Prep School

Our Prep school students will often be ‘free readers’, but their reading education continues as the focus shifts from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’. Comprehension skills are taught daily through guided reading sessions. Skills in inference and reasoning are developed further when studying text in other curriculum areas such as Religion and History.

Creative writing is inspired by authors such as Ted Hughes, Phillip Pullman and Anthony Brown through our ‘Power of Reading’ lessons. Guided by our expert teachers, pupils quickly become adept at ‘unpicking’ a text or poem through whole class reading and discussion. Skills in spelling, punctuation and grammar are practised daily and pupils strive to write with accuracy. We hold high expectations of our writers to ensure they are ready to thrive in the next stage of their academic life.

Our mathematics curriculum continuously builds and consolidates knowledge so that pupils reach a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Extensive practice is built in to the programme in order to develop fluency and mastery. Emphasis is placed on the development of intellectual competence such as the ability to visualise. Our pupils are taught ways of ‘seeing’ the mathematics within a problem using heuristics for problem solving. Through our guided and independent practice sessions, pupils become competent in applying these problem-solving tools to any age-appropriate mathematical problem.

Our curriculum recognizes children’s natural curiosity for the world around them. Experience-based learning ensures that chidren develop a confident understanding of scientific concepts and approach problems thinking as a scientist.

Our well-equipped science laboratory enables practical, hands-on challenging learning opportunities under the guidance and supervision of 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 we believe true understanding of faith comes through 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 none. Our goal is to educate children so that they contribute thoughtfully and respectfully to society as a whole.

At Ivy House School, we aim to develop skills and techniques in a range of sporting activities. Through a carefully designed programme, our pupils will gain physical skills and perform them with increasing competence and confidence, in an array of physical activities and contexts.

Through curriculum sport lessons, our pupils will learn how to select and apply skills, tactics and compositional ideals to suit activities that need varying approaches and thought processes. They will set targets for themselves; and compete against others, individually and as team members. They will grow to understand what it takes to persevere, succeed and acknowledge other children’s successes and will be encouraged to take the initiative to lead activities and focus on improving aspects of 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 and will include athletics, swimming, gymnastics, dance and team games such as football, netball, rounders, tennis, hockey and touch rugby.

Pupils at Ivy House School follow a broad curriculum in order to maintain a balance between academic, physical and creative nourishment. 

Weekly Drama lessons take place as part of the school curriculum and promote the development of pupils’ imagination, self-confidence and self- esteem. Drama enhances a number of key life skills including communication and public speaking and is a core part of our curriculum.

In Music, our aim is to develop sensitivity to and understanding of music through a comprehensive program of activities covering the four core aspects of performing, composing, listening and appraising. Our curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of a wide range of music and develop and extend the skills necessary to enable pupils to participate in a wide range of musical activities.

Music is offered through curriculum lessons, extra-curricular after-school activities and through individual lessons with peripatetic music teachers. We currently offer lessons for the piano, violin, cello, guitar and singing. Further musical instruments may be offered in response to pupil interest. A school choir is available to children of all ages and pupils are given the opportunity to participate in local musical events such as ‘The Proms’ at St. Judes.

Pupils also have weekly art and designs lessons, ICT and French.

In addition to their timetabled subjects, our pupils have the choice and opportunity to further develop their individual interests through our rich extra-curricular offerings. Subjects such as Spanish, Mandarin, German, Chess, Robotics, Ballet, Street Dance, Karate, Yoga and Choir are just a few of the clubs available.

As a London school, we take full advantage of a wide range of attractions and visits including museums, art galleries, theatres, and performing arts venues. In addition, pupils in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 go further afield taking part in residential trips, not only to extend their curriculum experience but also to help them develop their independence and resilience.