Discovering Seniority and Independence
Welcome to Senior Prep at Hoe Bridge
The move to Senior Prep represents the most significant change your child will have experienced at Hoe Bridge, promising a fruitful and exciting two years.
Our role in Years 7 and 8 is to prepare your child for Senior school. We hope you will consider our dedicated GCSE Hub for your child’s continued learning in Year 9 as part of the Hoe Bridge family and all the benefits this brings, including removing the burden of 11+ exams*.
Supporting further increased focus on pupil-led education and self-discovery, one of the main differences over Prep is a greater emphasis on experiential learning outside the classroom environment, allowing all-important context and the ability to appreciate the wider world at first hand. We also ensure ample provision for the changing wellbeing needs of the children as they grow to this stage of mental and physical maturity.
Because our Year 7 and 8 children are the oldest in Prep, they are also endowed with a strong sense of seniority, something they will continue to experience naturally throughout life. This accompanies additional responsibility and a desire to guide, help and mentor our younger children.
*We offer places in Year 7 onwards at the end of Year 5.
Achieving Together
The strong relationship and consistent communication with our families ensures effective results as well as a happy child. With our smaller class sizes and experienced teachers, we are quickly able to address any gaps in your child's education and come together to offer additional support or whatever is needed to resolve a subject issue.
It is wonderful to see, with the addition of our Senior school, many of our children will remain to continue their Hoe Bridge education with us and several will be awarded scholarships. This is a testament to the hard work, commitment and potential they show in a specific area.
Our Headmaster and Head of Prep are in regular contact with all our local independent senior schools to monitor and discuss their constantly evolving requirements and assessment methods.
Rewards and Competitions
The Hoe Bridge system of gains established in Year 3 continues to the end of your child’s time with us. This ‘points system’ – which applies to schoolwork, attitude, courtesy and behaviour – is proven to encourage and incentivise whilst reflecting the rewards and penalties we all encounter and accept throughout life as part of wider citizenship.
Gains are collated throughout the year and count towards individual bronze, silver and gold certificates. The points tally also goes towards house totals, further fostering belonging, teamwork, better performance and positive behaviours.
Children can earn distinctions for outstanding work, and Headmaster Commendations provide further formal recognition of exceptional performance and good deeds, as do termly Star and Form prizes. All of these are celebrated in assembly.
Extending the day at Hoe Bridge
Many of our Prep families take advantage of our breakfast or after school activities or both.
Both provide excellent opportunities for your child, whether for socialising, developing engaging interests or hobbies. For parents, they ease the burden of busy schedules, heavy traffic and other circumstances which can bring unwanted pressure.
Breakfast Club operates every day from 7:30 am until commencement of registration at 8:15 am. The menu is tempting and nutritious, comprising a hot breakfast, cereal and toast, making for an excellent start to the school day.
On completion of the class day at 4:15 pm, children attend prep, where they can complete homework under the supervision and guidance of teaching staff. Prep for Year 7 and 8 finishes at 5:30 pm. Children can then enjoy an after school activity, of which there is a wide choice, covering many interests and hobbies. We encourage children to try new activities to maintain and broaden their interests and enjoyment. After school activities finish at 6:30 pm for Year 7 & 8 (with the exception of some off-site activities such as golf, sailing and climbing).
Prep Creative Arts
Creative arts are essential to a child’s creativity, self-expression, confidence and understanding. By making them absorbing and challenging, we ensure that they fully engage our children, often spawning a lifelong interest.
Visit Us
The best way to get to know Hoe Bridge is to visit us. Our regular Open Mornings and Private Tours give you a chance to meet our pupils and staff, have a look around and ask us the questions that really matter to you and your family.
