Year 6 Diploma Adventures Begin

As pupils begin their final year at Truro School Prep, the Year 6 Diploma provides the opportunity to bring together the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their time with us.

As an independent school, Truro School Prep is not bound by the need to complete standardised testing (SATS). Instead, on entering Year 6, your child will embark on the Prep School Diploma, a year-long journey with the core aim of making each pupil a well-rounded individual. The idea is that every pupil will develop a firm understanding of his or her own strengths and abilities ahead of secondary school.

The Diploma spans academic study, creative expression, physical development and essential life skills. Pupils undertake independent projects, improve their presentation and communication skills, and engage in practical learning that prepares them for the demands of senior school and beyond.

At its heart is a focus on learning to know and the nurturing of metacognition, curiosity and a more involved understanding of subjects through independent enquiry, and it reflects achievement in six broad areas of learning and experience:

Core Academic Subjects (English, Maths, Science)
Humanities (Geography, History and Religious Education)
Performing Arts (Music and Drama)
Creative Arts (Design Technology and Art)
Sport and Outdoor Activity
Life-Skills (ICT, Foreign Languages, Cooking and First Aid

As part of the outdoor education element of the Diploma, our Year 6 pupils were out on the north coast; an annual tradition that helps the new classes to bond, while they enjoy our Cornish surrounds.

The walk began with a steady climb from Chapel Porth to St Agnes Beacon, where pupils paused to take in views across to Carn Brea and RAF Portreath, swapping stories of local legends like Bolster along the way.

Descending towards Wheal Coates, this year’s group got hands-on with the mine buildings, exploring the remains, discussing how they were used, and piecing together how mining technology developed over time. Standing inside an old engine house brings Cornwall’s mining history to life in a way no textbook can.

At Truro School, we strongly believe that many of the less commonly assessed aspects of education are as important as the core academic subjects in the development of well-balanced, confident young people. The walk provided a brilliant blend of teamwork, humanities and outdoor adventure. Thank you to the staff who supported the trip, and to our Year 6 pupils, who represented Truro School Prep with real enthusiasm throughout.