Additional Subjects

Alongside the core curriculum, our Prep pupils benefit from a broad and balanced programme of specialist subjects. These lessons provide opportunities for children to develop new skills, broaden their experiences and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Art & Design

Art & Design in Years 3 - 6

We create a lively and welcoming environment where creativity, curiosity and making are at the heart of learning. Pupils are encouraged to develop their own creative voice, think critically about the art they create and encounter, and gain a deeper understanding of the visual world through exploring artists, objects and images.

Throughout Years 3 to 6, children have opportunities to showcase their talents by entering local and national competitions, while also enjoying inspiring trips to venues such as the Towner Art Gallery and the Festival of Flowers Schools Art Exhibition at Chichester Cathedral.

Year 3: Creativity in Action

Year 3 pupils explore a wide range of artistic techniques and materials, building confidence, creativity and practical skills.

Ceramics: Alongside their History topic on the Romans, pupils explore Roman pottery, mosaics and tiles. They learn traditional ceramic techniques, including pinch pots and coiling, experiment with primitive smoke firing, create textured surfaces using press-in patterns, and design animal-inspired handles for their clay creations.
Festive Giving: As Christmas approaches, pupils design bespoke Christmas cards, which are sold to raise funds for charity at the Friends of Bede’s Prep Christmas Fair.
Gallery Trips & Art Shows: Pupils visit the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill and, every other year, have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork at the Towner Art Gallery.
Finding Their Style: Through work in watercolour and clay, pupils develop confidence in their creative choices and begin to establish their own artistic style.

Year 4: Coastlines & Creative Colour

Year 4 is all about finding inspiration on our local coastline, with a project that celebrates the colours, textures and beauty of the seashore.

Catch of the Day: In the Autumn Term, we look at our local fishing history in Newhaven, Hastings, and Eastbourne. Pupils create observational drawings and fine-line pen studies of fish species and coastlines, while discovering the global history of printmaking - from traditional Japanese prints to mono-printing techniques with watercolour washes.
Winter & Spring Landscapes: After designing their annual charity Christmas cards, the Spring Term takes us into the beautiful local countryside. Inspired by the landscapes of Eric Ravilious and Philip Hughes, we visit the Towner Art Gallery archives to see Ravilious’s work up close.
Summer Splashes: We wrap up the year in the Summer Term with the art of Batik fabric painting, using colourful Indian animals and artifacts as our guide.

Year 5: Creative Exploration

Year 5 is a year of artistic discovery, drawing inspiration from twentieth-century masters.

Modern Masters: Pupils take inspiration from artists including Hundertwasser, Delaunay and Henri Matisse. Through painting, drawing and collage, they explore colour, shape, pattern and composition while developing their own creative ideas.
The Big Exhibition: Working collaboratively, pupils create an installation for the Towner Gallery Annual Schools Exhibition, giving them the opportunity to see their artwork displayed in a professional gallery setting.
Design & Architecture: Later in the year, pupils explore the Arts and Crafts Movement, architecture, product design and ceramics, drawing inspiration from artists and makers such as Clarice Cliff and Pueblo potters.
Thinking Like Artists: Pupils develop the ability to discuss, evaluate and annotate their work, reflecting on their creative decisions and artistic development.

Year 6: Ancient Egypt & Creative Expression

In Year 6, pupils draw inspiration from ancient Egyptian artefacts as they explore animal anatomy, the natural world and a range of creative techniques.

Creature Portfolios: Pupils develop a portfolio of creature studies, exploring tone, ink, collage and ceramics while refining their observational drawing skills.
3D Sculpting: Building on their drawings, pupils learn ceramic techniques including slip joining and surface decoration to create their own three-dimensional clay creatures.
Nature’s Patterns: Through close observation of the natural world, pupils investigate symmetry, pattern and reflection, leading to a large-scale mixed-media study inspired by insects.
Ancient Egyptian Ceramics: Inspired by the forms and surfaces of ancient Egyptian artefacts, pupils design and create their own lidded canopic jars.

Computing

Computing in Years 3 - 6

At Bede’s Prep, Computing and Robotics are right at the heart of our weekly adventures! Through dynamic weekly lessons, our pupils in Years 3 to 6 dive into the thrilling worlds of technology, computational thinking and engineering.

