Pre-Prep
We believe in inspiring our pupils through a dynamic curriculum taught by outstanding teachers. We recognise children develop at their own pace and we nurture and support all children allowing them to flourish. We enable all children to fulfil their potential within a positive, happy and secure environment. Promoting the self-confidence and self-esteem of our children within a happy and caring atmosphere is central to the teaching and learning in our Pre-Prep.
Oakwood has a two form entry and each form has a Teacher and Teaching Assistant. Our classes are mixed ability with a maximum of 19 children. Our Pre-Prep pupils enjoy the use of the beautiful grounds and facilities at Oakwood including the indoor swimming pool, the sports hall, the performance hall, tennis courts and the surrounding woodland, as well as enjoying welcoming classrooms. The extensive grounds and woods allow for a wide range of Outdoor Learning ranging from Forest School activities, to planting and growing in our polytunnel.
Our Reception and Year 1 are housed in our Old Stable Block with easy access to a garden and playground. Year 2 start to build on their independence joining Year 3 in a bigger classroom block located centrally on the school grounds.
Children are encouraged to explore, question and enjoy their learning. Classrooms offer a wide range of exciting learning areas including a dedicated story and role play corner, literacy and numeracy zones, an IT bay and areas for investigative and imaginative challenges. The classrooms have interactive whiteboards, and children have access to a variety of IT resources to enhance their learning. We recognise IT should be a an asset to education rather than the focus of it in children's formative years.
Throughout the Pre-Prep, we always look for new opportunities to extend the children's learning via school trips, visits by outside groups but mostly by our excellent teaching staff planning lessons to truly engage their pupils.
Our children in Early Years are provided with milk and healthy, home-baked snack, as well as a selection of fresh fruit. This is given during the morning, either all-together or as a “rolling snack”, under the supervision of an adult.
A two course school lunch is provided for all children. Children in Reception eat lunch in the Dining Room along with Year 1 and Year 2. Children are served by the staff who teach them who also sit and eat with the children. Reception staff encourage children to use a knife and fork correctly, when able to do so, and promote good table manners. Staff will also support children with cutting up their food as well as encouraging them to try new foods.
Children are served a lunch consisting of a meat or protein, vegetables or salad and a carbohydrate. Puddings are varied ranging from yoghurt and fresh fruit to a more traditional cooked pudding. All food is cooked and prepared on site in our own kitchens with vegetarian alternatives or dietary/allergy requirements being accommodated. All medical needs and other dietary requirements must be supported by a letter from a doctor. Oakwood is a no nut school.
Weekly menus are available on the School website, and are shared in the Friday Flyer each week sent home electronically.
What makes Oakwood unique?
We teach our children to be kind, considerate and respectful, both of themselves and to each other. Our aim is to un-tap the full potential in each and every child, celebrating diversity and seeking to view each child as an individual. Our curriculum has been developed as one that is broad, well-balanced and creative ensuring everyone has the opportunity to discover and develop their interests and to truly engage with their own learning.
We recognise that children who feel confident in themselves, and in their own ability, will be more comfortable in taking risks, facing challenge and grasping opportunities. We can do, we can try, and we will have a go!
We offer all our pupils a sense that they are part of a larger Oakwood family and we welcome regular opportunities to come together as a whole school. It is wonderful to see our older pupils mentoring our younger ones, as all of our pupils benefit greatly from these relationships.