Curriculum
We are a single form entry school and great attention is given to Year Level Standards in literacy and numeracy. We equally encourage our children to work collaboratively across year groups; developing resilience, independence and team-work skills.
Our lessons are approximately 45 minutes in duration, however we work flexibly allowing pupils to engage in areas of interest for longer if they wish to do so. Music, Drama and Art are also taught for extended periods; allowing children to immerse themselves fully in a subject before needing to ‘move on’.
School arrangements are reviewed annually in order to ensure our programme of study and timetabling meets the needs and interests of our pupils and school community. Parents are notified of any significant changes. Our school term dates are set in consideration of local authority schools.
The curriculum at The Belvedere Preparatory School has been developed to encompass and enhance the requirements of the National Curriculum. We foster an enjoyment of study through rewarding, stimulating and challenging classwork.
Curriculum Overview
A Broad Curriculum
Plenty of studies show that enriching a child’s life improves their ability in the core subjects.
We offer a genuinely broad curriculum, with generous time allocated to music, sport, art, drama and language. A wide range of clubs at Belvedere Prep support these lessons.
Many of the jobs which our young people will be applying for in years to come have not even been invented yet. We believe the ability to develop critical thinking skills and thinking flexibility, is vital.
‘Thinking skills’ are embedded throughout the curriculum. Our boys and girls work independently or in groups to carry out creative, practical and/or problem solving activities. Thinking sessions are particularly good at helping boys and girls to understand that there is not always a right or wrong answer and to have the confidence to give ideas a go.
Play
Play is a very important part of a child’s social development and a key part of their day. Our staff are always present outside at playtimes to help boys and girls enjoy a happy break from the classroom.
Our exciting climbing equipment is a great place to learn how to take small physical and calculated risks. Children can also choose practise their cricket, tennis, football and netball skills.
Learning Support
We make sure our boys and girls receive regular individual attention in their lessons.
Within Belvedere, children are given additional support in small groups within the classroom setting and groups may be withdrawn for extra support. 1:1 help is also provided – whether showing exceptional aptitude or even the mildest learning difficulty in a particular subject, boys and girls are given additional support.
Homework
A vital link between school life and the rest of the children’s world, homework is also an opportunity for parents to become further involved in their child’s daily education.
With a routine of working in the home environment, alongside support and praise, homework can be enjoyable and children grow confident in their ability to complete work independently.
Hours
Breakfast Care (Nursery - Year 6):
07:30 until start of school day (Drop off at Green Playground Gates)
After School Care (Nursery - Year 6):
End of school day until 17:45 (Pick up at Green Playground Gates)
Nursery & Reception School Day
08:30-08:50: Drop off (Nursery gates)
08:50: Registration
12:15: Pick up (Half day session)
15:10: Pick up (Full day session)
Year 1 - Year 6 School Day
08:15-08:40: Drop off (Green Playground Gates)
08:45: Registration
15:20: Pick up (Green Playground Gates)
