Additional Subjects
- Art and Design
- Computing
- Dance
- Drama
- Geography
- History
- Modern Foreign Languages
- Music
- Outdoor Learning
- PE
- PSHE
- Swimming
Art and Design
Art and Design plays a large role in all aspects of learning throughout the Pre-Prep years.
The children’s learning is made as hands-on as possible throughout all subjects, and practicing the creative arts is the perfect way for children to spark conversations, make connections in their learning and to experiment with different media types.
Throughout Years 1 and 2, children enjoy termly workshops engaged with cross-curricular development. Pupils have the opportunity to work with a range of different mediums, including clay, and to enter their artwork into local art and design competitions. In recent years, pupils have submitted pieces to the ‘Festival of Flowers’ art exhibition at Chichester Cathedral, the ‘Eastbourne Sunshine Carnival’ poster design competition and the ‘Explorer in Bloom’ competition.
In Year 1, we often use a wide range of mixed media to explore 2D and 3D shapes, looking at their properties and how they can lend themselves to art projects -- culminating in the creation of three-dimensional story characters. We also explore a range of different textures and consider different creations in which they can be used. Projects could include bear puppets created from felt, cotton and buttons (inspired by ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’); rocket ships made out of recycled washing up liquid bottles; and dolls houses created from upcycled shoe boxes. All of these projects are carefully designed and planned before making, and the children evaluate their finished products.
We also talk about the colour wheel and explore primary and secondary colours. The children always enjoy mixing the paints and discovering what colours can be made. We explore the properties of warm and cold colours, and how and when these can be used. We take full advantage of the beach and South Downs being right on our doorstep by enjoying regular seasonal walks, where the children gain inspiration for their pictures and learn how to identify the colours required to suit. On these seasonal walks, the children are also given the opportunity to sit and sketch the landscapes around them.
In Year 2, pupils begin their introduction to the main art rooms with a range of workshops. Through a variety of topic-based learning, Year 2 learn:
• to use a range of materials creatively to design and make products, including clay pieces such as fossil imprints and Christmas decorations.
• to use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination.
• to develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space.
• about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines and making links to their own work.
We have explored a range of artists in recent years, including Paul Klee, Claude Monet, Andy Goldsworthy, L. S. Lowry and Edward Hopper.
Computing
From Year 1, Bede’s Prep pupils receive weekly discrete Computing lessons with a subject specialist, in our dedicated IT suite.
They learn fundamental e-safety techniques and consider the importance of safeguarding our personal information when online. This helps Bede’s Prep pupils develop into well-rounded digital citizens.
Our young pupils also get their first taste of key programming concepts, which will continue to be developed as they move through the school. Our experience over many years of teaching programming concepts to small groups means all Bede’s Prep pupils benefit as we educate our learners in this sometimes demanding, but important modern-day skill. For them, this is the start of a journey that makes Bede’s Prep pupils amongst the most technically able in our digital world.
Year 1
In Year 1 and above, Bede’s Prep pupils receive weekly discrete Computing lessons with a subject specialist, in our dedicated IT suite.
The pupils continue to develop their confidence in controlling technological devices, and accurate use of the mouse to select appropriate icons and drag objects on the screen is practised. Pupils gain familiarity with the keyboard, and typing challenges see the pupils improving their keyboard familiarity in preparation for the application of this skill to all other areas.
The pupils explore interactive simulations and learn safely about some applications of technology all around us. They also start to explore coding for the first time, by writing instructions for characters to move and interact on the screen.
Year 2
Pupils in Year 2 discover computer algorithms and start to consider how a set of instructions can become a computer program. They see how instructions need to be precise and unambiguous as they complete a variety of challenges. They experiment with robots and create increasingly efficient algorithms for machines to follow in order to draw images and follow routes on a map. The pupils then develop this further by coding simple apps for PC and tablet devices. They create simple games and construct programs that control how a character moves on the screen. They also explore ‘events’ in code and try to make the computer do something when images are clicked, keys are pressed or objects collide. They look at different forms of input and explore the key principle of selection using conditional events.
Pupils also learn about computer animation and multimedia presentation techniques. They use software to create short cartoons and develop their drawing skills on the computer whilst exploring techniques that professional animators use to combine text, images and sound.
Dance
The aim of the Dance Department is the provision of high quality dance tuition that develops pupils’ physical and creative skills.
Bede’s Prep Dance offers a wide range of styles available from Nursery through to Year 8, either via curriculum dance, specialised dance classes during the school day within the Dance Programme or through our clubs and activities. Pupils can take Ballet, Contemporary, Modern/Jazz, Tap, Street, Musical Theatre and Choreography.
