Curriculum (Year 1 to 6)
Our specialist subject staff work across every year group to give our children the very best. We make full use of our 130 acres of parkland and woodland as well as drawing on science, mathematics and artistic resources to provide the broadest spectrum of academic, creative and physical learning experiences for each child.
Class sizes are small so that every child can flourish and receive individual attention from our teachers and we work closely with our parents to ensure we maintain a clear understanding of every child’s needs, skills and progress.
Year 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1)
Every day is varied with a mix of academic, physical and creative lessons, but with English and Mathematics given high priority. Our children learn with specialist teachers for Design Technology, Modern Foreign Languages, Music and PE, with the form teacher leading all other subject areas and a unique and enriched curriculum of activities outside the classroom.
Our children also have the opportunity to take part in a variety of trips and events to help bring classroom work to life, as well as enjoy being part of the whole-school community; performing in plays, concerts, school assemblies and services at Romsey Abbey.
Year 3 to 6 (Key Stage 2)
From Year 3, all subjects are taught by specialist teachers. English, Mathematics, Humanities, ICT and Science are at the core of the curriculum but a wide and diverse range of subjects such as Art, Design Technology, Drama, Natural Sciences, Music and Sport provide a broad and balanced curriculum.
Our children are inspired and motivated to strive for personal excellence whatever their starting point and they are given a clear understanding of their own learning targets so they can fully engage in the learning process.
Philosophy for children
Involving complex and abstract reasoning, the purpose of philosophy for children (P4C) is to develop a capacity for high level measured analysis. This is cultivated through each year at our Prep School.
In this adventure, our children become confident, competent and compassionate learners. They are taught to research, reason and problem solve; to apply what they learn to different contexts; to work collaboratively; to share and present ideas and opinions; and embrace challenge.
We use the P4C approach in our teaching as a tool to enhance speaking and listening skills and to encourage reasoning and critical thinking as well as enquiry and elaboration of ideas. P4C fosters a collaborative approach to spoken enquiry which enables our children to participate in discussions and value everyone’s opinions in a respectful and safe environment.
Digital learning
The focus of our digital strategy takes into account how lessons are most effective and aims to put in place the means and support that enable our teachers to use technology, when it is possible and appropriate, in order to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. All pupils, from Reception to Year 13 are provided with a school iPad for the duration of their studies at Embley.
Leadership opportunities
We are particularly keen to respond to the needs of our Prep School children as they approach adolescence and make the transition to the next stage of their school life. As prefects, house captains or ambassadors, our senior Prep School children have the opportunity to demonstrate their increasing maturity by taking a leading role in the daily running of the school.
Visit Embley’s Prep School
The best way to experience our Prep School is to come and see us for yourself. Please visit our Admissions pages for more information.