Key Stage 1 Curriculum

In these early years, our goal is to build confident, enthusiastic learners who see numbers as fun and useful. Using White Rose Maths, which connects seamlessly to the whole Prep curriculum, we lay a strong foundation for mathematical mastery. Through imaginative games and practical activities, children develop mental arithmetic skills, including times tables from Year 1, boosting their confidence and love for numbers.

At Mount Kelly Lower Prep, we don’t just teach literacy, we spark a lifelong passion for language. English lessons are a safe space for children to express creativity and ideas. We cover handwriting, spelling, grammar, comprehension, and composition, empowering pupils to communicate fluently and confidently.

Reading unlocks the entire curriculum, so it’s a key focus from day one. Daily Read Write Inc phonics lessons help children build strong decoding skills. As they progress, pupils explore a rich variety of genres, from stories and poetry to plays, learning to infer, deduce and evaluate texts. Older pupils read with younger ones, creating a joyful, shared love of books that entertains, informs, and inspires.

Children learn best when they’re curious and engaged. The IPC offers over 130 thematic units designed to capture pupils’ interests and help them explore the world. Subjects include Arts, Science, ICT & Computing, Design & Technology, History, and Geography, all woven together to make learning meaningful and exciting.

Our PE and Games lessons build teamwork, healthy competition, and a love of movement. Pupils develop a range of sports skills and gain confidence in fitness and coordination. With three sports pitches, a sports hall, tennis and squash courts, we offer football, basketball, netball, cricket, hockey, tag rugby and athletics, culminating in a lively annual Sports Day. Swimming lessons are delivered weekly by expert Mount Kelly coaches.

PSHE teaches essential life skills and values that help children navigate the world. Through community activities, self-reflection, charity work and healthy living, pupils learn empathy, resilience and respect. We champion a Growth Mindset, encouraging children to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes, and foster the spirit of “Upstanders” who support and care for others.

Our French lessons at Key Stage 1 are lively, hands-on and fun. Through songs, rhymes, stories and games, children use gestures and visuals to explore language naturally. This active learning builds early confidence and lays the foundation for future language skills.

We teach children how to use technology safely and effectively. Within our secure, monitored network, pupils learn to respect online safety rules. Workshops for children and parents reinforce good practice. Technology is integrated across the curriculum as a powerful learning tool.

Our stunning grounds are an extension of the classroom, offering exciting, hands-on learning opportunities. Weekly LOTC sessions and a dedicated week outdoors in summer help pupils connect with nature and engage deeply with their studies. Off-site visits and guest speakers further enrich this dynamic learning experience.

RE at Mount Kelly promotes understanding and respect for different faiths and cultures. Children explore Christianity alongside other world religions, building confidence in their own beliefs. Celebrations of diverse festivals like Chinese New Year, Sukkot, Diwali and Eid, along with visits to local places of worship, help pupils appreciate our rich cultural tapestry.

Our vibrant clubs programme offers something for everyone, from sewing, choir and football to yoga, Lego, dance, cooking, tennis, judo, chess and LAMDA drama lessons. These activities foster teamwork, creativity, and skills that last a lifetime.

We nurture a strong sense of community and compassion. Children regularly visit Dame Hannah Rogers, a school for disabled young people, learning Makaton and entertaining residents. We value intergenerational connections by inviting local care home residents to join our Nativity performances.

In our historic market town of Tavistock, the only Devon town with UNESCO World Heritage status, children explore local life through trips to the post office, church, supermarkets and community events. We are proud to support local charities such as Tavistock Foodbank and School in a Bag, encouraging pupils to make a real difference.