Reception, Years 1 & 2

Starting school is a huge milestone in a child’s life. With small classes of fourteen pupils or less we ensure a gentle transition from home to school, and each child receives the attention they need to grow in confidence, reach their academic potential and flourish as an individual.

 Reception – The learning journey starts here

Reception children attend our Pre-Prep full time as the curriculum becomes more structured, with regular numeracy and literacy sessions. Learning is still initiated through play in the dedicated, spacious classrooms and outdoor play areas. Pupils also begin weekly swimming and gym sessions at the Prep School and continue their Ballet, French and Woodland Explorer sessions where children have the chance to make dens, climb trees and cook on an open fire.

Bright, cheerful, 'loving', parents say, wonderfully caring and nurturing'. Good Schools Guide

Years 1 and 2 – Where each child grows as a unique individual

Our Year 1 and 2 pupils have an exciting creative curriculum, complemented by a comprehensive range of extra-curricular activities. Children enjoy a wide breadth of learning experiences that include weekly lessons from our specialist teachers for French, Music, Swimming, Tennis and Games.  

Our curriculum is planned to suit the needs of each individual using a cross-curricular approach to learning. This enables children to make strong links between each programme of study. We emphasise and encourage the development of key learning skills, in order to maximise a child’s potential throughout both their school and adult life.

Monkton Pre-Prep has the benefit of a wide range of facilities onsite and at the Prep School. These include tennis courts, a state of the art all weather pitch, indoor swimming pool, library, sports hall, extensive playing fields and an outdoor classroom in a copse specifically tailored for Pre-Prep children.

By the end of Year 2, all children will have had the opportunity to enjoy weekly tennis coaching, learn to play the recorder and violin, perform on stage, achieve badges in Beavers, develop their art and craft abilities and hone their public speaking skills or football techniques. 

 An engagingly happy school  - Good Schools Guide