Pre-Prep School Curriculum (Ages 5–11)
Nurturing Curious Minds, Confident Learners and Future Leaders
At Harrow International School Shenzhen, our Pre-Prep curriculum (Years 1–6) is thoughtfully designed to place each child at the heart of learning. We provide a rich, holistic education that balances academic excellence with character development, wellbeing, and global awareness—laying strong foundations for success in Upper School and beyond.
Guided by the Harrow Values of Courage, Honour, Humility and Fellowship, our students develop a strong moral compass that supports them not only throughout their education, but throughout their lives. These values are lived daily in classrooms, assemblies, co-curricular activities and community engagement.
A Curriculum for a Changing World
We recognise that today’s children are growing up in an ever-changing, interconnected world. Our curriculum is therefore designed to be relevant, purposeful and forward-looking. Through carefully planned learning experiences, students are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions and make meaningful connections between their studies and the world around them.
Key global themes—such as Climate Action, No Poverty, sustainability and innovation—are woven into topic-based learning and special programmes including Innovation Week. Alongside this, our Digital Literacy Programme equips students with essential skills to use technology safely, creatively and responsibly.
Leadership is a distinctive element of a Harrow education. Built upon over 450 years of Harrow tradition, our Harrow Leadership Attributes encourage students to lead with integrity and to understand the importance of service to others.
Blending British Excellence with Chinese Culture
Our Pre-Prep curriculum blends the strengths of the English National Curriculum with a strong emphasis on Chinese language and culture, reflecting both our international outlook and our local context in Shenzhen.
This balanced approach enables students to become confident, bilingual learners with a deep appreciation of cultural identity, respect and global citizenship.
Core Academic Subjects
The curriculum places strong emphasis on the core subjects:
- English– Developing confident readers, articulate speakers and purposeful writers
- Mathematics– Building strong number sense, problem-solving skills and logical thinking
- Mandarin Chinese– Developing communication skills and cultural understanding
Learning is carefully sequenced to ensure knowledge builds progressively year on year, while allowing flexibility to respond to individual learning needs.
Topic-Based Learning
To enrich and contextualise learning, students engage in cross-curricular topics that integrate:
- Science
- Geography
- History
This approach encourages curiosity, creativity and critical thinking, helping students to see learning as interconnected rather than confined to individual subjects.
A Broad and Balanced Curriculum
In addition to core and topic subjects, our Pre-Prep students benefit from a wide range of specialist lessons, including:
- Physical Education– Promoting fitness, teamwork and resilience
- Drama– Building confidence, communication and creativity
- Art and Design– Encouraging self-expression and imagination
- Computing– Developing digital skills and computational thinking
These subjects play a vital role in nurturing the whole child and allowing each student’s talents and interests to flourish.
Strong Foundations in Literacy
Literacy development is a key focus throughout the Pre-Prep years.
- In Early Years, Year 1 and Year 2, there is a strong emphasis on phonics, enabling children to develop secure reading and spelling skills.
- As students progress through Years 3, 4 5 and 6, they expand their vocabulary, refine their writing techniques and develop greater fluency and confidence in both reading and written expression.
This carefully structured progression ensures students are well prepared for the academic demands of Upper School.
Supporting Every Child
We believe that every child learns differently. Our Pre-Prep teachers provide a supportive, nurturing environment where students are encouraged to take risks, learn from mistakes and develop independence. High-quality pastoral care, clear routines and positive relationships ensure that children feel safe, valued and motivated to learn.
Preparing for the Future
By the end of the Pre-Prep phase, our students leave with:
- Strong academic foundations
- Confidence in communication and collaboration
- A clear sense of values and responsibility
- Curiosity about the world and a love of learning
Our Pre-Prep curriculum ensures that students are not only academically prepared for Upper School, but also equipped with the skills, values and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
At Harrow International School Shenzhen, we educate the mind, shape the character and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