Our goal is to transform children from tech consumers into confident, independent creators who truly understand, control and shape their digital worlds.

Code, Create and Debug

The coding journey is all about building confidence and having fun with problem-solving.

Building the Foundations (Years 3–5): Pupils kick off their coding adventures using engaging, visual block-based programs like Blockly - an intuitive way to bring complex ideas to life without getting stuck on typing syntax.
Leveling Up: As they progress, they will master the secret ingredients of great software - like advanced loops, nested conditionals and using variables, inputs, and outputs to make their programs smart.
The Joy of Debugging: Half the fun of coding is fixing the puzzles! Children develop brilliant troubleshooting skills, learning to hunt down "bugs" and proudly refine their code until it works perfectly.

Making Code Come Alive

One of the most exciting parts of our curriculum is physical computing - where code jumps off the screen and into the real world!

Hands-On Engineering: Using the brilliant BBC Micro:bit platform, our pupils learn to control servo motors, wire up responsive sensors, and build working prototypes that react to the physical environment based on their code.
Taking Flight in Year 6: In Year 6, pupils take their programming and engineering skills to the skies. They learn to build, code and pilot drones, putting their skills to the test in high-stakes, real-world rescue scenarios - like programming a drone mission to help wildlife rangers combat animal poaching.

Humanities

Humanities in Years 3 - 6

Humanities encourages pupils to look beyond the classroom and explore the people, places, beliefs and events that have shaped our world. Through History, Geography, Classics and Religious Studies, children are inspired to ask questions, think critically and develop a deeper understanding of both the past and the present.

Whether investigating ancient civilisations, exploring diverse cultures, examining global issues or reflecting on different beliefs and values, pupils are encouraged to be curious, thoughtful and engaged learners.

History in years 3 - 6

We love sparking curiosity in our pupils, helping them become history detectives who ask big questions about the past and figure out how we know what we know! History inspires pupils to explore the people, events and ideas that have shaped the world we live in today. Through the study of ancient civilisations, invasions, revolutions and periods of significant change, children develop their understanding of the past while learning to question evidence, draw conclusions and think critically about how history continues to influence the present.

Year 3: Invaders & Raiders: We start with the Romans, exploring what life was like in pre-Roman Britain and the drama of the Roman Invasion. From there, we march on to the Anglo-Saxons to look at their buildings, tools, and artifacts, before wrapping up the year with the thrilling world of the Vikings.
Year 4: Ancient Egypt: History comes alive as part of our Integrated Studies programme. The children dive into a deep study of Ancient Egypt, building fantastic research skills while discovering how the geography of the Nile shaped this amazing civilization.

Year 5: Step Back in Time: This year, History becomes its own standalone subject! Under the exciting theme of "Defence of the Realm," we explore the French Revolution, what life was really like on a British Navy ship, Nelson and Napoleon, and the epic Battle of Trafalgar. Next, we explore the Industrial Revolution from a child’s perspective - looking at the shift to factories, the key characters of the era, and what it was actually like to grow up in a bustling British town.

Geography in years 3 - 6

Geography helps pupils develop an understanding of the world around them, from the local coastline on our doorstep to distant landscapes and global communities. Through fieldwork, enquiry and investigation, children learn how people, places and environments are connected, while developing the skills to think critically about the challenges facing our changing world.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom, with pupils investigating real-world geographical issues through fieldwork, enquiry and hands-on exploration.

Year 3 Beach School: We blend Geography with History through fun, topic-based learning. A real highlight is our Beach School, where the children head outside to study physical geography first-hand, alongside the history, environment and natural sciences of our beautiful local coastline.
Year 4 Integrated Studies: Geography and History team up as "Integrated Studies." These topics are designed to build great map and location skills, introducing children to a crucial local environment as well as a contrasting, exciting region somewhere else in the world.
Year 5 Big Questions: Pupils explore the world through a series of enquiry-led questions, investigating topics such as why rainforests receive significantly more rainfall than deserts, how volcanic activity shapes life on the Icelandic island of Heimaey and the factors driving the growth of megacities across the globe

Year 6 Active Investigations: We kick off with a hands-on look at air pollution, where pupils conduct their own air quality sampling around the school grounds and take a field trip across Eastbourne to measure traffic. We then explore Spain, debate the real-world problem of plastic pollution and - just in time for Easter - learn how chocolate goes from a cocoa bean in Ghana to a treat in the shop, celebrating the power of Fair Trade. We finish the year masterclass-style, combining settlement studies with Ordnance Survey map reading.

