Prep Curriculum

At Tettenhall College Preparatory School, we thrive on drawing out the creative side in all our children. Focusing on the profound impact art can have on a child’s development, we are dedicated to fostering creativity as an integral part of our curriculum.

With a dedicated art studio, children can explore the realms of painting and sculpture. They are encouraged to experiment with a diverse range of media, bringing to life their visions and ideas on paper, canvas, and three-dimensional forms. We also benefit from the extensive art facilities offered by the Senior School on our campus, allowing us to use the kiln for firing ceramics and their beautiful suite of art rooms, for other projects, particularly those offered as part of the Enrichment Programme.

Inspired by the humanities topics, children relish the opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative process using their growing knowledge. From India to Benin, meaningful projects provide children with the skills they need to develop their artistic abilities.

At Tettenhall College Preparatory School, we are committed to fostering a rich and engaging English curriculum that nurtures a lifelong love of reading and writing among our pupils. Our English provision is designed to balance the dual objectives of developing literacy skills and instilling a passion for language, creativity, and expression.

Reading forms the cornerstone of our English curriculum, beginning with our youngest pupils with our Monster Phonics programme. This multisensory approach is thoughtfully crafted to support our young learners in acquiring essential phonetic skills through interactive methods, including characters, songs, actions, and colour-coded resources. By creating an enjoyable learning environment, we firmly believe children can thrive as they develop their early reading capabilities. Central to this approach is an emphasis on applying phonics skills when reading phonetically decodable texts that align closely with the phonics programme. Furthermore, our curriculum integrates encoding for spelling and writing, ensuring pupils not only read effectively but also contribute to their writing development.

Access to our well-stocked library is a fundamental aspect of our reading provision, which encourages exploration and fosters a rich appreciation for a diverse range of literature. During their class sessions, pupils are encouraged to select books that resonate with their interests, thereby enhancing their engagement and enthusiasm for reading. This access is complemented by our commitment to making reading the heart of our curriculum, where a variety of topic-based texts are seamlessly woven into the wider educational experience at Tettenhall College.

We encourage all pupils to become not only competent writers but also passionate and inspired storytellers. Our English sessions create a vibrant writing community where children are motivated to explore the writing process and pursue their personal writing projects. By engaging pupils in meaningful cross-curricular links, we ensure that writing is not merely an isolated skill but an integral part of their overall learning journey.

Our curriculum provides a carefully balanced exposure to various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. In fact, we take pride in celebrating our pupil’s achievements, having had several pupils’ works published in books. This not only validates their hard work but also inspires their peers to strive for excellence in their own writing endeavours. To elevate writing skills further, we utilise whole class texts as both a stimulus and a model for effective writing. This shared exploration fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can engage with high-quality literature and apply those insights to their writing practice. Throughout the writing process, we place a strong emphasis on precision across all aspects, including planning, composition, grammar, spelling, handwriting, and re-drafting. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that our pupils develop a robust and comprehensive writing skill set that will serve them well in their academic pursuits and beyond.

Forest School is an outdoor, nature-based educational approach that prioritises learning through child-led exploration and play in a natural setting, like a forest or woodland. It is more than just an outdoor activity; it’s a philosophy and a way of being that fosters a deep connection with nature and encourages holistic development.

Our Forest School, set within a breath taking 11-acre ancient woodland, offers our children an incredible opportunity to connect with nature while developing essential life skills. Immersed in the beauty of towering trees and diverse wildlife, children thrive in this outdoor classroom, where learning is hands-on, adventurous, and deeply enriching. The natural environment fosters curiosity, resilience, and creativity, encouraging children to explore, problem-solve, and develop confidence through play and discovery.

When you visit our school, you will see a large number of ‘Welly Trees’ outside the classrooms, allowing our pupils to have quick and immediate access to the great outdoors. However, the learning does not end when we come inside. Much of what is seen, discussed and experienced whilst outside, is then brought back into our indoor learning, with our English, maths, STEM, PHSE and many more subjects all enhanced as a result.

Outdoor learning has proven benefits, from improving mental well-being and physical health to enhancing teamwork and communication skills. At our Forest School, every day is a new adventure, sparking a lifelong love for learning and the great outdoors.

