Science, Maths & ICT at Hanford Prep
The aim of our Science Technology Engineering and Maths teaching at Hanford Prep is to encourage a wide interest in the world around us and to understand the relevance of science in everyday life.
The girls build their analytical skills, develop logical problem solving, engage in intellectual curiosity and learn to use data as evidence.
Science
All pupils have Science lessons in our two science laboratories.
The youngest girls in Years 3 and 4 are introduced to the subject and begin to learn their way around the labs and how to use the equipment. They also have nature lessons outside in the grounds, where the girls learn to look at the changing environment around them.
The ISEB syllabus commences in Year 5 at 11+, moving onto 13+ in the second half of Year 6. Scientific topics are taught at an age appropriate level and then revisited in more detail as pupils grow through the School.
The learning is enhanced by a great deal of practical work where girls can develop their laboratory skills.
Maths
At Hanford Prep, we recognise that pupils’ comfort with mathematics varies wildly based on their previous experience with the subject.
We work very hard to make sure that every girl gets the most out of their mathematics lesson, addressing concerns and fears, challenging where appropriate and through our own passion, demonstrating the beauty and importance of the subject.
We believe that mathematics underpins everything in our world and with excellent support from our colleagues from other subject specialisations, we embed mathematics into art, history and even horse riding! We don’t forget the core skills, such as times tables, and we encourage the girls to take part in the UKMT Challenge each summer.
We take great pride in the fact that our pupils enjoy their lessons and love exploring mathematical ideas and concepts.
In Lower and Upper Sixth pupils are streamed for mathematics, allowing us to concentrate on raising the level of mathematical attainment of every pupil, but still challenging the mathematically most able and allowing them to move forward at a more rapid pace.
Extra small group lessons are offered to the more able in preparation for scholarship examinations and for those who need some reinforcement for Common Entrance.
Computing at Hanford Prep
At Hanford Prep, computing is about creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on making.
We go beyond the screen, integrating technology with real-world design and practical subjects to ensure our girls develop both technical skills and a maker’s mindset.
From when they join us, girls learn the fundamentals of computing, building confidence across a range of digital tools, ensuring they are well-prepared for senior school and beyond.
However, we believe computing is about more than just using software; it’s about designing and making. We use micro:bit mini-computers, using coding and electronics to bring their ideas to life, and girls develop CAD (Computer-Aided Design) skills to create projects that connect with other subjects, from Science to Art and Handwork.
Whether creating 2D designs to be machine-cut or programming interactive devices, our curriculum encourages innovation and hands-on exploration.
We also take computing beyond the classroom.
Whether it’s using iPads for digital photography in nature, collecting environmental data with sensors, or applying coding skills to outdoor challenges, we encourage our girls to see technology as a tool that enhances creativity and discovery in the real world.
By the time they leave Hanford Prep, our girls are not only technologically capable but also digitally creative and practically skilled, ready to take on the computing challenges of senior school and the wider world.
Science, Maths & ICT at Hanford
The aim of our Science Technology Engineering and Maths teaching at Hanford is to encourage a wide interest in the world around us and to understand the relevance of science in everyday life.
The girls build their analytical skills, develop logical problem solving, engage in intellectual curiosity and learn to use data as evidence.
Science
All pupils have Science lessons in our two science laboratories. The youngest girls in Years 3 and 4 are introduced to the subject and begin to learn their way around the labs and how to use the equipment. They also have nature lessons outside in the grounds, where the girls learn to look at the changing environment around them.
The ISEB syllabus commences in Year 5 at 11+, moving onto 13+ in the second half of Year 6. Scientific topics are taught at an age appropriate level and then revisited in more detail as pupils grow through the School. The learning is enhanced by a great deal of practical work where girls can develop their laboratory skills.
Maths
At Hanford, we recognise that pupils’ comfort with mathematics varies wildly based on their previous experience with the subject. We work very hard to make sure that every girl gets the most out of their mathematics lesson, addressing concerns and fears, challenging where appropriate and through our own passion, demonstrating the beauty and importance of the subject.
We believe that mathematics underpins everything in our world and with excellent support from our colleagues from other subject specialisations, we embed mathematics into art, history and even horse riding! We don’t forget the core skills, such as times tables, and we encourage the girls to take part in the UKMT Challenge each summer.
We take great pride in the fact that our pupils enjoy their lessons and love exploring mathematical ideas and concepts.
In Lower and Upper Sixth pupils are streamed for mathematics, allowing us to concentrate on raising the level of mathematical attainment of every pupil, but still challenging the mathematically most able and allowing them to move forward at a more rapid pace.
Extra small group lessons are offered to the more able in preparation for scholarship examinations and for those who need some reinforcement for Common Entrance.
Computing at Hanford
At Hanford, computing is about creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on making. We go beyond the screen, integrating technology with real-world design and practical subjects to ensure our girls develop both technical skills and a maker’s mindset.
From when they join us, girls learn the fundamentals of computing, building confidence across a range of digital tools, ensuring they are well-prepared for senior school and beyond.
However, we believe computing is about more than just using software; it’s about designing and making. We use micro:bit mini-computers, using coding and electronics to bring their ideas to life, and girls develop CAD (Computer-Aided Design) skills to create projects that connect with other subjects, from Science to Art and Handwork. Whether creating 2D designs to be machine-cut or programming interactive devices, our curriculum encourages innovation and hands-on exploration.
We also take computing beyond the classroom. Whether it’s using iPads for digital photography in nature, collecting environmental data with sensors, or applying coding skills to outdoor challenges, we encourage our girls to see technology as a tool that enhances creativity and discovery in the real world.
By the time they leave Hanford, our girls are not only technologically capable but also digitally creative and practically skilled, ready to take on the computing challenges of senior school and the wider world.