Prep Curriculum

Our Preparatory Department is where pupils thrive in a warm, friendly and lively environment. Encouraged to take part in all that is on offer, girls develop a love of learning and are fully prepared for their secondary education in a safe and supportive atmosphere where pupils and staff get to know each other well.

The stimulating curriculum is taught by dedicated class teachers, and we take full advantage of Senior School specialists for subjects such as PE, Music and Modern Foreign Languages. We make sure it’s great fun too – themed days, visiting speakers and excursions all help to contextualise learning and bring it to life. From stepping back in time at National Trust properties to celebrating Chinese New Year; from encouraging the next generation of computer coders to inspiring budding artists at the region’s finest galleries, girls are encouraged to become active learners for life. Our PHSE and Well Being programme supports pupils as they build confidence, self-belief and the skills to succeed.

At Manchester High, we recognise the importance of strong links between home and school and provide many opportunities for parents to visit and find out about their daughter’s progress - from regular parents’ evenings and written reports to our concerts, performances and relaxed and informal ‘Dine with your Daughter’ breakfast and lunch dates.

What is it like to be a Prep pupil?

Reception

Many of our pupils begin their journey with us in Reception, where the timetable is carefully balanced to not only ensure a strong focus on reading, writing and mathematics but also discovery and collaboration, learning through play and hands-on exploration. Girls in Reception receive weekly Forest School teaching from our in-house accredited staff as well as Music and PE from specialist teachers and weekly extra-curricular ballet lessons.

Key Stage 1

Moving into a more formal learning environment in Key Stage 1, the girls are exposed to a more challenging curriculum, introducing more problem solving and independence in learning while still ensuring our curriculum is interactive, enriching and fun! Girls also begin weekly swimming and French lessons in Year 1 and have a wide range of extra-curricular activities to choose from, including ballet, football, reading and drawing. Girls also continue their outdoor learning journey, begun in Reception.

Every class from Reception to Year 2 has their own class teacher who delivers the majority of the curriculum and one teaching assistant per class.

Key Stage 2

The curriculum for girls in Years 3-6 is rich, varied and creative, built not only to ensure girls meet their academic potential but also to foster enthusiasm, confidence and emotional intelligence.

In addition to the core subjects, girls receive weekly reasoning lessons and begin learning Mandarin. They also take part in our languages carousel, learning French in Year 3, German in Year 4, Latin in Year 5 and Spanish in Year 6.

Teaching is further enhanced by a wide range of extra-curricular activities including our weekly Enrichment Programme for Key Stage 2.

There are choirs, orchestras and string groups, with many girls choosing to take peripatetic music lessons and LAMDA drama lessons to compliment their weekly Music and Drama lessons, and we provide many opportunities through regular concerts and Twilight concerts.

Girls in the Juniors also have many opportunities to represent the school from Sports fixtures, charity events, choir visits and music festivals and regional quiz club competitions.

A typical day in Reception and KS1

7:30-8:00am breakfast club

A typical day in KS2

7:30-8:00          Breakfast club

Extra curricular activities take place during lunch times and afterschool, from 15:45-16:45.