At Fettes College Preparatory School we aim to provide a first-class academic education through a broad and balanced curriculum, which will equip each child for life in and out of the classroom. In particular, it is our aim to provide a sound base in language and number; the springboards to success in all other areas of the curriculum, and promote a positive attitude to learning for life.
 
Further to this, we seek to foster a love of knowledge and understanding of a rapidly changing world with the ability to question, debate, analyse and make informed judgements. Our vision of education, in relation, acknowledges the responsibility to socially and academically prepare all children to take their place successfully in the College and in society. In relation, we have a keen awareness that education concerns preparing each individual child for an ever-changing world, equipping them with mutual respect between gender and generation, while fostering career ambition in all fields.
 
Throughout their time at the Preparatory School pupils are encouraged to learn independently and to recognise that learning does not stop at the lesson bell or upon leaving the classroom but that each moment of their day represents an opportunity to learn and to understand.
 
The academic curriculum in the Preparatory School is structured to reflect the strengths of the Curriculum for Excellence, the National Curriculum of England and Wales and IAPS guidance.
 
7 – 9 Years
Pupils in the lower years enjoy the majority of their learning time in the company of their own class teacher. The pupils, as a result establish, a close relationship with that member of staff which, in turn, optimises their learning. In addition the pupils also enjoy the benefit of specialist teachers for French, Science, Music, Art, Drama, PE and Games.
 
10 – 13 Years
From the age of 10 pupils continue to enjoy a considerable amount of class time with their form teacher though also benefit from working with a greater number of staff in other areas of the curriculum. At this stage pupils are set by ability in Mathematics.
 
At the age of 11 pupils retain substantial contact with their form teacher though receive more lessons from subject specialists and begin to study Latin.  Their working with a greater number of teachers, at this time, develops their subject specific understanding and also prepares them for their final two years in the Preparatory School and time at the College when all of their lessons shall be delivered by subject specialists. There is setting in Mathematics, Science, French and Latin.
 
From the age of 12 to 13; when pupils are in their final year at the Preparatory School, they have specialist teaching throughout the curriculum. In their final year the aforementioned setting arrangement is extended by the addition of setting in English.
 
The details of the Preparatory School curriculum can be found in this booklet.

Jane A Hudson-Price

Director of Studies