Curriculum & Academic Support

Academic Stretch and Challenge

At Ewell Castle Preparatory School we have high expectations of all pupils and ensure that each receive the support and challenge necessary to help them to develop their full potential irrespective of starting points. We recognise the importance of identifying a wide range of abilities and talents and of providing opportunities to nurture them. In addition to this, we recognise that in order to progress and achieve their full potential, Higher Learner Potential (HLP) pupils need to receive a higher level of challenge than the majority; this register is updated on a regular basis through on-going assessments. We ensure these children are stretched through competitions with other schools, visiting speakers, additional workshops and extension groups. Many of our children go on to sit the scholarship exam for entry into the Senior School at our recommendation. 

Our Curriculum  

It goes without saying that we have high expectations of our pupils, particularly in the core curriculum subjects of English, Maths and Science. Naturally lots of time each week is spent on these important subject areas; our curriculum is rich, stimulating and varied in order to enable our pupils to be challenged and to develop their skills and passions. However, it is our wider provision that we feel we have maximum impact. Below are just some of the ways in which we enrich your child’s learning experience.  

Discovery Programme  

These project focused lessons happen across the year and link Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths from our youngest pupils in Reception through to Year 6 pupils. Pupils are introduced to the Challenge before being asked to Design and Solve. These projects range from Plastic Pollution to Feeding a Community to Turbine Power. Each year we also have a dedicated Discovery Day where the whole timetable is collapsed as the pupils focus on problem-solving together in their year groups.  
Computing skills are taught on a regular basis and include basic coding skills but most importantly, computing is embedded within our everyday curriculum teaching those routine but so important computing skills such as use of the keyboard and mouse as well as a range of programmes. It is also vital that our children are regularly exposed to E-Safety lessons. 
 

Thinking Skills 

We are proud of our Thinking Skills programme which runs in Year 4 and Year 5. This is an opportunity to develop and enhance our pupils’ ability to be critical thinkers. During their sessions they have to demonstrate decision marking, mind-mapping as well as resilience, resourcefulness and curiosity. The children gain a deeper understanding of their own preferences to learning approaches and begin to take more ownership of their learning. Throughout the year there are also dedicated sessions to explicitly teaching Non-Verbal and Verbal Reasoning skills.  
 

Nature and Rewilding  

We are particularly proud of our bespoke curriculum around sustainability. These weekly sessions for our Year 6 pupils help the children to develop a progressive approach to conservation; they help the pupils to both be armed with the facts as well as combat climate anxiety. We want our pupils to be able to have perspective of these key issues, be informed about the main issues as well as feeling equipped to take action. Every session begins with a positive news story about the world of climate change at the moment.  
 

Future Skills Certificate 

We are passionate about developing lifelong learners and equipping our pupils with everything they need for success. Alongside our High Performance Learning programme, we have developed an award that all our Year 5 and 6 pupils take part in. The pupils are challenged to demonstrate our key values through the Learning Muscles and Behaviours. This is a self-led task that both develops the independence and self-drive that is so important for lifelong learning but also helps begin to bridge that transition between Primary and Secondary education.  
 

Current Affairs 

Each week, all our pupils from Reception through to Year 6 are provided with a current news story with an image and though-provoking questions that both develops their oracy skills but also develops their passion for learning and unlocking their self-drive. It helps our pupils see that is Our World and that we all matter. We hope that in giving our pupils a voice it will encourage them to use it to impact things they are inspired by or feel passionately about.  
 

Philosophy for Children (P4C) 

We are passionate about the development of oracy and children have regular opportunities to present in front of different audiences, engage in student voice activities and participate in debating and public speaking events. We also want our children to become critical and creative thinkers who are willing to take risks and question the world around them. One of the ways we do this is through our weekly Philosophy for Children lessons (P4C) which begin with our youngest learners. You will see our pupils going home each week to continue wrestling with these ‘Sticky Questions’ around the dinner table.  

PSHE & RSE Overview

Learning Support - 'It's a huge strength here' (Good Schools Guide)

Ewell Castle is an inclusive school providing adaptive learning for all pupils, paying close attention to individual needs. Our programme of screening tests and regular assessments alongside careful observations from our dedicated teaching and support staff, allows us to identify pupils who may require higher levels of support in certain areas.

Our Learning Support team have specialist training in teaching and supporting pupils with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND). Some pupils may require interventions such as short booster sessions throughout the day to embed learning and others may require a more tailored approach in either a group setting or 1:1 tuition. In conjunction with the class teacher, an Individual Learning Support Plan will be developed where required and regularly reviewed. These individual sessions are charged at an extra cost.  

We have Emotional Literary Support Assistants (ELSAs) as well as Drawing and Talking support where pupils can access a six-week Emotional Literacy Support programme tailored to their specific need.   In addition, we have access to a peripatetic Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist and a Behavioural Consultant.  

Curriculum Overviews by Year Group - at September 2024

Year 1 Curriculum Overview 24-25       Year 2 Curriculum Overview 24-25  Year 3 Curriculum Overview 24-25 

Year 4 Curriculum Overview 24-25    Year 5 Curriculum Overview 24-25   Year 6 Curriculum Overview 24-25