Academic school life is the keystone of a Hurst education. We are ambitious for all of our pupils and are committed to supporting each child to be the very best that he or she can be. Pupils are known and valued for everything that they are as well as for the contribution they make to the school community.
Inspirational teaching lies at the centre of our pupils’ academic experience. A broad and balanced curriculum is delivered by excellent, enthusiastic teachers whose absolute priority is to ensure that our children are consistently engaged and stimulated. Lessons are carefully tailored to meet the needs of each class or group, to ensure that every child is appropriately challenged and to encourage a life-long love of learning.
At Hurst Prep, academic value is placed on an education which takes the best from traditional and modern methods. Classes are taught in an ordered environment with structured lessons designed to stretch and challenge every child. A variety of teaching methods are used to ensure that every type of learner performs to his/her best ability.
We believe Hurst Prep School is a special place where children learn, grow and develop in the safe, caring and happy environment we provide.
Curriculum and timetable
We believe that high expectations are the key to high achievement. The curriculum is broad and, although we take the National Curriculum as our base, we exceed this in many ways.
Our timetable is in line with the Senior School which creates greater fluidity between the two teaching environments. Lessons are usually of one hour duration and the timetable extends over two weeks known as week A and week B.
In the first full week of the Michaelmas Term we hold a welcome evening where all parents are invited to come into their child’s classroom and meet with other parents and the form tutor. A curriculum booklet is given out which informs parents of the content of their child’s education and gives them useful information, such as the timetable and timing of lessons.
Assessment and monitoring
All children have regular assessments in class. We use a number of standardised tests to monitor pupils’ progress as they pass through the school.
Pupils in Year 7 and 8 have internal examinations at the end of the Michaelmas and Summer terms. As well as their academic subjects, they also take a general paper, focusing on current affairs and the ability to create an argument.
Year 8 pupils undertake an independent piece of research, of an academic nature, on a topic of their choice which they present to members of the Senior School, and answer follow up questions and this forms part of their summer exams. The Year 8 summer exams are set and marked by the Senior School and on the basis of their performance, academic scholarships may be awarded.
By regular assessment through Hurst’s Grades and Reporting system, our teaching staff monitor progress and attainment and thereby provide the guidance required to help each child reach his or her academic potential. Achievements are celebrated regularly, promoting confidence and high self-esteem throughout the school.
We also work in partnership with parents to ensure that all pupils thrive academically and develop strong, secure foundations for future academic success in the Senior School.
In Year 3 the majority of subjects are taught by the Form Tutor with the exception of Music, Drama, IT and PE. In Year 4 Art, Science, Latin and French are also taught by subject specialists. Lessons are predominantly delivered in the Year 3 and 4 classrooms.
Although pupils are placed in sets according to their ability, our focus – through our monitoring and grading system – is on every pupil’s individual progress.