Beyond The Classroom

The importance of enhancing the curriculum and taking learning to a more practical level from an early age cannot be underestimated. Research suggests giving children independence in these areas builds happier, more confident children who are less anxious.

What after-school clubs does The White House run?
A wide range of after-school clubs run each term at this Clapham prep school, many chosen by the children and the School Council, with a full list published each term.

How does The White House help new starters settle in?
New children in Years 1 to 6 are supported by a buddy system, pairing them with an existing pupil, while Reception children are supported through dedicated settling-in events ahead of their first day.

How does The White House prepare children for 11+ entry?
The White House has a dedicated Head of 11+ with over 25 years of experience. Recent Year 6 cohorts have received over 100 offers from 30 senior schools, including St Paul’s, King’s Wimbledon, Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, Emanuel, Francis Holland, City of London, Westminster, Benenden and Brighton College.

What is the Super Curriculum at The White House?
The Super Curriculum takes children’s learning beyond the classroom, including Nurture in Reception, Enterprise lessons, Choice, and the Futures programme in Year 6, all designed to build natural curiosity and independent learning.

Is The White House inspected or accredited?
Yes. The White House is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and holds B Corp certification.

What makes The White House stand out among prep schools in south west London?
Families comparing prep schools in Clapham, Balham and Streatham often point to The White House’s family feel, its strong 11+ results, and the fact that every child is genuinely known by their teachers. The best way to judge whether it is the right fit is to book a visit.

We take the “prep” in preparing children seriously, not only for their future schools but also life, by offering enrichment programmes from Reception-Year 6 in which children learn soft skills and are exposed to different experiences that help prepare them for their secondary school years ahead.

When thinking about such enrichment programmes, it is essential to first think about what passions, interests or hobbies the children have to captivate their minds. Our Beyond the Classroom “Super Curriculum” allows children the independence to make and learn from their mistakes, thus building more confident learners, happy to have a go.

At The White House Prep School, we are offering an innovative and well-thought out alternative across different phases of the school. In order to be relevant the Super Curriculum is reviewed, reinvigorated, and made current every year in order to keep pace with our dynamic and evolving lifestyles.

How Does White House School Nurture Pupils in Reception?

We recognise the importance of wellbeing and how exciting yet daunting at times to start a new school at Reception. Our two Reception classes focus on building strong friendships, communication and language skills and are incredibly warm and welcoming environments. We have a rich outdoor learning program which includes Forest School, as well as our ‘Nurture’ programme. ‘Nurture’ is an extra curriculum programme focusing on growing the children’s interests outside the classroom. Children learn practical life skills in four small groups. This includes activities such as financial awareness, mini architects, budding scientists and team building skills such as mapping the local area. Pupil voice is at the forefront of planning and teachers will plan the activities according to the children’s interests and exploration. Children feel secure to communicate in different environments to a classroom setting, build relationships and build on their passions and interests.

What Life Skills Do Pupils Develop in Years 1 and 2?

In KS1 we extend the Nurture programme with Life Skills. This sees the children focus on a specific area each term to develop independence. These include ‘Safety’, ‘Independence’ and ‘Challenge’ and see the children take on challenges like first aid training including CPR; learning about road safety with a practical “live road” built in the garden and learning what to do, and who to call in an emergency.

How Does Enterprise Learning Shape Pupils in Years 3–6?

Enterprise is part of the curriculum for KS2 and is an introduction to Business Studies. Children have the opportunity to create different businesses, directed by the teacher. They learn to work in small groups and even present their ideas to the younger children. Projects in the past have included Year 3 planning their own school trip and Year 6 making board games for Reception class. Enterprise uses skills from all their lessons-Maths for budgeting, Drama for presenting, Art for marketing and Science for creativity. It is hugely exciting to see what the children develop every year.

Why Is Choice Important for Pupils in Years 4–6?

On Wednesday afternoons Years 4 – 6 are given the opportunity to attend an additional lesson of their choice. This ranges from Art History, Dance, Alternative Sports, Public Speaking and STEM to name a few. We find that these sessions help children to acquire skills and talents that often support scholarships for senior schools and children love mixing between the different year groups. Children choose one “choice lesson” for the term and swap termly.

How Does Year 6 Prepare Pupils for Future Success?

In Year 6, our ‘Futures’ programme turns to preparing the boys and girls for life, not just careers: challenges in geography see children given the task to navigate public transport (with teacher supervision from distance) from school to Covent Garden; children have practical science lessons with a top surgeon who leads them in a heart dissection (not human!) and also record podcasts in a professional recording studio ; Spanish lessons switch to conversational as the leavers prepare for their residential trip to Seville; Latin vocabulary focuses on legal terminology before a visit to the law courts. While enthusing children with curriculum extending opportunities can never be sidelined in a school, it is the life skills and financial awareness, exposure to independence to daily pursuits which will make our young citizens be future-proof in everyday life.

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I like the White House because it is a good place to learn and it opened me up to many things. I am in Year Six now and I have been at the school from the very beginning. I joined the nursery when I was one and have been through all the years with my fellow classmates. My Year Six teachers have taught me so much and have helped me through my 11+ I also like sports and enjoy competing in many fixtures.” Nico, Year 6 pupil