Religious Studies in years 3 - 6

Religious Studies at Bede’s Prep encourages pupils to develop an understanding of major world religions while exploring questions of belief, values and ethics in a thoughtful and respectful way.

Year 3 Faith & Festivals: We explore the Bible and why it holds a special place for Christians, look at the life of Jesus and discover the bright celebrations of Hinduism’s Diwali. We also study the beautiful signs and symbols of Judaism and chat about the inspiring difference faith makes in people’s lives.
Year 4 Global & Local Communities: We dive deeper into Hinduism, follow the footsteps of the Christmas Journeys, and take a look closer to home to discover the diverse religions represented right in our own local neighborhood.

Year 5 Insight & Practices: We learn about the life of Prophet Mohammed and how Muslim beliefs come to life through daily practices. We also revisit the Bible to explore the deep meaning of Easter for Christians.
Year 6 Traditions & Growing Up: Our oldest pupils examine Jewish culture and history through beautiful religious artifacts. We explore the traditions of Hanukkah, as well as the meaning behind the Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah, reflecting on the exciting new responsibilities children take on as they grow up.

Classics in years 3 - 6

From the walls of Troy and the streets of Pompeii to the language of the Romans, Classics combines storytelling, history and discovery in a subject that is both challenging and endlessly fascinating.

Year 5 Adventures: In Year 5, we open the door to Latin for children who are ready to dive into this fascinating language! Those who choose Latin enjoy three 50-minute lessons every fortnight, while the rest of the group explores the incredible stories of Classical Civilisation. Our young linguists learn Latin verbs, nouns, and vocabulary through translating sentences, solving puzzles, and playing fun online games. Plus, after our annual Classics Day, we dive into the brilliant Minimus books before learning all about the legendary Trojan War!

Year 6 Tailored Paths: In Year 6, we group the children by experience so everyone can learn at their own perfect pace. Those who started in Year 5 form the top set, while the majority of the year group gets to start their own Latin journey. Alongside the language, children love learning about daily Roman life. Some pupils opt for a Classical Civilisation path, where they get to uncover the dramatic eruption of Pompeii and dive into gripping "Roman mystery" stories.

Languages

Languages in Years 3 - 6

Learning a new language at Bede’s Prep is a passport to an exciting wider world! Aligned with the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum, our language program is designed to spark curiosity, open up fresh ways of thinking, and celebrate diverse cultures.

Exploring Languages and Cultures

From Year 3 through to Year 6, our students systematically grow their vocabulary, master grammar and perfect their pronunciation. We keep things energetic and engaging by mixing dynamic tech tools with innovative teaching methods. Best of all, our lessons are led by specialist teachers, including native speakers, who bring the language and culture to life with genuine passion.

In years 3 and 4, all pupils embark on their French learning journey, developing a strong foundation in the language through engaging and enjoyable lessons.
In years 5 and 6, pupils now study both French and Spanish. This brilliant dual-language approach allows them to discover their unique linguistic strengths and expands their skills for our big, interconnected world.

Languages in the Real World

We also believe language is meant to be shared, not just studied! To bring their new skills to life, our Year 5 and 6 students take part in a wonderful pen-pal project with a school in Spain. Writing to real friends overseas gives our pupils a fantastic, real-world way to practice their communication skills and enjoy a truly unique cultural exchange.

Whether they are chatting, listening, reading, or writing, our ultimate goal is to make language learning a rewarding and joyful experience that sets every child up for a bright, international future. Vive les langues! ¡Viva los idiomas!

Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning in Years 3 - 6

Through our outstanding Beach School and Forest School programmes, pupils extend their learning beyond the classroom, bringing subjects to life through exploration, discovery and practical, hands-on experiences.

