Pre-Prep School - Marlborough College Malaysia

- Hannah Cassidy, Head of Pre-Prep

MCM Pre-Prep offers a unique opportunity in this part of the world, to access a UK standard of education that closely follows the EYFS Learning Goals and UK National Curriculum standards. Delivery is exceptional, with an experienced and passionate core team that is bolstered by specialist teachers in a range of subjects such as languages, sport and the arts. This is all achieved in a stimulating and stunning learning environment.

MCM Pre-Prep will offer the best academic and pastoral care for children from Nursery to Year 3 in the Asia Pacific region.The Pre-Prep is an integral part of Marlborough College Malaysia where every child can flourish academically, physically and emotionally.

Our pupils are taught to be curious individuals with a passion for learning, fostering a sense of personal responsibility and the courage to try new experiences. From the beginning of their journey through school, we develop character strengths that align closely with the International Baccaleureate (IB) Learner Profile. In order to develop children holistically and provide them with the characteristics and skills that will enable them to succeed throughout their education; our Pre-Prep focus strengths are Teamwork, Kindness, Grit, Positive Choices, Responsibility and Love of Learning.

Why Marlborough Pre-Prep?

Equitable Education: Meeting Children’s Needs

We believe that all children must feel safe in order to learn effectively, both psycologically and physically. Our Wellbeing programme provides the skeleton to this provision, delivered through weekly lessons, but infiltrating every aspect of school life.

Embedded understanding of the ‘three Cs’ (compassion, conversation and companionship) within planning and core to the Pre-prep culture.
Targeted and celebrated development core character strengths in pupils; teamwork, kindness, grit, positive choices, responsibility and love of learning .
Provision of a wellbeing programme that empowers, equips and engages all pupils and prepares them for the rigours and challenges of later life.
Creation of an environment of complete inclusivity, safety and tolerance.

Enriched Learning

Our Learning Enrichment department provides assessment and support for children who are identified as having additional needs to others. This may mean that they are having difficulty in some areas of their learning, but we also cater for those that need additional challenge and who have the capacity to be stretched beyond the expectations for their age. Whatever their needs, our school offers the tools and resources needed to ensure that every child has an equitable access to education and that they can flourish in school.

EAL (English as Another Language)

Many of our pupils come to school with English as their second or even third language. As we deliver our curriculum in English, our first priority is to ensure that these children have the English skills and understanding that they need to progress. For these pupils, we offer an EAL programme which replaces other languages for a period of time. Once pupils ‘graduate’ for the EAL programme, they can participate in other language lessons.

British Values in a Global Community

We celebrate the multicultural nature of Marlborough College Malaysia throughout the school year. Nations Day, Lunar New Year and Hari Raya provide fabulous contexts for celebrating language and cuture in college; through the mediums of song, dance and rhyme. Our pupils learn to identify as global citizens who can all contribute through valuing and respecting both their own cultures and beliefs, and those of others.

Pupils at MCM learn to celebrate their own identity, but they also understand the importance of tolerance. Through events, performances and the day-to-day interactions in school, we promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Outdoor Learning and Forest School

Every child in Pre-prep embraces the opportunity to attend Forest School sessions led by our own Forest School Leaders. Forest School is a child-led, outdoor-based learning programme, designed to develop children’s problem-solving skills as well as developing a sense of curiosity, responsibility and risk-management into their educational experience.

Through taking part in a Forest School programme, pupils learn to engage with their natural environment and freely explore their ideas, in a way that is not possible within the confines of the classroom.

Our Pre-Prep Curriculum

Key Areas

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

We have a thriving Nursery and Reception department that delivers an ambitious EYFS curriculum led by specialist teachers, ensuring academic excellence in the seven key areas of learning:

Literacy
Communication and language
Mathematics
Understanding the world
Expressive arts and design
Personal, social and emotional; and
Physical development.

The Early Years are a critical stage of development for every young child. During this time children develop rapidly; physically, socially, intellectually and emotionally. The Early Years form the foundations of knowledge, giving them the best possible start on their educational journey The model for learning in these Early Years is one of continuous provision; which is a holistic, play based and child centred approach. Our specialist team design and deliver learning through a creative and immersive selection of activities that ensure children learn constantly, as well as developing attributes such as curiosity and creative thinking. They learn the foundation skills for life, within a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment.

Key Stage 1: Year 1 (5-6 years) and 2 (6-7 years)

Years 1 and 2 follow the British National Curriculum, Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2). Our curriculum meets the standards and learning objectives of UK schools; including Mathematics, English (including Phonics, Reading and Writing), Science and Humanities. This core curriculum is enriched through the delivery of an extensive range of subjects and co-curricular lessons and activities.

Year 1 (5-6 years) marks a transitional period for our pupils, when continuous provision moves towards a more formalised learning approach. However, we know that this transition must be taken slowly and that pupils continue to need many opportunities to learn through play, as well as many other kinetic activities such as learning Maths through the use of manipulatives.

In Year 2, pupils transition further into formal learning, although we still offer many opportunities for child-led and contextual learning, including on-going Forest School sessions, annual performances and lessons in our on-site farm.

Lower Key Stage 2: Year 3 (7-8 years)

Year 3 is the pupils’ final year in Pre-Prep and it is here that we focus on developing skills such as responsibility and leadership. Year 3 pupils take on leadership roles, when they can contribute to the Pre-Prep community and develop confidence in themselves. With our curriculum continuing to develop with the addition of Drama and Design and Technology lessons, pupils also complete activities such as class presentations (confidence) and an overnight residential (independence). As part of their leadership responsibilities, they also run a Pupil Voice system which advocates decision making and empowering young people through being heard.

A Broad Curriculum

Languages

Physical Development and Sport

At MCM, we know that children can’t learn without daily opportunities for physical activity – healthy body, healthy mind. As well as play and outdoor learning, pupils have five specialist lessons per week in Games or Physical Education by Year 3. Up until Year 2, the focus is primarily on developing the skills needed for the future; such as coordination and balance. They also gain some exposure to friendly competitions, such as swimming galas and House competitions. However, in Year 3 pupils begin to take part in more serious team games, tournaments and competitions; making full use of our incredible facilities such as 4G Astroturf, tennis courts, swimming pool and multiple rugby and football pitches. We also have a thriving gymnastics programme, weekly ballet lessons and a range of extra-curricular clubs such as Judo and fencing.

Arts and Performance

Our curriculum is bolstered by many opportunities to perform; from weekly pupil-led presentations – which have done so much to build verbal confidence – to our regular class assemblies. Incredible annual performances punctuate the school year; Nativity performances in the Early Years and a Michaelmas Term performance by Year 1, a Lent Term performance in Year 2 and Summer Term in Year 3; these are always real highlights of the school year. We also end the academic year with our annual Ballet Showcase and Musical extravaganza; which include singing, dancing and instrumental performances by all our pupils.

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Welcome to Marlborough Pre-Prep