Your child’s move up into our Senior Prep and to Year 7, whilst designed to be as seamless as possible, represents the biggest change they will have experienced at Hoe Bridge, in a number of ways. It is, however, a very exciting change.
The focus in Senior Prep, Years 7 and 9, is very much on preparing for senior school - either as they stay with us and continue into our dedicated GCSE hub to continue their learning in year 9 or as they move to other top-rated schools in the area.
One of the main differences is the greater proportion of experiential learning outside the classroom environment, benefiting the whole child and endowing them with first-hand knowledge, skills and ambition in abundance.
A curriculum preparing for Common Entrance
The already robust curriculum experienced in Years 5 and 6 is further strengthened by development into the Common Entrance curriculum. Children in Year 7 and 8 are streamed according to their ability and needs.
The comprehensive core curriculum embraces English, Maths, Science (now divided into three discrete subjects), French, Latin, History, Geography, TPR (Theology, Philosophy & Religion), Art, ICT, Design & Technology, Music and PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education). Drama develops further and encompasses more focus on production and ‘backstage’ aspects as well as continuing to develop confidence and self-expression.
Day and residential trips are still high on the agenda, with Bushcraft now featured to further develop independence, teamwork, survival, and other vital life skills. Year 7 children also enjoy a trip to France to help the appreciation of and immersion in a European language and culture.
Academic success continues to be based on not only exam results but the day-to-day achievements which arise from both your child’s ability and the quality of their experiences and our teaching.