We use the National Curriculum as a minimum standard but seek to push our pupils beyond the constraints that this imposes. As an independent prep school, we are fortunate in being able to do this; our curriculum is, therefore, more creative, more dynamic and more engaging for our pupils.
Curriculum FAQs
We are sure that you will have many questions to ask about teaching and learning at Edge Grove so we have compiled this list of curriculum FAQs that may give you some of the answers you are looking for.
Of course, if you have any other questions you would like us to answer, please do just contact us and we will be happy to answer any question you have.
Do you follow the National Curriculum?
How do you use technology in the classroom?
Starting in Nursery, pupils access technology in their classrooms, or in the School’s IT Suite. Up to Year 5, pupils use School Chromebooks which may be brought into the classrooms for a particular lesson or activity.
From Year 5, pupils bring their own Chromebook into School each day for use, when directed by teachers, in lessons.
All classrooms have interactive whiteboards and teachers use a range of different platforms for both work within lesson times, or to set homework.
Do you “set” pupils for subjects?
Throughout the School, teachers ensure that pupils are working at an appropriate level through differentiated work within the classroom where appropriate. From Year 3, pupils are taught in sets for Maths, with children of a similar level, and from Year 5, we introduce sets for English.
Which foreign languages will my child learn at Edge Grove?
Pupils in Nursery and Reception will learn either French or Spanish, delivered by subject specialist teachers. From Year 1 to the end of Year 5, pupils will learn both French and Spanish. Then in Year 6, they will specialise in one or the other, and will also start learning Latin.
What is the average class size?
Throughout the School, our class sizes are around 20 pupils, and are often smaller. The maximum number of children in a class is 22.
What support do you provide for gifted and talented children?
Our Ignite Programme supports pupils who have shown a particular talent in an area of the curriculum, be this in an academic or co-curricular subject. The Ignite Programme starts in Year 3 with Ignite Cubs, running through to our oldest pupils in Year 8, who are Ignite Fellows.
What support do you offer for children with additional needs?
Our Learning Support Team works with children across the School who may be in need of a little extra help, be this through one-to-one support in the classroom, interventions, or booster groups.
Please note: It is very important that you share with us all information about your child’s additional needs at time of enquiring, so we can be certain we have the resources to support before progressing with any application you may make to Edge Grove.
Do children have homework?
At Edge Grove, we have a graduated approach to homework, starting in our Early Years classes with reading and spellings, and then increasing amounts of independent study as pupils move through the School. If at any point you feel your child is struggling with either the quantity or content of any homework task, it is important you notify their Form Teacher or subject teacher.
How often will I hear from my child’s teacher?
We operate an “open door” policy although naturally there are times of the day when it is not possible to speak with teaching staff as they are doing just that!
You will receive regular feedback from teachers in the form of reports and parents’ evenings.
What is a typical timetable?
Timetables vary across the different departments of the School, with the length of the day increasing between Years 2 and 3. Please refer to the Junior, Middle and Senior Department sections of this website for more information about specific timetables at different stages.