Whether students want to learn purely for fun or if they are looking to train for a career in the Performing Arts then Bede’s Prep Dance offers them everything they need to fulfil their ambition.
There are two elements to the Dance Programme at Bede’s Prep – Curriculum based classes and Co-Curricular dance activities. Curriculum dance is taken by all pupils up to and including Year 4. The delivery of these sessions is practically focussed to ensure that students are engaged at a level most suited to the stage of development of their bodies. All classes are taught by professional dance subject specialists and all classes are delivered at the highest possible standard. Pupils in Years 1 and 2 also have access to specialist dance classes in ballet, tap and modern via the Co-Curricular Programme.
Curriculum Dance
The main aim of curriculum dance is to offer dance opportunities to all, which enhance confidence, develop the pupils’ physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression, and musicality using a range of sounds and musical styles. This strong foundation in curriculum dance prepares pupils for a successful transition to other dance genres at higher levels.
In Years 1 and 2 pupils get the chance to show off their dance skills in a yearly nativity production, which includes dancing, singing and acting!
Dance Programme
The introductory Bede’s Prep Dance Programme is aimed at dancers who have a particular talent or interest in the subject. The full programme starts in Year 5, but pupils in Year 3 also get the chance to access the Dance Programme classes too and Years 1 and 2 can also take specialist classes via dance clubs.
The programme consists of weekly classes in three core disciplines- Ballet, Modern and Tap. From Year 2, examinations can be taken in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) for Ballet and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) for Modern and Tap.
All pupils from Year 2 involved in the Dance Programme, specialist classes and/or clubs and activities will be involved in the yearly Dance Showcase as part of the Bede’s Prep training. The Dance Showcase is a big event in the Bede’s calendar. All dancers taking part get the opportunity to work on specially choreographed dances in all disciplines they study, to perform in front of their friends and family. The show is run as professionally as possible giving the pupils a real insight into the dance world and what it truly takes to put on a show! The pupils gain so much confidence from these performances as well as learning many additional skills like performance quality, performing under pressure and teamwork, to name a few.
Drama
At Bede’s, we want to encourage meaningful participation and enjoyment of drama and theatre, inside and outside of school.
We believe in ‘Drama for All’, and offer opportunities to engage on a range of different levels. Pupils are taught drama skills and techniques during lessons and pupils are encouraged to seize the many opportunities available to perform. In the Drama department, we are committed to excellence. We share a love of performance and collaboration and a desire to inspire pupils to share this. We are fortunate to have drama specialists, who teach the curriculum, activities and as the children grow up, we gradually scale up the ambition and complexity of the skills taught, productions staged and the scripts we study. Drama is an art form that is a practical activity, an emotional process and an intellectual discipline. At its core are the concepts of communication, shared experience, understanding and empathy. Drama involves the creation of imagined characters and situations which are enacted within a safe environment and a designated space. Like all arts subjects, drama helps children to make sense of their world and their place within it. Drama enables children to express themselves creatively, imaginatively, and to communicate with others effectively. It is a vital way of communicating in school and in public life. It builds confidence, teaches respect for others, and aids understanding of different needs, cultures, and lives. Drama is an effective teaching tool, as practical learning is crucial to understanding and becomes a valuable learning method when employed to illuminate other areas of the curriculum.
In Year 1 and 2, the children experience drama through the wider curriculum, taking part in activities linked to a variety of topics. In English, they have the opportunity to act out specific scenes from a range of texts, as well as hot seating the characters. They also have opportunities to take part in termly workshops, in the Prep School Theatre, run by a drama specialist.
The Year 1 and 2 children perform a play at the end of the Autumn Term. They very much enjoy preparing for the Christmas Nativity. The children learn their lines and rehearse songs in order to perform to an audience of family and friends.
In Drama, the overall focus is to promote self-confidence, the ability to work with others, communication skills, self-discipline, creativity, empathy and understanding – all of which are valuable life skills.
Geography
Geography teaches children an understanding of places and environments. It motivates children to find out about the physical world and it should enable them to recognise the importance of sustainable development to the future of mankind.
Our aim at Bede’s is to encourage pupils to value the rich and diverse school environment and to celebrate its wide catchment area both locally and globally. Pupils should be encouraged to use these resources with sensitivity, responsibility and imagination. Geography plays a vital role in developing pupils’ understanding of different attitudes, values and beliefs throughout the world. Linked to this spiritual, moral, social, environmental and cultural education. At Bede’s staff aim to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of geography by teaching about physical and human environments and their interrelation in such a way as to assist pupils make sense of the world around them.
Given the wonderful surroundings of the Prep School, pupils attend a fortnightly Beach School, where they can study physical geography, alongside learning about the geography and history of our local area, the environment and natural sciences.