At Tettenhall College Preparatory School, we believe that humanities play a vital role in helping children understand the world around them. Our broad and engaging curriculum encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, covering a wide range of topics from inspiring inventors to significant historical events such as The Great Fire of London. Through an immersive and interdisciplinary approach, children explore history, geography, culture, and society in a way that is both enriching and enjoyable.

One of the key strengths of our humanities curriculum is the strong links we create between different subjects. English and art, for example, are seamlessly integrated into our humanities lessons, allowing children to develop a deeper understanding of historical and cultural topics. Through carefully selected books, such as The Ancient Egypt Sleepover and The Children of Benin Kingdom, children can step into the past and experience history from a new perspective. These literary connections not only enhance their reading and comprehension skills but also bring history to life in an engaging and relatable way.

We also believe that learning should extend beyond the classroom. Our programme includes a variety of educational trips and visits that provide hands-on experiences to support and enrich children’s understanding of humanities topics. Visits to museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks allow children to see history in action, deepening their appreciation of different time periods and cultures. For example, a trip to the Museum of London brings The Great Fire of London vividly to life, while an excursion to an archaeological site helps children understand the work of historians and the importance of preserving the past. Through engaging lessons, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world experiences, we aim to foster a lifelong love of humanities in our children. By exploring history, geography, and culture in a meaningful and interactive way, we equip them with the knowledge, skills, and curiosity to become informed and thoughtful global citizens.

Religious Studies (RS) is given the same importance as any other core subject. In a world where religion and faith may, for some, seem to lack lasting value, and the educational landscape is constantly evolving, provides an invaluable opportunity for pupils to reflect on and explore a wide range of religions and beliefs.

We value visits to and from different religious groups and places of worship at Tettenhall College. Gaining a better understanding of global affairs fosters respect for others’ views and beliefs. We help pupils develop a stronger sense of wellbeing, ethical standards and personal happiness through a rich and varied curriculum. With this in mind, pupils enjoy engaging with the community to contribute towards building a more cohesive society.

At Tettenhall College Preparatory School, we regard mathematics as a vital creative discipline that enables us to comprehend and transform the world around us. Our approach is centred around three key strategies:

• Fundamentals
• Maths for All
• Love of Maths

Our goal is for every pupil to appreciate the beauty, strength, and enjoyment of mathematics while cultivating a sense of curiosity and a solid understanding of the subject. We strive to promote positive attitudes towards mathematics and are committed to helping all children realise their full potential. We believe that every child can succeed in mathematics, and we focus on fostering a secure and profound understanding of mathematical concepts through a well-structured and ambitious curriculum with challenge embedded at its core. This curriculum is designed with small, progressive steps that build on previous knowledge. We embrace mistakes and misconceptions, using them as opportunities for growth to help children continue to thrive and advance.

In our school, most pupils will engage with the curriculum specific to their year group, dedicating time to master the material and apply their knowledge creatively in various contexts through an investigation-rich curriculum. We aim to inspire children with the creativity of mathematics, ensuring they have opportunities to extend their learning beyond textbooks by engaging in practical applications and establishing connections to the wider world. 

We believe that the concept of stretch and challenge in mathematics is vital for fostering a growth mindset among all learners, irrespective of their starting points. By setting high expectations, we encourage our pupils to engage deeply with complex concepts and equip them with the necessary tools to persevere through difficulties.

It is essential that every pupil faces work that challenges their understanding, as this cultivates resilience and critical thinking skills. When we support our pupils in grappling with demanding tasks, they learn to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, ultimately becoming more confident and capable mathematicians.

At Tettenhall College Preparatory School, we believe that learning a new language should be an exciting and immersive experience. That’s why our French and Spanish lessons are designed to be fun, interactive, and full of opportunities for pupils to engage with the language in a meaningful way.

From the moment our pupils step into the classroom, they are transported into a world where French and Spanish come alive. Our dedicated language teachers use dynamic teaching methods, incorporating songs, stories, role-playing, and games to ensure that learning a new language is both enjoyable and effective. Whether it’s practising their speaking skills in real-world scenarios or exploring the culture through traditional songs and celebrations, our students quickly build confidence and enthusiasm for language learning.

We understand that young learners absorb languages best when they are having fun. That is why we prioritise activities that encourage collaboration, creativity, and curiosity. One day, our pupils might find themselves ordering croissants in a simulated French café, and the next, they could be creating a colourful piñata while learning Spanish vocabulary.

