Deputy Head, Denise Bowring

At Malvern College Preparatory School, we believe that anything is possible and achievable if we are sufficiently determined. Visitors to the school frequently comment on the wide range of activities they see, the lessons and activities ranging from formal classroom lessons to practical sessions where pupils are engaged in challenging and stimulating tasks. Whatever the lesson, visitors cannot fail to notice groups of happy, confident children, stimulated and excited by what they are doing. Relationships in the school are strong and parents frequently comment on the close bonds and obvious affection that exists between staff and pupils. Our children are all individuals and as such are encouraged to play an active part in their studies identifying strengths and weaknesses and planning achievable targets for improvement. Our standards and expectations are high and our pupils invariably rise to the challenge.

From the time a child enters Malvern College Preparatory School, we aim to provide the very best in academic provision tailored to suit the strengths, needs and individuality of the pupil. The partnership we forge between pupils, parents and teachers will helps children realise their full potential and ambitions for the future.

The curriculum we offer is broad and well balanced and has been carefully designed to develop confidence, self-esteem, skills and above all a love of learning and thirst for knowledge. Through a careful balance of content and teaching styles, we generate an excitement and anticipation on the part of the pupils. They look forward to lessons, work hard and progress with growing confidence.

All subjects broadly follow the National Curriculum and apply appropriate tests at Key Stage 2. (Key Stage 1 tests and assessments are undertaken in the Pre-Prep). A balanced curriculum has been developed which places equal emphasis on the arts subjects, languages, maths and science. However, as an independent school, we have the flexibility to extend the curriculum and many of our 'gifted' pupils follow programmes of study outside their levels.

The following subjects are taught throughout the main school:
English, maths, science, French, German, Spanish, history, geography, religious studies, art, music, PE, PSHE and citizenship (Years 7 and 8), ICT and drama (Years 3 to 6).

Design and technology is taught to pupils in Years 7 and 8 in the Technology Centre at Malvern College.

All pupils are taught French from Nursery onwards. For pupils with a strength in languages, there is the opportunity to learn Latin from Year 6 onwards, and in Years 7 and 8 to begin a second modern language, German or Spanish.

The curriculum is continually being enhanced to meet new developments from the National Curriculum and other recognised independent bodies. The aim is always to raise the standard and to improve the learning opportunity of the pupils.