Prep School

In prep school, learners continue to engage in reading education by shifting their focus from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’. Comprehension is taught daily through guided reading sessions, while inference and reasoning skills are incorporated and reinforced in other subjects, such as Religion and History.

Creative writing lessons are inspired by prominent literary figures (e.g., Ted Hughes, Phillip Pullman and Anthony Brown). Guided by our expert teachers, pupils quickly become adept at ‘unpicking’ a text or poem through whole-class reading and discussion. Punctuation, spelling and grammar practice takes place daily, and pupils strive to write with accuracy. As young writers, learners are held to a high standard to ensure they are ready to thrive in the next stage of academic life.

Our mathematics curriculum continuously builds and consolidates knowledge so that pupils reach a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Extensive practice is built into the programme in order to promote fluency and mastery. The development of intellectual competence (e.g., the ability to visualise) is emphasised, and pupils learn how to ‘see’ mathematics using heuristics. Through guided and independent practice sessions, pupils become competent in applying these problem-solving tools to any age-appropriate mathematical problem.

Our Science curriculum recognises children’s natural curiosity for the world around them. Lessons are designed using experience-based learning to ensure learners develop a confident understanding of scientific concepts and approach problems thinking as a scientist. Our well-equipped science laboratory facilitates practical, challenging learning opportunities, guided and supervised by specialist teachers.

"The outcome of excellent Religious Education is religiously literate and engaged young people who have the knowledge, understanding and skills – appropriate to their age and capacity – to reflect spiritually, and think ethically and theologically, and who are aware of the demands of religious commitment in everyday life."

At Ivy House School, we believe that a true understanding of faith derives from everyday experiences and interactions. Our pupils are taught to live their values and beliefs in their interactions with others. Values such as kindness, compassion, dignity and respect are central to our teachings and inform the way we relate to one another. They also remind us of our global responsibility, to reach out to those in need and to give selflessly. Religious Education at Ivy House School is suitable to children of all faiths and backgrounds. Our goal is to educate children so that they contribute thoughtfully and respectfully to society as a whole.

At Ivy House School, learners develop skills and techniques in a range of sporting activities. Through a carefully designed sports programme, our pupils gain excellent physical abilities, which they demonstrate with increasing competence and confidence.

Sports are incorporated in the core curriculum. In sports lessons, pupils learn how to select and apply tactics, skills and compositional ideals to a range of activities, which require varying approaches and thought processes. They set targets for themselves and take part in sports competitions, both as individuals and as team members. They learn what it takes to persevere and succeed, to acknowledge other children’s successes, and to take the initiative by leading activities and improving their own performance. Pupils will be able to make informed decisions about the importance of exercise in their lives and develop positive attitudes to participation in physical activity.

The sporting activities available will vary as the children move through the school, from athletics and swimming to gymnastics, dance and team games, such as football, netball, rounders, tennis, hockey and touch rugby. The Sports lessons are also taught offsite at Brondesbury Cricket ground, the Heath Extension, and the tennis courts in Golders Hill Park.