The Preparatory Department takes children from the age of seven through to thirteen years old. The School has a strong academic record but the curriculum is designed to give our pupils the broadest possible education, whilst preparing them for transfer at thirteen years old to a wide range of top senior schools in the country.
Junior forms each have their own form teacher while older children are taught by specialist subject teachers in well equipped classrooms and laboratories, using the most modern equipment. We also make full use of our outstanding grounds for academic activity. Classes are small and each pupil is able to receive individual help and attention. The average class size is sixteen, with two to three forms within each year group in the Preparatory Department. Pupils’ learning is assessed individually and each child’s progress is discussed regularly at meetings with the academic staff.
Parents are positively encouraged to be involved in their child’s education. There is continuous assessment of each pupil’s progress throughout the School and regular information is provided on their academic progress and attainment. At the end of each term, detailed subject reports are sent home and there are regular Parent/Teacher Meetings. We provide guidance for parents on the appropriate choice of senior school, matching the academic potential of each pupil to the standards expected.
As well as ensuring that our children receive the best possible all round education, time is also planned each day for a wide range of extra curricular activities including art, drama, music and sport. Our Music School is part of the Brambletye Arts Centre. Children have the opportunity to learn a wide range of instruments under the guidance of the Director of Music and a team of Peripatetic teachers. Brambletye also enjoys a justifiably strong reputation in Art and senior pupils win awards each year. Children are encouraged to develop their talent in a wide variety of media. Drama has always played an important part in the life of the School. Children benefit from the use of a fine, modern two hundred and fifty seat theatre, which offers superb facilities for actors and actresses, technicians and stage managers. With extensive games fields and excellent facilities, sport plays an important part in the daily life of the School. There is a full fixture list against other schools in most sports and parents are always welcome to come and support matches. Although we take pride in the standard of our senior teams, we aim to prepare as many teams as possible in a number of sport, trying to find for each and every child something he or she can enjoy. Great emphasis is placed on good sportsmanship, by winning in a sporting manner and losing with grace.