Curriculum Overview
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Curriculum Overview
At BCS Prep, our curriculum is broad, ambitious and thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity while nurturing a genuine love of learning. It reflects the wider vision of BCS: to discover the brilliance in every pupil and to provide an education that is truly holistic.’.
We believe that an exceptional preparatory education develops the whole child. Alongside strong academic foundations, our curriculum encourages curiosity, creativity and intellectual independence, while offering rich opportunities for pupils to explore their interests and grow in confidence. This balanced approach ensures that pupils not only acquire knowledge yet also develop the character, resilience and enthusiasm that will serve them well throughout their lives.
High expectations underpin all that we do. Pupils make excellent progress within a framework that challenges and supports every learner. Our teachers know their pupils well and use clear progression, thoughtful assessment and targeted support to ensure that each child can participate fully, build confidence and achieve their potential.
Teaching and learning are purposeful, dynamic and shaped by clear objectives. Ambitious yet achievable goals, combined with careful monitoring of progress, ensure that every pupil receives the right level of support or challenge at the right time. This responsive approach allows all pupils to flourish and experience success.
Above all, we aim to create a nurturing, innovative and happy learning environment where pupils feel confident to ask questions, explore ideas and take intellectual risks. In doing so, they discover the very best in themselves and develop a lifelong love of learning as they progress through their BCS journey.
The Curiosity Approach
The Curiosity Approach inspires our Early Years children with curiosity, awe and wonder. Using this approach, children learn with authentic resources, recycled materials and loose parts, encouraging creativity and independent thinking. Our mindful and passionate team place strong emphasis on warm, nurturing relationships, ensuring every child feels safe, valued and understood. By tuning into children’s interests and supporting their ideas, we create engaging play experiences and inspiring environments where children can grow into inquisitive, capable and confident learners.
GRIT Mindset
From Reception onwards, pupils are encouraged to see themselves as Ambitious Learners with GRIT:
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Growth mindset – understanding that ability develops through effort and perseverance
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Ready to learn – being organised, focused and prepared to engage
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Independent – knowing themselves and embracing challenge
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Team players – collaborating, supporting others and celebrating shared success
This approach encourages pupils to take ownership of their learning and develop the resilience and confidence needed for the future.
The Chilli Challenge
The Chilli Challenge gives pupils the freedom to choose tasks at hot, hotter, flaming hot or mastery levels, allowing them to differentiate their own learning based on confidence. Using the Learning Zones as a guide, pupils are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zone and enter the ‘Learning Zone’, where they actively develop skills, practise what they have learned and experience a healthy brain burn. There is no ceiling to their learning - pupils are inspired to stretch their potential and explore their abilities to the fullest.
