Subjects

The visual arts encourage children to think creatively, make decisions, experiment and explore, and make discoveries of their own. Each year pupils will experience workshops run by visiting artists. These offer possibilities for creative work that extend beyond the normal range. Learning is enhanced through shared experiences, perceptions, cultural backgrounds and working methods.

Classics facilitates the study and practice of modern languages, including our own, and fosters an appreciation of the roots of Western civilisation.

Our principal aims are to develop computer science capability, and give pupils confidence in using ICT skills in different contexts, exploring new possibilities and communicating ideas.

The Technology Department helps pupils to develop their skills in design and making, along with understanding, innovation and creativity in order to produce high quality products, and to develop an appreciation of the technological processes involved in the production of goods and products.

Studying drama encourages pupils to develop their teamwork and communication skills, builds their confidence and helps them to become accustomed to public speaking. Each year we present two full-scale plays, one for Years 7/8 and one for Year 5. These are performed in the school’s very own theatre, The Redgrave Theatre.

The EAL department at Clifton College Prep School aims to enable new pupils to adapt to life at Clifton College, bearing in mind the variety of differing backgrounds and cultures they represent.

The English department encourages pupils to develop oral, listening, reading, writing and language skills along with fostering a lifelong enjoyment of literature – through studying novels, plays, short stories and poetry.

Geography prompts pupils to take a look at the world in which they live, and provides an opportunity to investigate the physical and human characteristics of the world, and understand the close links between the human population and the natural environment. Geography encourages pupils to think on a wider scale and opens their minds to new and exciting ideas.

The study of history informs pupils’ understanding and appreciation of the world as it is today, and their place in it. It helps students develop essential skills of research, enquiry, evaluation and analysis, encouraging them to prepare and test theories, and provide coherent, fluent answers to challenging questions.

At Clifton College, we teach mathematics with rigour and imagination. Proficiency in mathematics encourages the development of valuable and transferable skills.

Our aim is to encourage pupils to communicate with confidence by providing a solid foundation of basic grammar and vocabulary; to develop an awareness of the culture and traditions of other countries; and to ensure pupils enjoy and succeed in their own learning.

The Music Department aims to offer all pupils the opportunity to gain enjoyment from this broad subject, at as many different levels as possible. The Department encourages pupils to learn instruments individually and to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities.

Activities within the PE programme have a clear educational objective. Teachers promote physical activity that is fun, leads to individual progress, and promotes self-esteem and a desire to participate in physical activity.

The PSHE programme helps pupils to build their confidence, self-esteem and to identify and manage risk. To make informed choices and understand what influences their decisions. It enables them to manage emotions and to communicate constructively in a variety of settings.

At Clifton College, Religious Studies develops a child’s core knowledge and deeper understanding of the role of religion, belief and ethics in the contemporary world in which we live. It extends their natural curiosity and broadens their understanding, aiding them to be confident enough to develop their own beliefs and values, while respecting the cultural and religious differences of others, thus preparing them for life in modern society.

At Clifton College, Science is an engaging and enjoyable subject. We emphasise the importance of the practical and investigative nature of science, and all lessons are led by specialist science teachers in fully-equipped science labs. We provide opportunities for the pupils to develop their skills, creativity, knowledge and understanding of Science through a range of activities.