Introduction

Pulteney Grammar’s Prep School develops the critical, creative and ethical intelligences of all students. It offers a curriculum designed to create ‘Life Long Learners’ who strive to fulfill their potential.

The Prep School provides a stimulating and exciting learning environment where students are encouraged to be self-motivated and to operate independently both socially and academically.

Teaching staff place a strong emphasis on assisting the students in developing independence in their daily organisation, in their thinking and in their learning.

The curriculum structure in the Prep School is sequential in that children of varying abilities and at different developmental stages can be supported and extended in their learning.  Integrated programming and planning supports the classroom teachers as they differentiate the curriculum to cater for the needs of each individual student.

We employ a range of teaching methodologies including explicit teaching and learning strategies designed to develop understanding and enhance students’ thinking and learning. Through the direct teaching of thinking skills, students develop the ability to be able analyse, reflect upon and interpret the world around them. These skills provide students with the strategies they require to become independent learners and helps to prepare them for the more complex demands of the Middle School and one ninety.

Our focus is also on the development of social and emotional competence of the individual. In building an awareness of self and an awareness of others, students can then build on their understanding of the importance of relationships in today’s increasingly complex and changing technological world.

Children who do ‘well’ academically and find school educationally fulfilling are predominantly those with good relationships supported by strong friendships. Teaching children to balance their own needs with the needs of others is emphasized throughout the Prep School. Teachers help children to appreciate the effect of their actions upon others and assist them to develop concern for the welfare of their classmates. This ethos among girls and boys is something we value and work hard to achieve.

Densie O'Loughlin
Director of Prep
doloughlin@pulteney.sa.edu.au