Following on from The Mews, pupils enter the Prep Department where the Heads of Department oversee the curriculum planning and the Form Tutors monitor each pupil’s learning journey as they progress throughout the school.
In the lower Prep years, emphasis is placed on establishing a firm foundation in literacy and numeracy, yet the curriculum is broad, with a range of educational visits planned to enrich and extend the children's learning. Excellent use is made of our glorious facilities to ensure that the children have a happy, fun and fulfilling school experience.
As pupils mature, the curriculum becomes broader as all pupils prepare to join the Senior Department in Year 7.
Lessons taught include:
- Mathematics
- English
- Science – Physics, Chemistry and Biology
- French
- History
- Geography
- Religious Studies
- Personal, Social and Health Education
- Swimming
- Music
- Design Technology
- Information Computing Technology
- Art and Design
- Drama
- Physical Education
- Games including Football, Netball, Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Cross Country, Swimming, Tennis and Athletics
From Year 2 onwards all pupils are tested biannually using online computerised testing in Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning, spelling, reading and mathematics so that every pupil’s learning journey and cognitive progress can be carefully monitored against national and internal data. At Belmont, pupils see such occasional testing and written examination as a normal part of school life alongside a rich tapestry of school activity that enhances our creative and challenging curriculum.
There is an expectation that every individual will achieve his or her potential yet we understand that children make progress at different stages and in different ways. Our flexible system of setting ensures pupils may transfer between teaching groups in response to their progress.
Vibrant teaching and a purposeful learning atmosphere pervade in the classroom. We know that different children exhibit different learning styles and our teaching takes account of this to ensure that Belmont is not only a highly effective educational environment for both boys and girls.
Most pupils move on automatically from the Prep Department to the Senior Department at 11 years old without need for further testing, in line with our Terms and Conditions.