Beach School: Learning by the Shore

Beach School is an absolute highlight of the timetable, where the coast becomes our ultimate teaching assistant. We look at the tides, investigate how waves react to the changing weather, and learn how to safely navigate coastal erosion. When the tide goes out, we dive into the rock pools to study the fascinating wildlife calling them home!

We love blending the beach into all areas of the curriculum:

Maths: Using smooth beach stones as clever tools for place value.
Geography: Heading down to the water's edge to watch longshore drift in action.
Science: Constructing real, working sundials in the sand.
English: Letting our senses run wild to inspire brilliant, salty-air descriptive writing.

Forest School: Learning Through Nature

Our forest school programme is all about child-led exploration, helping children grow their problem-solving skills, build independence and take reasonable, supported risks. Whether they are cooking up a storm in the mud kitchens, building epic dens, or crafting with clay, the forest is a haven for creativity. Under close adult supervision, children even get to learn real woodland crafts like sawing, drilling, whittling, and fire-lighting!

Just like the beach, the forest provides rich opportunities for cross-curricular learning:

Maths: Measuring the perimeters of shapes using different-sized twigs.
Geography: Sculpting awesome South American totem poles directly onto tree trunks using woodland clay.
Science: Hunting for real-life evidence of forest food chains.

Performing Arts

Performing Arts in Years 3 - 6

Performing Arts provides pupils with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity and self-expression through Drama, Music and Dance. Whether performing on stage, making music together or exploring movement, children are encouraged to collaborate, communicate and enjoy the excitement of bringing ideas to life.

Drama in Years 3 - 6

The Drama department is all about creating a supportive, welcoming space where pupils can discover the joy of performing together. Led by expert teachers, the curriculum gently grows with the children—building their self-confidence, empathy, and life skills every step of the way.

Year 3: A wonderful introduction to the stage! Through fun drama games, the children learn about voice, mime, and eye contact. Everyone gets a confidence boost by learning a poem for the LAMDA syllabus, and they love teaming up with Year 4 to form the enthusiastic chorus for the big Spring show.
Year 4: As they grow a bit more independent, the kids start self-directing short scripts and playing with fun accents and tones. They build on their LAMDA skills and proudly take on the lead roles in the Spring production (recent favourites include Porridge and HoodWinked).

Year 5 & 6: The focus shifts to collaboration and leadership. In Year 5, they explore storytelling, improvisation, and "hot-seating." By Year 6, the pupils are beautifully supporting one another - working in small groups to direct each other and bring their own creative ideas to life.

Extra Drama: Year 3s can keep the magic going with after-school drama clubs or cosy, small-group LAMDA lessons with a specialist teacher.

Music in Years 3 - 6

At the heart of our music curriculum is a love of music. Pupils learn to read notation, explore a wide range of musical styles and develop an appreciation of music as a powerful form of expression and connection.

Most pupils choose to learn an instrument, and the school’s ever-changing Activities programme is a wonderful way for them to sing in choirs or play in friendly ensembles to get ready for termly concerts.

From Year 3: The children dive into composing and playing together using classroom percussion and recorders.
In Year 4: pupils explore regional roots with 'Music of the British Isles' and 'Tudor Music', and expand their imaginations with 'Space Journeys'.

In Year 5: we travel back in time with 'European Classical Roots' and get into the festive spirit with 'A Victorian Christmas'.
In Year 6: We look at modern trends with 'The American Influence' (even checking the current UK Top 10!) and explore the beautiful connection between music and the senses in a unique study called 'Chromosthesia'.

Dance in Years 3 - 6

Whether a child is taking their very first steps or is already a passionate dancer, the Dance department provides a nurturing environment across tons of fun styles - from Ballet and Tap to Street Dance and Musical Theatre.

Learn more about dance in the prep school >

Curriculum Dance: Every child enjoys these specialised dance classes up until the end of Year 4. It’s all about inclusivity, building physical confidence, and discovering the joy of moving to different rhythms.

The Dance Programme: Kicking off fully in Year 5 (with early access in Years 3 and 4), this is a dedicated path for children who truly love to dance. It offers rewarding, focused training and the opportunity to take recognised RAD (Ballet) and ISTD (Modern/Tap) exams.

