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Pre-Prep

“Simply the best school every day” – Reception Parent

Wrap-around care from 8.00am to 5.00pm

At Ballard Pre-Prep, we embed a positive attitude to learning from the very beginning, creating a joyful and nurturing environment where children feel confident, curious and excited to explore independently.

Through dedicated and experienced teaching, we build a strong understanding of key concepts such as phonics, reading, writing and mathematical skills, ensuring children are well-prepared for future academic success.

Our holistic approach is designed to nurture independent and capable learners, encouraging the development of resilience, self-belief and life skills through engaging activities and strong, positive relationships.

Pupils have access to specialist teachers, equipment and facilities for Dance, Music, PE and, from Year 1, French. Being taught by specialists at such a young age is a key benefit of coming to Ballard. For example, pupils consistently surpass national expectations for their physical development.

We provide positive early experiences to motivate pupils throughout their lives and lay the groundwork for happy, lifelong learning.

In addition to our school curriculum, we offer a variety of after-school activities, such as construction club, board games, mindfulness, gymnastics, multi-sports, and much more.

Our core values underpin all that we do: kindness, respect, curiosity, responsibility, safety, honesty, and a positive attitude.

Co-Curricular

Pre-Prep pupils may attend Early Club (8.30am to 8.30am) and Late Club (4.15pm to 5.00pm). They have an array of co-curricular opportunities for them at lunchtime and after school, including Hip Hop and Dance clubs, Mandarin, Sports Club, Mindfulness and Yoga, Board Games, Flag Club and Music clubs.

Reception @ Ballard

Reception is a key entry point for pupils at Ballard. Learn more about our outstanding Reception here.

Our youngest learners begin their STEM journey through play, exploration, and discovery. Whether they’re building marble runs, experimenting with angles to launch bean bags, or measuring rainfall, Pre-Prep pupils are naturally inquisitive and eager to learn.

– Daily use of computers and iPads builds digital confidence from an early age
– Outdoor learning in Forest School and dedicated play areas encourages hands-on investigation

Annual trips to the Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium inspire wonder and excitement.

Mathematics

Science

ICT & Computing

Food Preparation and Nutrition

In Pre-Prep, the Expressive Arts at Ballard are taught by both form tutors and specialist teachers for Music and Dance within their curriculum. They also have access to our amazing facilities, peripatetic music and Speech & Drama teachers.

Specialist teachers offer our pupils the skills and confidence to help make them shine. From understanding the difference between a minim and a crochet to learning choreography, Ballard Pre-Prep pupils always rise to the challenge. All pupils are encouraged to have a go by their teachers and peers.

We have an annual nativity and production where pupils work as individuals, in pairs and groups entertaining their parents, peers and staff with exceptional performances.

Art

Music

Dance

Drama (Expressive Arts)

Pupils receive a fully-developed programme of individual sports and team games, alongside gymnastics, which concentrate on embedding the foundations learnt in Nursery. Many of the skills learnt are now identified as strengths and weaknesses, with particular emphasis on improving body control and gymnastic movement.

In Pre-Prep, we introduce two extra-curricular activities a week; skills clubs and fun sports. In addition to this, pupils are given the opportunity to join the Ballard gymnastics after School club.

Throughout the summer term, children receive intensive swimming lessons in our School swimming pool to increase water confidence and refine their strokes. Certificates are presented at the Pre-Prep swimming gala and this year, more pupils swam two more lengths than they ever have before.

Sport

Pre-Prep Life at Ballard is exciting and full of wonder. Our pupils love the variety of work and all the opportunities open to them. Whether it’s completing their diary or rescuing frogspawn, pupils are always keen to give their all. They look forward each week to the Headmaster reading to them and unlocking a world of imagination. In addition to our academic curriculum, we offer a wide variety of after-school activities, such as Art Club, gymnastics and multi-sports to name but a few.

Our spacious site allows pupils to play freely in a secure and safe environment. Ballard pupils climb trees, explore the adventure playground, ride bikes, run on the fields, tennis courts and practise fine motor skills using balls, hoops and skipping ropes.

Each week our assembly celebrates the children’s achievements and rewards them for their work during that week. This recognition is based on our core values; kindness, respect, curiosity, responsibility, safety, honesty and a positive attitude.

English

History

Geography

French

Religious Studies