Beyond Pre-School – Moving on to “Big School”

We believe that an important aspect of life at Duchy College Pre-School is preparing children emotionally and academically to make the important step to “big school”.

Of course we prepare children for any school, however most of the children go on to join our associated Prep School, Duchy College Prep. To help the transition, Duchy College Pre-School children are given priority places in Duchy College Reception classes.

We believe that children benefit greatly from the continuity we are able to offer when moving from our Pre-school to our Prep School.  As they progress through Pre-School children spend an increasing amount of time in Duchy College Prep , visiting the Reception Classes, meeting Reception teachers and participating in joint events throughout the year such as the Easter Parade, Harvest Festival and Remembrance Service. In our Transition section children also have weekly sessions with Duchy College Prep’s specialist Music and PE teachers.

Academically, Duchy College Pre-School and Duchy College Prep teachers work closely together to ensure continuity across the Early Years curriculum. In fact, Sadie Herring, Head of EYFS, is the Early Years co-ordinator for Duchy College Pre-School and Duchy College Prep . 

All of this means that when children move to Duchy College Prep it doesn’t feel like such a big step. They already know the school and the teachers and the teachers know them. They typically know many of the other children and can’t wait to join Duchy College Prep. This smooth transition means that children settle quickly and easily into life at “big school” and are able to focus on the next stage in their personal and academic development.