Community Events & Trips

The Dance Showcase: This is a major highlight of the year! It’s a professionally run, magical event where the children get to perform custom-choreographed routines in front of a cheering audience of proud family and friends.
Choreography Competition: Open to everyone! This is a beautiful celebration of independence where kids let their imaginations run wild—choosing their own music, costumes, and steps for a solo, duet, or group dance.
MOVE IT Trip (Year 6): An exciting milestone where Year 6 dancers head to London for a massive dance convention. It’s a fantastic day out where they watch professional companies perform and take masterclasses from friendly industry pros.

Physical Education

PE in Years 3 - 6

PE in Years 3 – 6 at Bede’s Prep encourages pupils to develop a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity while building confidence, resilience and healthy habits. Alongside a broad programme of practical sport, pupils begin to develop an understanding of how the body works, the importance of teamwork and the value of leading an active lifestyle. Our aim is for every child to feel successful, challenged and motivated to achieve their personal best.

Our dynamic sports modules are packed with variety:

Basketball

A fast-paced favourite that develops hand-eye coordination, footwork and teamwork while building skills that transfer directly to our main sports programme.

Racquet Sports

Building on short tennis, pupils progress to badminton, developing technique, tactical awareness and confidence in both singles and doubles play.

Athletics

Focusing on running, jumping, and throwing, we encourage pupils to compete against their own personal bests to run faster, throw further, and jump higher.

Gymnastics

A fantastic way to develop strength, balance and coordination, with activities designed to build confidence, creativity and success for every pupil.

PSHE

PSHE in Years 3 - 6

At Bede’s Prep, we place equal importance on wellbeing and achievement. Through our Jigsaw curriculum, pupils develop emotional resilience, positive relationships and the confidence to navigate the challenges of everyday life, within a consistent whole-school framework.

Developing Skills for life:

Throughout the academic year, our children explore six vibrant "puzzle pieces":

Being Me in My World – Finding our unique place in the big picture.
Celebrating Difference – Cheering on diversity and respecting others' beliefs.
Dreams and Goals – Aiming high and cultivating ambition.
Healthy Me – Making positive, informed choices for our minds and bodies.
Relationships – Building kind friendships
Changing Me – Navigating the journey of growing up with confidence and resilience.

By mixing a deep love of learning with an absolute sense of curiosity, enterprise and fun, we teach our pupils a golden rule for school and life: the more you put in, the more you take out! From managing the changes of puberty to transitioning smoothly to senior school, we make sure every child feels secure enough to fulfil their true academic potential.

Our partnership with 'Votes for Schools' regularly gives our children a booming voice on the real-world issues that affect them most. It is a fantastic, democratic way to explore British values, human rights, and what it truly means to be an active member of a diverse global society.

We are equipping our young people with the essential tools to stay safe - both online and offline - while developing a strong sense of social justice. By understanding how their choices impact local and global communities, Bede’s Prep students grow into empathetic, independent, and self-confident young adults who are ready to make a wonderfully positive splash in the world!

Swimming

Swimming in Years 3 - 6

At Bede's Prep, we believe swimming is an essential life skill and a wonderful way for children to build confidence, resilience and physical fitness. With access to our own on-site swimming pool, pupils from Years 3 to 6 benefit from a structured and progressive programme that develops swimming ability, strengthens water safety awareness and provides opportunities to enjoy a wide range of aquatic activities.

Swimming for Life

Progressive Swimming Pathway: Following the Swim England School Swimming and Water Safety Passport, pupils develop their technique, stamina and confidence through a carefully planned programme.
Developing Technique: As pupils progress through the school, they refine the four competitive strokes and build a strong foundation in efficient, confident swimming.
Aquatic Sports & Fitness: Pupils are introduced to activities including water polo, swim fitness training and Aquathlon sessions, promoting teamwork, fitness and enjoyment in the water.

Squad Training: Early morning and after-school squad sessions provide additional opportunities for pupils to train, develop their skills and challenge themselves.
Water Safety & Life Skills: Swimming lessons place a strong emphasis on water confidence, safe practices and life-saving skills, helping pupils become capable and responsible swimmers.
Achievement & Progress: Pupils work towards a range of Swim England awards, including distance swimming and dive-start qualifications, celebrating their achievements and encouraging continued progress.

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