Lower Prep pupils enjoy a rich STEM experience supported by specialist teachers and purpose-built facilities:
– Junior ICT suite and fully refurbished Junior Science lab
– Three DT labs equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, and CAD software
– Access to GCSE-level teaching for advanced STEM projects
Pupils also take part in a wide range of STEM-related co-curricular clubs, fostering teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving beyond the classroom.
In Lower Prep, Expressive Arts is introduced to the curriculum alongside Art, Dance and Music – all taught by our talented specialist teachers. These lessons cover everything from Drama and group singing to focus and spatial awareness. They help prepare our pupils for our productions, giving them the confidence they need to get on stage.
A starter scheme for Instrumental Music provides bespoke learning opportunities for all Year 3 pupils. At Ballard we believe that by giving our younger pupils access to all our GCSE equipment reaps rewards for both pupil and school.
We ensure that our pupils have a firm grounding in the basics before building on their knowledge and growing confidence to push them to the next level. For example, Year 3 start Music Technology in our iMac suite with Garageband and Logic software and by the time they reach Year 5, they can use Sibelius.
There is also a plethora of opportunities for co-curricular Arts activities in Lower Prep.
Flexible streaming at Ballard (from Year 3) allows sport for all and ability-related lessons are modified as pupils improve. A focus on mixed gender games enables us to stretch our able and talented pupils both physically and in their understanding of games.
The emphasis here is on learning the key skills and techniques of the core sports of hockey, netball, rugby, football, swimming, athletics and tennis and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn the basics.
The fundamental skills of movement are key to progression for this age group – allowing pupils to receive the ball in space, advance in attack and develop understanding of formations and team play.
By setting personal goals we encourage all pupils. One Year 4 girl who couldn’t swim when she joined Ballard a year ago has just taken part in the Ballard triathlon, to the astonishment of her parents.
New sports such as volleyball, badminton and basketball also develop core physical attributes and transferable skills which are essential for all sport. Exposure to alternative sports often highlights a child’s potential that may not otherwise be recognised.
A multitude of co-curricular activities are offered throughout the week.
Life in Lower Prep is stimulating and engaging with many exciting topics and creative cross-curricular opportunities. Pupils rise to this challenge in many ways such as building a model Stonehenge in History to taking metrological measurements in Geography. We often welcome visitors to Ballard whether it is a mysterious historical figure, GB Athletes, Alumni or a well-known author, our pupils have a wide range of experiences. Ballard pupils continue to extend their knowledge and skills with a bespoke range of trips.
Lower Prep pupils helped create the award-winning Eco-committee, creating and policing a green strategy for Ballard.
