Senior Prep (Years 4 – 6)

Forms 4-6 make up Norfolk House’s Senior Prep, the final phase of a pupil’s journey through our school. While we uphold the core values of a traditional preparatory education—leaving no stone unturned in preparing pupils for the next stage of their academic journey—Senior Prep is very much a modern experience, designed to equip children with the knowledge and skills that will give them an edge in the 21st-century world.

Our goal is for pupils to be fully engaged and excited about their lessons and school life as a whole. We prioritise personalised learning, encouraging pupils to take ownership of their education. Older children regularly meet with teachers to set realistic learning targets, fostering a strong sense of responsibility and self-direction. Both self and peer assessments are integral to our curriculum, ensuring pupils always understand their next steps and receive the support needed to achieve them.

From Form 4 onwards, pupils are encouraged to take on additional roles within the school, such as serving on the School Council. Regular sports fixtures and competitions are a key part of our program, helping pupils develop a healthy sense of competition and teamwork as they advance through the school.

Senior Prep pupils are also supported in developing independence and leadership skills through various initiatives such as the Positive Playground Committee, Eco Club, and team-building activities in General Studies. Residential trips provide further opportunities to build confidence and resilience, helping prepare pupils for their transition to senior schools at 11+.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to engage pupils in innovative ways, ensuring they leave with confidence in their abilities and a strong belief in what they can achieve. While we align with the National Curriculum, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of our pupils and the context of our school.

To further enrich our curriculum, we integrate subjects such as Philosophy for Children, General Studies, Latin (introduced in Year 6 during the Spring and Summer terms), Reasoning, and a variety of creative activities. This broad approach fosters pupils’ curiosity about the world around them, encourages critical thinking and debate, and promotes collaboration, laying a strong foundation for their academic and personal growth.

Subjects

The curriculum at Norfolk House encompasses National Curriculum subjects and beyond. From Reception through Form 6, pupils engage with a diverse range of subjects, some of which are introduced in specific year groups. The subjects covered include:

English
Maths
Science
French
General Studies (Forms 4 to 6)
Philosophy for children
Music
Art
Geography
History
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning (Forms 4 to 6)
PE and Games
RE
Latin (Form 6: Spring and Summer Term)
PSHE
IT and computing

The curriculum is suitably broad and balanced for both boys and girls.

Learning and Development

Our latest school inspection report praised our pupils’ achievements, noting that they “fulfil the school’s aim to enable them to reach their academic potential while feeling valued, fulfilled, confident, and emotionally secure.” The report also highlighted that “the vast majority of pupils move on to their first-choice senior schools, often gaining entry to highly selective day schools in London.” Over the past four years, a significant number of our pupils have earned scholarships.

We are committed to making learning both fun and engaging. We prioritise each child’s development, ensuring that every pupil is actively involved in their learning journey. Our approach is designed to foster individual success, helping each child achieve their full potential while enjoying their educational experience.

Computing and IT

Our Computing and IT curriculum prepares pupils for a rapidly evolving world by emphasizing creativity, collaboration, programming, and digital literacy from an early age. A comprehensive e-safety program is taught from Reception through Form 6 to ensure online safety. Pupils learn to use IT tools effectively, developing the ability to create, explore, analyse, and present information responsibly. Programming and coding are introduced early, fostering independent learning and technological competence. Creative projects like film-making and stop-frame animation are integrated from Form 3, and pupils in Forms 4-6 refine research and presentation skills. We continuously update our technology resources, including iPads, Apple TV, and various educational tools, to enhance learning.

Sport

At Norfolk House School, we place a strong emphasis on sports. Our pupils dedicate two afternoons each week to athletic activities, receiving instruction primarily from specialist coaches. In addition to regular classes, these coaches offer a variety of after-school sports clubs. The tables below provide an overview of our Senior Prep sports schedule as an example:

Autumn Term:

	Form 4		Form 5	Form 6
Tuesday	Swimming	Wednesday	Basketball	Football
Thursday	Football	Friday	Swimming	Football

Spring Term:

	Form 4		Form 5	Form 6
Tuesday	Capoeira	Wednesday	Swimming	Hockey
Thursday	Hockey	Friday	Basketball	Hockey

Summer Term:

	Form 4		Form 5	Form 6
Tuesday	Tennis / athletics	Wednesday	Tennis / athletics	Tennis / athletics
Thursday	Cricket / rounders	Friday	Cricket / rounders	Cricket / rounders

The school maintains a fixtures calendar for matches against local independent schools and utilises several nearby venues to support our sports curriculum. Each venue is carefully selected to provide the necessary facilities and resources to enhance our sports program.

Creative Arts

The creative arts are a vital component of our curriculum throughout the school, enriching students’ educational experiences and fostering artistic expression.

Art

Art is a notable strength at Norfolk House, especially in the Senior Prep years, where pupils engage in weekly lessons to develop their understanding of visual elements like line, tone, color, and texture. They explore diverse two- and three-dimensional materials and techniques, creating both collaborative and independent projects that highlight their creativity and technical skills.

Drama

Drama is integrated throughout the curriculum for older pupils. All Senior Prep students participate in regular assembly performances and an impressive end-of-year production, which has become a highly anticipated highlight of the year. These performances are known for their creativity and scale, reflecting the dedication and talent of our students.

Music

In Senior Prep, pupils advance in composition, musical notation, and exploring textures and timbres, while being introduced to various musical styles. They use IT tools like GarageBand to enhance their music-making. Students can audition for the school choir, Senior Choir, and Senior Ensemble, with performance opportunities in concerts and the annual House Music Competition, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm.

Junior Prep (Years 2 & 3)

11+ Preparation

Leavers' Destinations

The Admissions Process