Welcome to Prep
As children grow their needs change. Still curious, they demand to know more and understand more about the world around them, which is why we believe that subject specialist teachers are such an important part of Prep School life.
Students are challenged academically, physically and in their personal development to ensure that they can reach their potential whilst they remain with us. This is supported by strong Performance education and daily access to animals – both of which have been proved to enhance mental health.
Good relationships between children, staff and parents are central to our ethos and we strive to maintain open communication both face to face and by email to ensure that every parent can stay in touch.
Our aim is to ensure that every child can be the very best version of themselves.
Mrs E Edwards, Head of Prep
Academic
Firm foundations from the Pre-prep mean that the Prep School children can move forward with confidence to explore their enhanced curriculum.
In Years 3 and 4 the children still spend time with their Form Teachers but have an increasing number of lessons with specialist teachers. A large, well-equipped Art Room, a Science Lab equipped to Secondary School standards and a large Performance Hall are all available for the children from Year 3.
Homework is balanced to the ability and needs of each child at their age and stage, ensuring that the task is achievable and relevant. We believe that children have a right to enjoy their evening with their family but also need the discipline of independent work to support their learning.
Alongside the expected academic subjects, children in the Prep School have weekly Drama lessons, Enquiry lessons (where learning happens in our wonderful grounds) and Latin in Years 5 and 6, which provides an interesting way to access grammar!
We want learning to be enjoyable and we know that content children learn well; that is our mission.
Creative
We encourage creative thinking and believe that it is important that our children can analyse and look at problems in different ways, applying their developing questioning and thinking skills across the curriculum.
What is creative thinking, and why is it important in the workplace? Most people associate creativity with artistic tasks such as writing a novel, painting a picture, or composing music. While these are all creative endeavours, not all creative thinkers are artists. Many jobs require creative thinking, including positions in the worlds of business and science.
Learning to express every side of a child’s personality is essential to give an all-round life experience. The creative arts are very important at Polwhele House. Children enjoy long lessons in the Art Room, where they explore all aspects of Art and Design Technology, working in both 2- and 3-dimensions. Artwork is entered for competitions and often qualifies for national competitions, giving an exciting experience for such young people. We take part in the Truro City of Lights, where the Upper Prep students explore sculpture and then take it to the city centre to be part of the parade. We embrace any opportunity to be involved in Art as part of life.
Drama is an important part of the curriculum and the children learn to work as individuals and as part of a group. We enjoy entering competitions – and do very well. Having a tradition of Performing Arts activities, means that we also enter debating and verse speaking competitions. We never miss an opportunity to perform in front of a willing audience.
Music and singing form part of the core of Polwhele House and the children all sing together. We have a Choir as well as a Singing Group led by passionate teachers who inspire the children. Playing instruments in Music lessons can lead to having individual lessons for those who want to take their skill further and we have a range of excellent music teachers who are delighted to work with the children.
Discover more
If you wish to find out more about attending Polwhele House or if you would like to book a school tour, please use the form below and we shall be in contact.
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