Pupils at Ipswich School enjoy the advantages offered by continuity of education from age 3 to 18 and the aim of the Preparatory School is to ensure that by the age of 11+ boys and girls are well prepared for the education offered by Ipswich School. Our educational philosophy acknowledges the best of recent developments in primary school education while placing value on traditional academic skills. Classes throughout the school are small and great attention is paid to each individual pupil.
The Nursery for the 3 to 4+ age group provides a caring environment where boys and girls learn through first hand experience, structured and unstructured play and more formal lessons. There is a flexible pattern of sessions which prepare children to move into the Pre-Prep.
The Pre-Prep covers the Reception age group and pupils in Years 1 and 2. Within a happy, relaxed atmosphere they become used to a more formal approach to education. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the basic skills of literacy and numeracy. At the end of their time in the Pre-Prep, children take an entry test for Year 3 of the Prep School.
Class teachers of the younger age groups are responsible for the majority of subjects, and pupils received specialist teaching in Science and Music. When they move into Years 5 and 6 children receive specialist teaching in all areas of the curriculum including Craft Design and Technology, Art, and Information Technology.
The Preparatory School benefits from the use of many Senior School facilities including the extensive playing fields and new sports hall.
Games play an important part in children's development and PE is included in the curriculum at all levels. Emphasis is placed on pupils gaining confidence as swimmers, and other games include soccer, netball, rugby, hockey, rounders, cricket, athletics and table tennis.
In both the Pre-Prep and the Prep, classroom studies are reinforced by a varied programme of visits and visiting speakers.
Prep School boys and girls attend a weekly service in the school chapel and have one Sunday Morning Family Service a term.
In the middle of a pupil's last year at the Prep, the Senior School entrance test is taken. Almost all boys and girls go on to Ipswich School with a number winning scholarships each year.