During Years 1 and 2 we will study geographical features such as the beach, cliffs, coast and forest and as well as aspects of human geography, including cities, towns and villages. By comparing a small area of the UK pupils begin to understand the similarities and differences between human and physical geography. Pupils will also become familiar with the four countries and capital cities within the United Kingdom.
We also consider the seasons and daily weather patterns in the UK, as well as the location of hot and cold areas of the world. Pupils learn to use maps, globes and atlases, as well as photographs to recognise landmarks and basic features. We also introduce pupils to compass directions and locational and directional language.
Throughout these years we undertake regular fieldwork sessions in order to understand our local environment.
History
The overall aim is that History should be verbally, visually and experientially varied, interesting and enjoyable and, above all, a skills-based form of learning.
All are supported by giving hands-on, physical and enjoyable experiences, which includes a great deal of team-teaching and cross-curricular elements. The curriculum uses enquiry-based learning, which revolves around fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills in pupils. It involves posing questions or problems to pupils and guiding them to explore and discover answers through investigation, research, and hands-on experiences. This approach encourages active engagement, collaboration, and independent thinking, as pupils take ownership of their learning process.
In Year 1, pupils will answer the following questions throughout the year:
In Year 2, pupils will answer these questions:
Modern Foreign Languages
Learning a language is like discovering a new world. Pupils at Bede’s Prep study French from Reception; at this young age, children are able to pick up accurate pronunciation of French words easily.
In Years 1 and 2 pupils develop their languages skills further through a plethora of activities such as games, songs and role plays. We also use a range of media (such as books and video clips) in our lessons to tell authentic stories in the language. Repetition is key in the children’s learning and we consistently revisit a range of songs and rhymes which helps the children to cement their learning and increase fluency in their target language.
Alongside speaking the language itself, learning a foreign language provides an opening to other cultures; through their French lessons, pupils in Years 1 and 2 start to deepen their understanding of the world.
In Years 1 and 2, pupils revisit and extend the basic vocabulary learned in Reception to craft full sentences in French and gain the confidence to begin speaking the language in a conversational setting.
Children learn through games, songs and video clips, as well as building their literacy skills by starting to read and write single words and simple sentences in French. Pupils learn to say their names, ask someone else’s name, tell someone their age and ask how old someone else is. Pupils also start using French numbers confidently, and can name different parts of the body.
Other basic vocabulary learned includes the days of the week, months and colours, and we also cover the topics of clothes, home, weather, family and food.
Music
Music lessons change significantly throughout these Pre-Prep years.
Year 1 starts in a very similar way musically to how classes in Reception ended, with pupils singing songs linked to the topic being studied in class. Music and movement are very intertwined at this stage and many songs have actions that enable pupils to participate physically.
As pupils move into Year 2 the increasing sophistication of the repertoire studied, still largely linked to the topic work in class, means pupils perform in more complex ways e.g.by singing in parts and rounds or adding instrumental accompaniment. Pupils will also undertake instrumental work, using both classroom percussion and recorders. Musical performance is a cornerstone of the work undertaken in these early years. Pupils often perform together, for example in the Holywell nativity or Pre-Prep concerts or as part of the section song at inter-section music. In addition there are opportunities for solo performances in class lessons and in concerts.
Year 1
In Year 1, music lessons are frequent, and mostly linked to the topic being studied by the class. While there are some lessons in which the skills of listening and appraising, composing and performing are developed, most lessons are a study of songs, often action songs, that tie to the classwork linked to the current topic being undertaken in other subjects. The variety comes from the ever-changing repertoire as the class progresses to different topics over the year. There are opportunities for solo singing as well as group singing.
Year 2
In Year 2, music lessons are still primarily linked to the topic being studied in class, but the musical complexity of the material steadily increases. Songs are more likely to be sung in parts, or to have instrumental accompaniment, provided by the pupils themselves. Pupils begin to learn instruments together focussing at first on classroom percussion, and also the recorder. They begin to learn how to change volume and tempo in response to a conductor. Many pupils choose to begin individual or paired instrumental lessons.
Outdoor Learning
Beach School
At Bede’s Prep, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom walls. With the spectacular Eastbourne seafront right on our doorstep, we are uniquely placed to offer an exciting outdoor learning experience through our Beach School programme for children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2. Every fortnight, the entire Pre-Prep department embarks on a short and invigorating walk to the picturesque Holywell beach, where the children enjoy a wealth of opportunities to enhance their learning in a hands-on, nature-based environment.
