Elmhurst School is a small, family school and if you visit and ask our pupils about the prep and pre-prep they may look at you in a slightly puzzled manner. We are one school. However, there are some key development milestones at play during these years which mean from an organisational perspective it is valuable to create distinctions in the educational journey.
By lower key stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) our pupils are developing as independent individuals. Boundaries are more likely to be challenged and self esteem is fragile as they step away from their parents’ shadow towards their own place in the sun. Whilst this transition is a gradual one, the school lays the foundations for boys and girls to flourish with high expectations of behaviours both personally and in learning.
In the classroom, pupils meet specialist teachers more frequently. Both English and Maths are also delivered by a specialist teacher as the gentle move away from a single teacher is promoted. This shift is a key benefit of our preparatory education as pupils become familiar with differing expectations of teachers and build their own responsibility for learning. The 11+ journey is well underway and pupils are encouraged to build study habits and take responsibility for their own learning.
Pastorally too, our pupils are expected to take greater responsibility for their items and organisation with homework deadlines likely to be varied and more numerous. Google classroom is used across the school to manage homework load and, by Y4, are asked to monitor their responsibilities, in the first instance.
Pupils in Years 5 and 6 have strong learning behaviours established and are usually working at least a year ahead of their peers. With the 11+ process an important part of an Elmhurst education in Year 5 and 6 pupils understand the commitment required to be successful in school.
Three mornings a week booster classes in Maths and English are offered before the school day to support the development of exam technique in preparation for both grammar and independent school exams.
Strong relationships with staff are built and, although expectations step change again in this final part of the key stage, pupils are still nurtured and supported to develop their brilliance. Opportunities for extra curricular experiences are plentiful and pupils are encouraged to engage in all aspects of school life.
