In Prep 6, each pupil receives a transfer document outlining their progress and their PSPQ—an independently audited project completed over three months. This offers a rich, rounded view of their learning as they move into Senior School. The PSB challenges traditional views of education, encouraging a genuine love of learning that endures beyond Prep. Over the coming months, we’ll continue integrating the best of the PSB framework into our curriculum. The PSB is a registered charity, supported by ISI and IAPS. You can find out more at www.psbacc.org.
Prep Curriculum Overview
Lower Prep
Lower Prep at St Columba’s is where a lifelong love of learning begins. Pupils join Reception in the September before they turn five, stepping into a warm, nurturing environment, where curiosity is welcomed. Our Tapestry platform helps parents stay connected with their child’s journey through shared photos, updates and learning moments.
From the very beginning, pupils are immersed in the Columban learning ethos of resilience, teamwork and a positive growth mindset. In Reception, our pupils thrive through structured play, indoor and outdoor exploration and creative, topic-based learning. They quickly grow in confidence, progressing from their own unique starting points with the support of dedicated, experienced teachers and learning assistants.
Daily phonics, individual reading and numeracy tasks lay a strong academic foundation. At the same time, our enrichment programme includes specialist-taught PE, Music and weekly Forest School. As pupils move into Prep 1 and Prep 2, learning becomes more structured and our young people begin to develop their independence. Small class sizes and personalised teaching ensure that every pupil is both stretched and supported.
Interactive whiteboards, individual iPads and specialist teaching in Art and Science bring learning to life. Regular trips, workshops and themed weeks enrich the curriculum even further. We understand that young people learn best when school and home work hand in hand. As such, we very much value our close partnerships with families.
By the time they reach the end of Lower Prep, our pupils are confident learners, excited by discovery and full of questions about the world around them.
Upper Prep
Upper Prep builds on the strong foundations laid in the early years, empowering our young people to take ownership of their learning and discover their individual strengths.
In Prep 3 and Prep 4, pupils are grouped into two parallel classes of no more than 18, with an average class size of 14, increasing to three classes by Prep 6. Small class sizes allow our teachers to really get to know each pupil and provide the right balance of challenge and support. A growth mindset remains central, helping pupils tackle setbacks with resilience and celebrate personal progress.
The curriculum becomes more rigorous and exciting, with specialist teaching in subjects such as Music, Science, Art, RE, Computing, Modern Languages and Sport. Pupils thrive on variety, exploring topics through storytelling and drama, learning data skills through real-world projects and enjoying hands-on activities such as pond-dipping or book-binding.
In Upper Prep, pupils also begin to explore leadership, collaboration, and independence – qualities that prepare them for a confident transition to our Senior School. Carefully designed home learning supports classroom learning, encouraging responsibility and good study habits.
As a proud member of the Prep School Baccalaureate (PSB) group, we embrace a forward-thinking, values-based assessment model that champions a holistic education. The PSB framework focuses on six core skills – Thinking and Learning, Reviewing and Improving, Communicating, Independence, Collaboration and Leadership – all essential for success in an ever-changing world.
In Prep 6, each pupil completes a PSB Project Qualification (PSPQ): a three-month independent study that reflects their passions and showcases the breadth of their learning. This project is shared in a transfer document that follows them into Senior School, capturing the full picture of their personal and academic development.
By the end of Upper Prep, our pupils are ready. Ready to take on new challenges, ask thoughtful questions, lead with kindness and embrace the next stage of their learning with confidence.
Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB)
We have been proud members of the Consortium of Excellence since September 2021, following careful consultation about what truly matters in education. While retaining our subject expertise, creativity and academic strength, the PSB framework allows us to place even greater emphasis on the skills and values that will support pupils throughout their lives.
At its core, the PSB is an assessment model focused on developing the attitudes, behaviours and lifelong skills children need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
These are the 6 core skills we promote and assess:
- Thinking and Learning
- Reviewing and Improving
- Communicating
- Independence
- Collaboration
- Leadership
The PSB equips pupils with the essential skills they’ll need for the future, including critical thinking and effective communication across cultures. Developed in collaboration with leading UK prep schools, it supports high academic standards alongside a broad, balanced curriculum. The programme aligns closely with our current teaching approach and will enhance our reporting to provide a fuller, more individualised picture of each child’s development. It also enables us to share best practice with other successful schools within the PSB network.
