Years 1 and 2
Sue Glen-Roots - Assistant Head: Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery
Bede’s Pre-Prep is the place where every child begins their inspiring journey of finding joy in their pursuit of brilliance, it is quite simply where the magic really happens! As Assistant Head, I have the pleasure of leading an outstanding team in Holywell, whilst following the unique journeys of our exceptional pupils.
In Pre-Prep, we are proud to offer a diverse and exciting curriculum, planned and delivered with a deep understanding of what helps children to thrive academically, socially and pastorally, and designed to facilitate the highest possible levels of attainment. It is a privilege to capture children at the very beginning of their time at school, a magical time where learning can be experienced in a new and dynamic way. Additionally, our school values of Compassion, Curiosity, Courage and Conscientiousness are carefully woven into all that we do. With this in mind, it is important to ensure that pupils do not just make the progress that might be expected. Instead, through developing talented staff, pursuing innovative teaching methodologies, and by ensuring that pupils have a full and varied experience of what school can mean, we help them to achieve at levels they never thought possible.
Our vision at Bede’s Pre-Prep is to provide every pupil with a realm of possibilities, whilst supporting them in navigating an ever changing world. We want them to have as many exciting, challenging and enriching experiences as possible both in and out of the classroom. In our own Holywell building, we provide a stimulating yet calming environment which includes engaging classrooms, a beautiful wildlife themed Learning Lodge, a natural outdoor area and our specially designated playground complete with its own pirate ship! We are also fortunate to have access to a range of superb facilities including a swimming pool, sports hall, theatre, computer suites and dance studio.
Here in Pre-Prep, we take great pride in our curriculum and we are always committed to providing the best possible quality of education to all of our pupils. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, I play a key role in keeping a very close eye on every child’s progress to ensure nobody ever stands still! Our curriculum builds strong foundations, fosters critical thinking, and tracks progress to enable every child to achieve their full potential. Bede’s is academically ambitious for its pupils, and our outstanding teachers work tirelessly to inspire them, whilst igniting their passions for specific subjects. Most lessons are taught by form tutors whilst subject specialists teach curriculum areas such as Modern Foreign Languages, Dance, Swimming and Sport.
At Bede’s, we nurture the whole child, a commitment reflected in our robust pastoral care and comprehensive crosscurricular planning and extracurricular programs. Through this, our pupils develop a true sense of pride, ambition and accomplishment both as individuals and as a collective. We further bring learning to life through engaging trips directly linked to classroom topics, such as visits to the Lifeboat Station or Blackberry Farm. Furthermore, we are proud that our specialist teachers offer our Pre-Prep pupils individual and small group lessons such as guitar, ballet and tennis. Once the school day is complete, our daily programme of After School Clubs, includes activities which follow the children’s interests or develop the whole child.
From our home here in Holywell, we never take for granted the stunning natural environment in which we are set. Nestled between the sea and the rolling hills of the South Downs, all possible outside learning opportunities are championed. Embracing our school value of curiosity, we see the outdoor environment as an extension of our classrooms with regular Forest School and Beach School lessons and trips to nearby Friston Forest - all led by our qualified Outdoor Learning lead.
In Pre-Prep, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of belonging, where every family becomes an integral part of our school community, actively seeking opportunities for close partnership.This positive ethos is also clear to see in the behaviour and attitude of our pupils, who strive to work and play together with supportive, mutual respect. Our culture is built on the belief that a successful school experience stems from hardworking children who also experience kindness, fun and laughter and you will find these in abundance around every corner!
A very warm welcome to Bede’s Pre-Prep, we can’t wait for you to join us on our exciting learning adventure.
