Prep School serving Wolverhampton, Staffordshire & Shropshire
Feeding their curiosity
Years 3 – 6
During your child’s time in the Preparatory Department, we develop a Unique Learning Programme centred on their individual requirements, aptitude and personality.
The structure of our rich and broad Preparatory curriculum is designed to both stimulate and support the developing child. Subjects such as History, Languages, Music, Art, PE, ICT, Design and technology and Sport are taught by highly specialised teachers.
Stem subjects are enriched with practical hands on activities and experiments. Pupils can also opt for instrumental tuition with our experienced Peripatetic teachers. Our children benefit from a seamless transition from the Preparatory department to the Senior School.
St. Dominic’s also offer an ’11+ programme,’ which is tailored towards each individual child’s ability.
Pupils have the opportunity to experience a variety of trips to enrich learning. This includes visits to historical landmarks, places of worship and trips both locally such as, Condover Hall and abroad including, Italy and France.
Our Preparatory School is well equipped with its own fully refurbished ICT suite, Art & Design Technology room, Food technology room, Library, playing fields, hardcourt area and main Hall. Pupils also have use of Ipads to aid their learning. This is all houses within a modern, purpose built building, with light, airy classrooms and an enclosed area.
The close home and school partnership is a particular strength of the Preparatory department. As a parent, you are always welcome in School, with daily access to the teachers and your child’s education.
Admissions
Admission is available at all entry points in the Preparatory School provided places are available. Parents and their children are encouraged to arrange a tour of our School. Prospective pupils will be invited to sit our entry testing and spend two days with us.
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English and Mathematics entry testing is applicable for all pupils in Year 1 and above. We do accept a wide ability range, but a minimum level of performance is required to demonstrate an ability to access the curriculum we offer.
The admission process is as follows;
- Registration Form and Fee – To register your child to sit our entry testing and spend the day with us, a £50.00 administration charge is payable.
- Day visit and Entry Testing – You will be invited to meet with the Headmaster to discuss your child’s visit with us.
- References – The Admissions Department will contact your child’s previous school for a reference.
- Offer and Acceptance of a place – Paperwork will consist of completing an acceptance form and a £400.00 joining fee is applicable.
- Uniform fitting – our uniform shop is based on site and an appointment can be made for your child.
- Start date – first day arrangements will be sent beforehand via email.
Curriculum
Children joining the Preparatory Department continue their learning journey in an interactive and inspiring environment. Each classroom is designed to stimulate the imagination and encourage them as young learners to explore, question and investigate.
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Preparatory Classes
In Years 3-6, all pupils study a broad range of subjects in which key standards are followed. The main focus is daily English and Mathematics sessions. The skills developed in these areas are used across the curriculum.
Other important areas of the curriculum are Science and Computer Science. Pupils are also taught Music, Religious Education, Art, Design & Technology, Physical Education and PSHE. Dance is taught as part of the PE curriculum up to Year 4. Pupils are also taught History, Geography and Science through our topic based approach, the Combined Imaginative Curriculum (CIC).
By the end of Year 6 our pupils are becoming independent, self-motivated and confident learners. They are starting to be equipped with skills that will assist them in later life and they will have had opportunities to become involved in the needs of the wider community.
Learning skills are supported through areas of the curriculum. Knowledge and skills learned in one subject are applied to others, thus reinforcing their learning and increasing their understanding and confidence. The aspects of subjects that bring them to life: enquiry, problem-solving and practical work is actively planned for. The curriculum model makes the best use of all available curriculum time to actively develop learning skills.
In Years 6 and 7 the pupils take part in a two year cycle of skills days, where they are taken off timetable and spend a day experiencing a particular skill such as problem solving. Alongside this runs a revision and study skills programme which begin in Year 6 and is developed right the way through to Year 13 to help pupils manage the demands of both internal and external examinations.
S.T.E.M.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
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STEM integrates the four subjects into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications. Our pupils actively engage in STEM focused days and workshops as part of their learning. Pupils have the opportunity to gain hands on experience and partake in activities including: building go-karts, visiting high-tech IT establishments, entering STEM inter-school competitions and clubs which include the internationally recognized CREST awards. Other clubs enable learning in coding and robotics, stop-motion animation, green screen and much more. There is also an annual trip to view a live operation for those interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
STEM education creates critical thinkers thus enabling the next generation of innovators.