Pre-Prep

Pre-Prep is the start of The Beacon journey for boys aged 3-7. During these precious years, we ensure every boy feels secure and valued, so they are inspired to achieve their full potential.

From its earliest stages in Nursery, our curriculum aims to foster a life-long love of learning and curiosity in our boys. They enjoy a rich and varied curriculum, which will prepare today’s boys for tomorrow’s world. Boys from Reception onwards are taught by a Class Teacher with a full-time assistant. Specialist taught subjects such as Music, Games, PE, Drama, ICT and International Studies are spread throughout the week and complement the core learning.

Music and Drama play an integral role in Pre-Prep and all boys perform in annual productions. A variety of after-school clubs are available to boys from the Summer Term in Reception upwards. These include chess, singing, Art, Spanish and storytelling. There is also a range of fun and educational school trips.

All Boys’ Education

Research surrounding early boys’ development shows the vital importance of both daily movement and the growth of creativity and enquiry skills. Our timetable is based around these important key developments. Throughout their time at The Beacon, our boy-centred learning motivates all our boys to learn with enthusiasm and achieve with confidence.

The Power of Storytime

At The Beacon, we are passionate about the value of oral storytelling in helping to develop our boys’ confidence, creativity and key literacy skills. We have worked closely with The Story Museum in Oxford to form an anthology of oral stories, which include The Little Red Hen and The Thick, Fat Pancake. As a key part of our Pre-Prep Curriculum each half term, every Class Teacher, from Nursery to Year 2, will share a story orally with their class.

The results have been incredible; helping to promote confidence, wellbeing and relaxation. When our boys know a story well and have confidently been able to re-share the story orally, either with a partner or even in front of the whole class, they are then able to change the characters, the setting or even the main events in order to create their own stories. Taking this a step further, we have then seen boys who previously might not have wanted to attempt to write their own stories, become confident young authors, penning wonderfully delightful worlds of their own on paper, using vocabulary and descriptive language not usually seen at their age range. This truly is the power of storytelling.

Our Golden Rules

Pre-Prep follow six Golden Rules devised by renowned author Margaret Goldthorpe, centred on sound moral values. These values permeate every aspect of our Pre-Prep life.

• We are gentle
• We are kind and helpful
• We listen
• We are honest
• We work hard
• We look after property

We have seen boys’ self-esteem hugely enhanced by following these Golden Rules, and they really help our boys to build positive relationships at The Beacon.

By the time our boys finish their time at Pre-Prep, their independence, confidence and caring approach will ensure a smooth and happy transition to Lower School.

Lucy Gordon – Head of Pre-Prep

ADMISSIONS