Our Beach School sessions are carefully crafted to complement and enrich the curriculum, offering a dynamic and engaging way for students to explore the subjects they’re learning in class. We take full advantage of the natural surroundings to inspire creativity, deepen understanding, and promote wellbeing, all while encouraging a sense of adventure and exploration. Whether it’s using the multicoloured beach pebbles to create beautiful art projects, or searching for shells and seaweed to bring science lessons to life, the beach provides an endless source of inspiration for curious young minds.
In addition to its academic benefits, Beach School offers important social and emotional advantages. Outdoor play and discovery in a relaxed setting allow the children to develop vital teamwork and communication skills, while the open space provides ample opportunity for them to run, jump, and explore freely, enhancing their physical development. It’s all part of fostering a sense of joy and wonder that we believe should be at the heart of every child’s learning journey.
At Bede’s Prep, we are incredibly fortunate to be situated in one of the most beautiful locations on the South Coast, and our Beach School programme ensures that we make the most of it. The children develop a sense of connection to their environment and learn to appreciate the natural world in a meaningful way, which is key to our holistic approach to education. They are encouraged to ask questions, investigate the world around them, and think critically – skills that are vital for success in both their academic journey and life beyond the classroom.
Beach School is just one of the many ways Bede’s Prep stands out as a place where children’s education is not only about academic excellence but also about nurturing their love of learning in all its forms. We invite prospective parents and students to come and experience the magic of Beach School for themselves and discover how Bede’s offers a truly exceptional start to education
Forest School
Forest School is an excellent way for the children to express their creativity and imagination and enjoy some child-led activities. The nature of Forest School is for children to grow their problem solving skills, independence and take reasonable and supported risks in their sessions. Many different activities are on offer during Forest School, including den building, mud kitchens, clay, woodland craft and problem solving games. There are also adult supported activities using tools including sawing, fire lighting, drilling, axe work and whittling.
In addition, we often take classroom activities to the forest, for example, measuring the perimeter of a shape with different length sticks in Maths, making South American Totem poles on the trees using clay in Geography, creating a senses poem in English, creating and finding evidence of food chains in Science and many more possibilities. There are many cross curricular links made during these sessions and they help to inspire the children’s imagination and creativity for their own ‘choosing time’.
PE
In addition to Games, PE in Years 1 and 2 introduces a curriculum based in play. The pupils experience a variety of activities to contrast with and complement their games sessions.
The programme leads through modules in fitness with Cross Country as the focus; Basketball; Gymnastics; Racquet Sports and Athletics. This enables them success as individuals and the opportunity to take ownership of their own health and fitness. Within the department, for Early Years PE, we introduce the understanding of body systems, and wellbeing. This feeds into the ethos which promotes the holistic care of body and mind.
At Bede’s we do not just want our pupils to be fit for school, we want to promote and encourage fitness for life by giving our pupils the tools to work with from an early age, whatever their level, body type or personal preferences within sport and exercise. We aim to promote and encourage healthy and positive attitudes towards both.
PSHE
At our school, the Jigsaw PSHE scheme of work is an integral part of our Key Stage 1 curriculum, designed to support the personal, social, health, and emotional development of every child.
We place great importance on pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) growth, which forms the foundation of our school ethos. Through PSHE, we promote British Values, helping our children become healthy, responsible individuals prepared for life in modern Britain and beyond. This approach ensures that children develop the confidence to navigate moral, social, and cultural challenges as they grow.
Our PSHE curriculum, through the Jigsaw scheme, is designed to be accessible and ageappropriate, ensuring that all children gain valuable knowledge and understanding of the world. The Jigsaw programme covers a range of topics that allow children to explore concepts in a safe and supportive environment. By doing so, we equip them with essential skills to thrive both now and in the future.
The Jigsaw PSHE scheme for Key Stage 1 is divided into the following key themes:
Swimming
Welcome to the Reception Year 1 & 2 swimming program! At this exciting stage, young learners will embark on an enriching journey that emphasises not only the joy of swimming but also the essential skills of water safety.
Our curriculum integrates Swim England’s School Swimming and Water Safety Passport pathway, designed to ensure that children learn the fundamental aspects of safe swimming in a fun and engaging environment.
Throughout the program, we will teach our young swimmers about water safety, helping them identify common hazards around pools and natural water bodies. They will learn invaluable skills, such as recognising beach flags and understanding where and when it is safe to swim. These foundational lessons are vital for fostering a lifelong respect for water.
In addition to crucial water safety skills, children will be introduced to the basics of technical strokes, laying the groundwork for future swimming success. We will incorporate fun games to enhance their learning experience, making swimming a delightful and enjoyable activity. To celebrate their progress, participants will have the opportunity to take part in our exciting Prep School Swim Gala, a fantastic event that showcases their skills and hard work while encouraging teamwork and sportsmanship.