PRE-NURSERY TO LOWER-PREP SCHOOL
ACADEMIC LIFE
Play-based Learning in the Early Years
At Brighton College (Singapore), we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum of England from Pre-Nursery to Reception and our enhanced English National Curriculum programme from Year 1.
This play-based learning approach is not free play or unstructured time. It is carefully planned, teacher-led learning where every activity has a clear learning intention. It covers the seven areas of the EYFS framework – Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal Social and Emotional Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design – so your child builds skills across the full range of early development, not just reading and numbers.
Through observation, assessment, and teachable moments, children engage in activities they love, sparking motivation to learn and explore. We introduce phonics foundations in Nursery, building a sound a week, so that by the end of Reception all our pupils can read confidently.
Our mathematics approach develops number sense and problem-solving through hands-on activities such as counting games, pattern work, and real-world measurement. In the 2025-26 academic year, 79% of our Reception cohort achieved a Good Level of Development, above the national average of 68.3%.
Small Class Sizes for Personalised Learning
Our small class sizes mean your child is known individually by their teacher and teaching assistant, receiving the attention needed to thrive at their own pace. This British curriculum preschool experience includes specialist teaching, sensory exploration, and creative projects that develop the whole child. Regular assessment and reporting give you clear visibility of your child’s progress across each area of the EYFS framework, so you always know where they are and what comes next.
Year Groups and Ages
Each year group builds on the one before, so your child progresses at a pace that feels natural:
- Pre-Nursery (from 18 months): First introduction to structured learning through play and sensory exploration
- Nursery (from age 3): Developing independence, early literacy, and social confidence
- Reception (from age 4): Consolidating EYFS foundations in preparation for formal learning
- Year 1 (from age 5): Transitioning to the enhanced English National Curriculum
- Year 2 (from age 6): Building fluency in reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning
Refer to our Year Group entry guide for more information.
Mandarin Language Programme
Learning Mandarin at Brighton College (Singapore) opens doors to global opportunities.
We offer Advanced Mandarin for native speakers and Mandarin as a Foreign Language, ensuring every child engages meaningfully. EYFS and Lower Prep pupils explore Mandarin through age-appropriate, interactive, topic-based lessons. Pre-Nursery enjoy a full hour of Mandarin immersion weekly, while our Nursery engage in 80 minutes of Mandarin each week. Reception pupils attend two 40-minute lessons.
Specialist Teaching
From Pre-Nursery, your child works with specialist teachers in Mandarin, Music, PE, and Library – each bringing dedicated expertise rather than a single class teacher covering every subject. As children progress through the school, the number of specialist lessons increases, giving your child greater exposure to the subjects that may become lifelong interests.Beyond specialist lessons, our co-curricular activities extend learning further.
From EYFS to National Curriculum
In Year 1, pupils transition from the EYFS framework to our enhanced English National Curriculum. Rather than a sudden shift, this move is carefully staged to build on what your child already knows, maintaining the curiosity-driven approach while adding more structured sessions in English, mathematics, and science.
Teachers work closely with families throughout the transition, so you understand what is changing and your child feels confident at every step.
Join us at an Open House
The best way to experience what life is like at Brighton College (Singapore) is to join us at an Open House, where you will have the chance to talk to pupils and teachers about what makes our school such a special place, and to answer any questions you have about life here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EYFS curriculum?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework used in England for children’s learning and development from birth to five. It is structured around seven areas – from communication and literacy to physical development and understanding the world – so your child develops broadly, not just academically. At Brighton College (Singapore), we follow the EYFS from Pre-Nursery to Reception, adapting it to our international context while maintaining its evidence-based approach to early learning.
What age groups are in the EYFS and Lower Prep?
EYFS and Lower Prep welcomes children from 18 months (Pre-Nursery) through to Year 3 (age 7-8). This includes Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3.
How does Brighton College (Singapore) teach phonics?
Our phonics programme runs as daily structured sessions where children learn letter recognition, sounds, and blending through a combination of play and repetition. Each child progresses at their own pace, so a strong reader is stretched while a child still building confidence gets the extra support they need.
What specialist subjects are taught in EYFS and Lower Prep?
From Pre-Nursery, pupils receive specialist teaching in Mandarin, music, PE, and Library. As pupils progress through to Reception, the number of specialist lessons increases to also include swimming, dance, drama, and art.
When do children move from EYFS to the National Curriculum?
Children move from the EYFS to our enhanced English National Curriculum at the start of Year 1 (age 5). The transition is designed so your child experiences continuity rather than disruption. The same emphasis on curiosity and hands-on learning continues, with more structured sessions in English, mathematics, and science added gradually.
How can I learn more about the EYFS and Lower Prep curriculum?
We welcome families to visit through our weekly open mornings or personal tours. You can book a tour to see our Early Learning Village and meet our wonderful teaching team.
