The Preparatory Department, in Oakley House in the beautiful grounds of the main school, is a vital, integral part of Trinity School. In October 1996 a new nursery unit opened to accommodate the thriving Nursery Department that caters for over 40 children. All staff are qualified and experienced. Specialist coaches are used for certain extra curricular activities and sports.
Like the Senior Department, it has a desirably low pupil-teacher ratio, allowing each child to be an individual in classes streamed by age. Children may be at different stages of development when they enter but with the guidance of experienced staff they all progress through literacy and numeracy to achieve a thorough educational grounding. There are well appointed classrooms together with a new assembly hall and a new computer laboratory. Technology and Science are taught throughout the school. French is taken from 5+ and German from 9+. Children make the use of the gymnasium, art room, science laboratories, music room that are part of the main school.
The Department has a strong musical tradition: playgrounds, a copse and other play areas are there to explore, and like the Seniors, the younger pupils enjoy a wide variety of stimulating clubs as part of a full day.
When children reach nine years old, specific subjects are taken by specialist teachers from the Senior Department, ensuring a smooth transition to the upper levels.
Children may start part-time at the age of three, and progress to full-time education. Regular reviews of progress ensure the potential of every child is fully developed. The refurbishment of the boarding facilities has made the accommodation both spacious and comfortable. Pastoral residential staff:pupil ratio is 1:10 and a happy family atmosphere exists allowing young boarders to settle and adjust easily. All boarders have a tutor who monitors progress and welfare. Small groups of boarders dine with resident staff within a family atmosphere each term. Weekend activities and organised trips are arranged regularly by the residential staff, one of whom is a trained counsellor.