Our aim is not only to develop their linguistic skills but also to spark a lifelong love of languages and global cultures. We want our pupils to leave preparatory school with a strong foundation in French and Spanish, ready to continue their language learning journey with confidence and passion.

At our school, we are proud to offer language lessons that go beyond textbooks — we inspire our students to speak, listen, and experience the joy of communication in a new language. After all, the ability to speak another language opens doors to a world of opportunities — and we’re here to help them step through.

At Tettenhall College Preparatory School, we understand the profound impact of the performing arts on a child’s development. Drama, dance, and music command the spotlight, and all children, from Nursery to Year 6, are given the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage in our beautiful Victorian theatre.

Our children shine in dramatic productions, stepping into the roles of characters, embarking on captivating storytelling journeys, and honing their confidence in front of an audience. We believe that every child has a natural connection to music, and this connection is nurtured from the very beginning. Our specialist teachers draw out the best in each pupil, ensuring that every child feels valued and confident in finding their voice. The performing arts curriculum has something for everyone; children learn about all genres of music and performance-based arts, from jazz music to Beethoven, and from symphonies to concertos.

Music extends beyond lesson time; we also offer co-curricular clubs, including Choir and Orchestra. Throughout the year, Tettenhall College holds informal concerts, a talent show, charity events, formal performances, nativities, and heart-warming Easter and Christmas services at the beautiful St Michael and All Angels Church.

We are very lucky to have an extensive team of highly experienced peripatetic instrumental teachers and a high number of our pupils have one to one lessons each week. Options currently include: piano, violin, cello, drums, singing, flute, clarinet, guitar, trumpet, tenor horn.

Our school takes immense pride in its exceptional sports programme, offering an extensive range of clubs and activities designed to inspire every pupil, regardless of ability. With an impressive 11-acres of meticulously maintained sports pitches, our pupils have ample space to develop their skills in football, rugby, hockey, and more.

From as young as three years old, children are introduced to swimming, ensuring they gain confidence and proficiency in the water early on. Our approach to sport is both competitive and inclusive, fostering a spirit of teamwork and resilience while ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to participate, progress, and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

At the heart of our sports programme is a commitment to nurturing core values such as determination, respect, and teamwork. Our expert teaching staff, including highly qualified coaches, provide top-tier instruction, ensuring that pupils receive the best possible training and guidance. Whether competing at the highest levels or simply enjoying physical activity, all students are encouraged to reach their full potential in a supportive and motivating environment. Our well-rounded approach to sport ensures that every child, from beginner to elite athlete, thrives both on and off the field.

STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is an integral part of the curriculum at Tettenhall College Preparatory School. We pride ourselves on delivering cutting-edge teaching and learning, whereby pupils are given every opportunity to develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Science lessons are designed around hands-on, real-life scenarios that stimulate curiosity and encourage pupils to discover the intricacies of the world around them for themselves. As a gateway to exploration, creativity and critical thinking, science is more than just a subject.

From the outset, pupils are introduced to inquiry-based learning that encourages them to question, experiment, and discover. Making good use of our magnificent site, pupils explore the grounds for invertebrates, habitats and the life cycles of plants. In our purpose built laboratory, exciting chemistry experiments and physics investigations continuously engage the pupils in learning that is both fun and meaningful. As pupils progress through the school, they also spend time in the specialist laboratories within our Senior School, here on the same campus. This takes place both during lesson time, and also during our highly praised Enrichment Programme, with Whizz Bang Science and the Robotics Club being particular favourites!

Technology is crucial in today’s ever-changing world. While we do not make it the focus of every learning experience, our tailored Information Technology (IT) lessons cater to all levels of experience and ability. In our dedicated IT suite, pupils are exposed to a wide range of programmes in a safe and nurturing environment. Our youngest learners are introduced to technology before they even realise this is what they are learning, with Beebots and similar tools bringing the foundation stones of coding to life. Pupils spend time in our IT suite whilst accessing many areas of the curriculum, allowing this to be woven into lessons and learning in a highly effective way.

Engineering and mathematics take many forms. Our dedicated team of teachers inspire young minds to think critically and solve problems creatively. Not only are opportunities to develop skills integrated in curriculum time, but pupils are able to access STEM specific after school clubs, which allow them to explore new ideas with friends or independently.

Through projects, clubs and interactive lessons, we prepare pupils to become the innovators and thinkers of tomorrow. STEM at Tettenhall College is where learning truly comes to life.