In our Pre-Prep, each child is cherished and nurtured with exceptional teaching and pastoral care, helping them to develop not only essential academic skills but also the personal qualities that shape their character. We believe that curiosity is the heart of all learning, and we strive to create an atmosphere where children's natural inquisitiveness is celebrated and encouraged. By fostering their sense of wonder, we lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Through hands-on exploration and joyful experiences, we help our children grow into confident, enthusiastic learners who are eager to embrace new challenges and follow their dreams.
I feel truly privileged in my role at Feltonfleet. The opportunity to get to know each child personally and witness their growth and blossoming love for learning brings me a level of job satisfaction that is simply unparalleled.
Head of Pre-Prep | Gerry Deen
Pre-Prep pupils have exclusive use of two designated buildings, Calvi and Year 2 House, which have been thoughtfully curated to provide a calm and engaging educational environment. Departing from the busy, vivid colour schemes reminiscent of our own infant school days, interiors use a neutral palette, to promote a sustained focus and reduce visual noise, that can distract and even distress young children. Each of our Pre-Prep classrooms has direct access to our wonderful outdoor spaces, including the Calvi Garden and one of our woodlands, enabling our youngest pupils to explore and discover new things inside and out.
Throughout the Pre-Prep, pupils’ use of authentic resources and natural materials strengthens the connection between home and school. By incorporating real-life objects found in the home, we create a sense of belonging and comfort for our young learners. Together with loose parts (e.g. tyres, blocks, planks and guttering), these resources encourage imaginative open-ended play relevant to their lives outside school, as well as reduce stereotypical choices that pink and blue plastic toys so often entrench, not to mention having a positive impact on sustainability.
All Pre-Prep pupils, including our Nursery children, enjoy specialist teaching in Sport (including Swimming), Music, Forest School, French and Technology, for which they make use of our specialist facilities. Being taught by subject specialists not only broadens their experiences but also inspires a deeper love for learning, as the experts bring their enthusiasm and knowledge to each lesson, sparking curiosity and excitement in the children. This approach also gently introduces pupils to the school and staff beyond their classroom, easing their transition as they move through the school.
Access to the outdoors is vital for children’s development, which is why each of our Pre-Prep classrooms has direct access to our wonderful outdoor spaces, enabling our youngest pupils to explore and discover new things inside and out. Outdoor learning is recognised as an inspirational process that offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland.
Feltonfleet has two woodland areas, which all our Pre-Prep pupils visit at least once each week for Forest School. Our thoughtfully designed Forest School curriculum helps all pupils to:
- Respect Nature: Develop an appreciation for the natural world by nurturing plants, caring for wildlife, and looking out for one another.
- Explore Hands-On: Engage with the environment through practical activities like planting, tending, and harvesting vegetables, cooking over a self-built fire, and sharing feasts with friends.
- Build Confidence: Learn to assess and manage risks, such as mastering tree-climbing skills, including evaluating branch strength and safe heights.
- Enjoy Creative Adventures: Participate in imaginative and adventurous activities like den building and crafting leaf crowns, which enhance their knowledge and skills while having fun.
Come rain or shine, pupils enjoy outdoor learning at Feltonfleet. The appeal of jumping in muddy puddles never grows tired, which is why waterproofs and wellies are essential items in the Pre-Prep uniform.
The location of Year 2 House, nestled near Lower School and other Prep School buildings, serves as a natural stepping stone, and Pre-Prep pupils eagerly look forward to Year 3, feeling prepared and excited for the next chapter of their journey through Lower School.
Focus Attributes
