PREP SCHOOL
The aim of Auckland College Prep School is to effectively prepare boys and girls from the age of 4 to 11 years for entry into secondary education and beyond. We build on the excellent foundations laid in the Pre Prep, so there is a strong continuity in their educational experience, and the warm relationships fostered between staff and pupils supports and encourage our pupils to fulfil their potential.
Our Prep School offers a unique educational and childcare programme which provides an outstanding independent education alongside inclusive 51 weeks childcare 7.30am to 6.00pm. The cost of our childcare during term time and holidays is included within the school fees, making it excellent value for parents. Providing this all-inclusive childcare gives our children continuity of care, and to parents it gives reassurance throughout the year.
HOW WE
LEARN
We have smaller classes than the state sector and pupils are supported by a teacher and a dedicated team of teaching assistants who work across the school. Within our classes all of our children can benefit from plenty of individual attention.
During these important formative years pupils’ progress is monitored to ensure that potential is fulfilled and any difficulties are identified and addressed as early as possible. We have an open door policy where parents are encouraged to discuss their children’s progress with staff at any time, although there are also termly Parents Evenings and termly written Pupil Reports.
The Auckland Curriculum, developed alongside the National Curriculum, gives the students the knowledge, skills and understanding of all English and Mathematics required to succeed in life, whilst also studying a wide range of topics across all subjects through interesting and engaging lessons which will excite the children and lead them to becoming fantastic learners throughout their lives.
‘Pupils across the school make excellent progress in reading, writing and mathematics.’ Ofsted May 2019
‘Reading is a strength and 87% of all pupils in Years 1–6 are exceeding national standards. Most pupils read regularly and with enjoyment. On average, pupils are reading above their chronological age by two years. The average spelling age is one year ahead of their chronological age. One reason for this is the excellent progress pupils make in phonics in the early years and in Years 1 and 2.’ Ofsted May 2019
CLASS
DOJO
In our Prep Department we use Class Dojo as a method of communication with parents. ClassDojo helps to connect our school leaders and teachers with the students and parents and supports to create our amazing school community.
Class Dojo is not only a communication app used across the whole school to communicate with parents on a day-to-day basis but also a rewards app.
Notices and reminders are regularly shared, along with news and stories for each class as part of the Class story and/or on the whole School Story.
We recognise that parents don’t always have direct daily access to teachers, therefore the direct messaging feature within the app is extremely useful to ensure communication is at its best. Parents are also able to see what rewards pupils have received throughout the day, facilitating conversations about school at home.
Our teachers share the story of their classrooms daily with the parents via this app and instantly share photos, videos, and announcements on their Class Story. The app also allows teachers to send private message with any parents as a means of communication. Class Dojo is also used to keep parents in the loop with any upcoming events, reminders, Newsletters, etc.
