Academic Expectations
The skill in assembling a suitable curriculum for young
children is to allow for a smooth transition through the years, minimising the
pressure points. The skill is also to choose those subjects which best benefit
young children, and to introduce them at a time apposite to their development.
Naturally we have the highest expectations for the children
and work assiduously to ensure that each child is doing the best that they can.
We use standardised tests to measure their abilities, and to check this ability
against their actual performance. We do not, however, accept that in order to
achieve highly children need to be pressurised, and particularly resist the
modern trend in prep schools to demand an excessive commitment from young
children in terms of homework. Some home consolidation is important – but
enjoying the precious years of childhood is even more important.