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Prep School

Learning to Shape the Future

Kensington Wade follows a traditional British prep school model with children being prepared fully for entrance exams to leading senior schools. The unique advantage at Kensington Wade is that we do all this in a fully immersive bilingual setting.

How does Kensington Wade integrate bilingual teaching into its curriculum?

All subjects at Kensington Wade are taught in both English and Chinese to ensure children master vocabulary in both languages. Topics are presented systematically to ensure a child’s knowledge and understanding progresses steadily throughout their time with us.

Pupils in Reception at Kensington Wade continue to follow the Early Years Foundation Framework and those in Years 1-6 learn the following subjects: art & design, Chinese, computing, English, geography, history, mathematics, music, philosophy and theology, PE, PSHE, Spanish (from Year 5) and science. PE and music lessons for all children are delivered by specialist teachers.

What curriculum does Kensington Wade Prep follow?

We follow the British curriculum except in mathematics where we follow the Shanghai Approach (also called the Mastery Approach). The same curriculum is followed regardless of the language in which it is being taught. Please click here for further information on our curriculum.

The teachers at Kensington Wade encourage each pupil to take part in discussion and debate, experience the joy of discovery, hone practical experimental skills, become independent in reading and research and to see the relation between what we learn in the classroom and everyday life. We also celebrate a wide range of cultural events during the year including Diwali as well as the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and Christmas.

How Is The Prep School Curriculum Delivered?

Kensington Wade’s Prep curriculum follows the British standard, enhanced by Shanghai-style Mastery Maths, and delivered in a fully bilingual model.

1. Core Framework

The school follows the British curriculum, ensuring strong academic grounding and preparation for 11+ assessments.

2. Shanghai Mastery Approach in Mathematics

Maths is taught using the rigorous Shanghai (Mastery) Approach, emphasising deep conceptual understanding.

3. Full Bilingual Immersion

All lessons are delivered either in English or in Mandarin (not both), with half the school day delivered in each language.

4. Specialist Subjects Across Languages

Children receive specialist instruction in music, sport, science, art, computing, Spanish, swimming, and more delivered bilingually.

5. Progressive Year-Group Pathways

Reception & KS1: Follow EYFS and early mastery maths, daily phonics and Chinese literacy.

KS2: Continue immersion, add computing, debating, team sports, and start 11+ preparation.’

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Fulham Palace Road, London W6 9ER