrators.
We are fortunate to be able to offer pupils the opportunity to listen to some of the country’s leading authors through our Inspiring Talks Series. The authors inspire our pupils as they talk about their books, careers, as well as sharing their tips on writing. Recent speakers at our author events have included:
Konnie Huq - Television Presenter, Children's Author and Illustrator
Konnie visited the School in February 2020 to promote her first novel which she has written and illustrated, ‘Cookie and the Most Annoying Boy in the World.’ Read more.
Sophy Henn - Children's Author and Illustrator
Sophy visited the School in June 2019 to speak about her latest book, ' Bad Nana: All the Fun of the Fair', the second book in the Bad Nana series. Read more.
Alex T Smith - Children's Author and Illustrator
Alex visited the School in March 2019 as part of the School's World Book Day activities. Read more ...
• Clare Balding, TV Presenter and Author
Clare Balding spoke to students from Prep and Seniors about her life, career and her love of writing and what inspires her.
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Sir Tony Robinson, OBE, TV Presenter and Author
Sir Tony Robinson gave an enthralling talk to students from Prep and Seniors about his book series ‘A Weird World of Wonders’.
Robin Stevens, Author of ‘Murder most Unladylike’ series and ‘Deepdean Mini Mysteries’
Robin Stevens is one of the UK’s leading authors and spoke to students from Prep and Seniors about her life and her range of books ‘Deepdean Mini Mysteries’.
Boumphrey Lecture Series
The Boumphrey Lecture Series was launched in early 2018 and offers Prep pupils the opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. The inaugural lecture was delivered by Mr Ian Boumphrey, a former student of the School, and a serving Governor. Mr Boumphrey spoke to the children about the history of the Prep. Read more.
Lectures take place throughout the year for Prep pupils in Years 5 and 6. Please read the news Boumphrey Lecture below:
Miss Julie Yardley, ‘Chimps and Icebergs’ October 2019
Old Birkonian Chris Rice, 'Marketing' May 2019
Upper Sixth student, Matthew, ‘First Impressions' March 2018
Prep Art Competition
The Prep Art Competition offers pupils in Years 3 to 6, opportunities to showcase their creativity, imagination and artistic skills and different themes run throughout the year. Winners are announced in assembly, where they are presented with prizes in recognition of their achievement.