Early Years

The Holy Cross Pre-Prep department is housed in a modern purpose-built block, accessed by its own entrance area and overlooking our new sports and performing arts hall. We have a two form entry with a maximum of 22 girls, with a class teacher and a teaching assistant in each class.
 
The children begin full time in the reception class in the September following their 4th birthday and are welcomed into the school by their ‘big girl buddies’ from year 6. These buddies help and support the reception girls in the first few weeks at Holy Cross and this relationship continues to flourish throughout the year as they share many activities, such as the ‘French Breakfast’ and visits.
 
 
 

The girls are encouraged to become independent, creative thinkers where they follow the Foundation Stage curriculum. This covers the six areas of learning as designated by the government: Personal, Social and Emotional, Communication, Language and Literacy; Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numbers; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Creative Development and Physical Development. 

  

These are taught through a topic-based curriculum, delivered mainly by the class teacher, supported in group work and some individual activities by the teaching assistant but also benefit from the many specialist teachers at Holy Cross in French, P.E., ICT and music. There is a balance of child initiated and teacher directed activities and all are based on a hands-on, practical approach to learning. At Holy Cross we believe that children learn best when they are happy and actively involved.

 
 
 
Much of the Early Years curriculum takes place in the outside area, which can be accessed directly from the classrooms. Maths, gardening, nature observations, story time, creative music and dance are ongoing activities that the children all enjoy.