Pre-Prep at Sherborne Qatar

The Pre-Prep is a flourishing part of Sherborne Qatar, catering for 4-5 year olds (Reception), 5-6 year olds (Year 1) and 6-7 year olds (Year 2). The children are encouraged to feel part of the School and to understand that everyone should be valued, respected and supported. Children spend a large part of their lives at school; the foundations for their future life are often built at this level.

Sherborne's academic tradition and the ethos of the school depend on the encouragement of hard work and the creation of a caring community. The class sizes are limited to 20 children to ensure individual attention and foster a family ethos. There are four classes for Reception, five classes for Year 1 (5-6 years) and four classes for Year 2 (6-7 years). Each class is staffed by a qualified teacher. In addition every Reception class has a classroom assistant, ensuring a high degree of personal care. Year 1 share three classroom assistants and Year 2 share two classroom assistants. Children are based in their own classroom with their own teacher but make full use of the school facilities and specialist staff for Music, P.E, Arabic and French.

Planning and teaching methods are based on the English National Curriculum for Foundation and Key Stage 1 and are parallel for classes within each year. Within comparatively small classes with this level of support the children are able to work in a secure and stimulating learning environment, where the needs of every child are assessed and provided for. All teaching is delivered in English (apart from Arabic and Islamic Studies lessons for native Arabic speakers).

The classrooms and play areas are well equipped and cheerful, reflecting the current topics of learning while displaying the activities completed by the children. Every classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard to enhance learning throughout the curriculum. The classrooms are planned to be vibrant and stimulating areas with great emphasis on displaying the children's own work through various media.

The school day runs from 7.30am (8.00 in Reception) to 2.00pm, with the opportunity to stay for after school activities until 3.15pm on some days if it is appropriate for the child. Pupils may arrive at school between 7.00-7.25 in Years 1 and 2 and 7.00-7.55 in Reception. Our aim is to give the children a broad and balanced start to their education and the confidence to achieve their potential in a happy, industrious and stimulating environment.

Sherborne Qatar seeks to bring out the best in every pupil, to develop skills and talents, and to encourage good manners and behaviour. Above all we aim to promote self-confidence and a respect for others through a happy, secure and disciplined environment. We encourage the children to develop a positive attitude to learning. We provide opportunities which inspire children to discover and cultivate their talents and foster excellence and quality in all areas of the curriculum. Pupils develop independence through social and academic awareness ready for Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6).

Curriculum Newsletters Autumn 2011

Reception Class

Year 1

Year 2