We firmly believe in the importance of Prep. It improves memory and thinking skills, helps to develop independence and positive study skills for later on in life. It allows boys to practice being organised, using time wisely and setting priorities. It teaches them how to use resources such as libraries and websites.
At the Prep School, each boy’s prep will encompass a variety of activities instigated by teachers (and the boys themselves alongside their parents) to support learning. Boys may be asked to prepare for the next lesson by researching, reading, collecting or finding. It may take the form of practice, revision or repetition of a skill learned in class that day; very important for overlearning and consolidating. It may be simply reading, one of the most pleasurable, and most important, pursuits in life. It may also be for extension and creative enrichment, and occasionally for completion of work started in a lesson.
We also believe that it is important to develop strong links between learning at home and at school to support the learning that takes place during the school day. We fully encourage our parents to support their sons, but to remember . . .
“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”
Communication is key in successful home-school partnerships, and every step is taken to ensure parents know how and what their son is learning. In turn, we ask parents to stay in touch; whether it be a message in a Prep diary, an email, a chat on the playground or a discussion in a formal Parent Evening. This strong home-school relationship gives each boy the best opportunity to reach their full potential.
