Creative Arts and Sport
Developing the whole child
At St Andrew’s Prep we recognise the importance of developing the whole child. This means balancing an academic curriculum with nurturing while enhancing children’s creativity and their physical abilities and skills.
Each week the children have PE and Games lessons, taught by specialist teachers. In Games lessons the children develop their competence in fundamental skills such as Agility, Hand-Eye Coordination, Reaction and Ball Handling Skills. Through progressive practices the children start to look at specific skills necessary for playing netball, football, rugby, hockey, cricket and tennis. They learn of teamwork skills and the basics of spatial awareness needed in invasion games. In PE lessons the children have the opportunity to develop their core strength, balance and movement skills for Gymnastics and Athletics.
The children also have a weekly swimming lesson, held in our indoor heated pool. The specialist teacher aims to build water confidence and work on basic stroke development.
Music and drama are also an important part of the school curriculum. Pre-Prep children have two or three music lessons a week, where, as well as learning a huge variety of songs and hymns, they learn how to compose music and about music theory. From Year 2 the children may learn a musical instrument, including piano, violin and cello; the discipline of playing an instrument greatly improves a child’s concentration, co-ordination and memory skills. The children also learn the art of performance, whether it be in their Nativities at Christmas, concerts during the year for Harvest, Spring and Summer or class assemblies. Year 2 are offered the possibility of LAMDA lessons to improve their confidence and performance skills.
Each academic year ends with celebrations of the children’s achievements in these areas. Parents are welcome to attend these events, including dance demonstrations, swimming galas and a Summer concert followed by Sports Day. During the latter, there is a great mix of competitive races and an inclusive pentathlon to ensure all children have opportunities to flourish. We encourage all parents to join in a race and show their child that sport is for all.
