As they enter the top end of the school and approach the secondary stage of their education, pupils are given additional responsibilities, expected to be more accountable for their own organisation and to set a good example. For instance, pupils have the chance to become ‘Young Leaders’, looking after and guiding our younger pupils.
Throughout Years 6, 7 and 8, the curriculum is broadened with lessons held in a range of classrooms. This teaches pupils about personal organisation, a useful skill when transferring to their destination senior schools. Certain lessons are dedicated to the pupils’ input, such as being aware of, and giving, presentations of news events, which gives them the confidence to speak in front of an audience and encourages a knowledge of the world around them. Pupils also undertake Abingdon Prep’s Extended Project in which they research, compile and deliver a presentation to an audience on a dedicated subject.
Contribution to school life is further enhanced through ensembles, choirs, drama productions and Other Half choices, which provide a well balanced, rounded education. There are also a wider variety of residential and educational trips available.
Curriculum
Our curriculum helps prepare pupils for the rigours of secondary school education and beyond.
In Year 6, pupils begin to study Latin and traditional academic disciplines continue to be complemented by Music, Drama, Art and Design Technology, PSHCE (Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education) as well as a varied Sports programme.
In Years 7 and 8, pupils follow our own comprehensive and balanced AP+ curriculum. Replacing the Common Entrance exam syllabus, this is in line with the National Curriculum levels for similar aged pupils and has proved to fully prepare Abingdon Prep pupils for life at their chosen destination schools.
In Year 8, a selected group of pupils will be invited to participate in the academic scholarship form, where they follow a programme of study designed to prepare them for the assessments which they will face in their final scholarship examinations.
Further information on the AP+, the curriculum and homework and reporting information.
The Other Half
Our Other Half programme stretches across the performing arts and sport to include a wide range of activities, all of which are intended to extend our pupils’ experience of the world, provide the opportunity to work and play together and to furnish them with a variety of skills and interests to enhance their all round education.
Further details on the Other Half.
Performing Arts
In addition to timetabled drama and music lessons, there are multiple opportunities for pupils to be involved in the performing arts. Whether it’s the choir, orchestra, jazz band, wind band, brass group, concerts or school productions, the pupils are encouraged to take part.
Sport
There are ample opportunities to volunteer for, or to be invited into, sports teams to represent our school throughout the academic year. In the autumn, rugby is currently the principal sport. In the spring, pupils may choose between football, hockey and cross-country. In the summer, Abingdon Prep pupils may choose from cricket, tennis and athletics. Throughout the year, there are also a number of swimming galas and plenty of opportunity through our Other Half provision to try other sport and fitness activities.
Trips
Whether designed to complement our academic curriculum or to teach valuable life skills, there are a wide range of residential, educational and cultural trips available to pupils throughout the academic year.
A typical year might see our Year 6 pupils on a Bushcraft trip; our Year 7s visiting France and our Year 8s doing an Art and Science day in the nearby university city of Oxford.
A Typical School Day
This is just an example of a school day – sports and activities will vary.
| 8:00 | Pupils can be dropped off from 8am |
| 8:15 | Form time with tutors |
| 8:30 | Registration |
| 8:35 | Assembly / Hymn Practice or Form Time |
| 9:00 | Science (double) |
| 10:10 | Latin |
| 10:40 | Outdoor break time |
| 11:00 | DT (double) |
| 12:15 | Lunch & outdoor play |
| 13:25 | Registration |
| 13:30 | History |
| 14:10 | Music |
| 14:40 | Afternoon break |
| 15:05 | Swimming, sport or games |
| 15:30 | Geography |
| 16:10 | Collection / Homework Club / Other Half Activities or After School Club |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Children can stay until 6pm in After School Club |
Facilities
Our big, bright and well equipped classrooms provide an inspirational setting for learning. Our pupils also have full access to the extensive facilities the school has to offer including 30 acre playing fields, a heated indoor swimming pool, art room, CDT workshop, 2 science laboratories, our specialist music school, ICT Suite and an all-purpose Astroturf.
Destination schools
As part of the Abingdon Foundation, the vast majority of our pupils go on to Abingdon Senior School at the end of Year 8. However, we prepare each of our pupils for their senior school of choice and enjoy strong relationships with a wide selection of top performing destination schools.
