Co-Curricular and Trips
In the Pre Pre at Abbot’s Hill, learning continues well beyond the classroom walls. Our Pre‑Prep children are encouraged to explore, discover and express themselves through a rich variety of experiences—from Outdoor Learning to swimming, dance, music and much more. These moments spark curiosity, build confidence and nurture passions that can last a lifetime. Most importantly, we want our children to bound home each day eager to share their adventures—and our families tell us they certainly do.
PE
At Abbot’s Hill, we believe every child thrives when given the space to move, play and express themselves. Our PE programme is designed to do exactly that—building confidence and joy while developing coordination, balance, core strength and those all‑important teamwork skills.
Each week, children enjoy specialist‑taught sports lessons, including weekly swimming lessons. Throughout the year, children take part in much‑loved Pre‑Prep sporting events—including cross‑country races—giving them the chance to shine in front of a cheering crowd. And of course, the highlight of the summer term is our eagerly anticipated Pre‑Prep Sports Day, a celebration of energy, enthusiasm and school spirit.
The Arts
Creativity shines brightly in our Pre‑Prep. Children love to sing, dance, paint and build imaginative creations, and we nurture this enthusiasm through a rich introduction to music, art, drama and dance. These early experiences help pupils grow in confidence—whether they’re performing for an audience or proudly sharing their latest masterpiece.
In the Early Years, children sing together often and enjoy experimenting with simple percussion instruments. By Years 1 and 2, they can begin learning an instrument —an ideal foundation for the wider musical opportunities awaiting them in the Prep.
Drama is also a joyful and important part of life in Pre‑Prep. As well as developing speaking, listening and performance skills, our productions are treasured moments for families and children alike. From the much‑loved Christmas Nativity to Form Assemblies throughout the year, these events give every child a chance to shine on stage.
Outdoor Learning
Learning outdoors is a cherished and essential part of an Abbot’s Hill education. We believe children thrive when given the chance to discover, explore and create in a natural environment where they feel safe, free and inspired.
Our regular Forest School sessions, held in our own woodland, give children the space to engage with nature in meaningful ways. The ever‑changing outdoor setting encourages curiosity, independence and problem‑solving as children investigate, build, imagine and collaborate.
Unlike the more traditional classroom experiences many parents may recall, our approach emphasises how children learn rather than simply what they produce. We celebrate their resilience, teamwork, creativity and confidence—skills that grow naturally when learning takes place under open skies and among the trees.
Trips
Throughout the School, pupils enjoy a diverse range of enriching day trips designed to enhance and extend their classroom learning. These trips are carefully planned to support topic-based learning and develop pupils’ understanding of the wider world.
Early Years children begin by exploring their local area, including visits to the nearby canal, to develop their knowledge of community and environment. As they move through the Pre Prep Department, trips become longer and further afield, including places such as Kew Gardens. Pupils also benefit from visiting workshops across the year, to learn beyond the classroom in a meaningful and memorable way.
