Curriculum

There are 15 classes in the Junior School each with 20 – 24 children. The class teacher is an important figure in every pupil’s school life and is at the heart of the learning experience. Class teachers have the prime responsibility for monitoring progress of pupils in their care. All the teachers get to know the children well and it is this knowledge and understanding which enable the teacher to recognise the needs of each individual pupil and provide appropriate teaching.

Early Years Foundation Stage

(Nursery and Reception)

The curriculum is designed to promote the Early Learning Goals which enable children to progress through structured play and activities. Six areas of learning are addressed.

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
   
   Opportunities are provided for children to work and play together co-operatively and constructively in order to grow in self-confidence and self-esteem, whilst developing a respect for others. All children are encouraged to develop their own identities, independence and individual strengths. Every week, time is allocated for activities which foster sensitivity towards the needs of others so that children develop a caring attitude and take increasing responsibility for their own actions.
2. Communication, Language and Literacy
   
   A wide variety of literacy activities take place daily and throughout each week. These include encouraging the children to talk confidently and clearly expressing their views and opinions. In the Nursery, pre-reading activities, such as phonic work, and pre-writing activities, such as pattern-making, drawing, letter formation and copy writing, take place.In Reception, letter and word recognition are developed through phonics, news writing, creative writing and topic related work. Reading is developed using a variety of schemes as appropriate. Enjoyment of books of all kinds is fostered.
3. Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
   
   Structured activities are provided to give children experiences in sorting, matching, ordering and counting objects, recognising and using numbers and using appropriate language to compare quantities and measurement. A wide range of practical activities promote concepts of size, shape and money, and simple problems are solved through a wide range of practical activities.
4. Knowledge and Understanding of the World
   
   Children are encouraged to look closely at objects and their surroundings, describe what they see, noticing similarities and differences. They are given opportunities to find out about past events in their lives and their families’ lives, and find out about different cultures and beliefs.Children gain understanding and are encouraged to express their ideas about their immediate environment and the wider world. All children have access to networked computers and experience a wide range of software supporting the areas of learning.
5. Creative Development
   
   All pupils are encouraged to be creative in expressing their ideas and communicating with others. Opportunities are offered for this creativity to be expressed through: music, dance, the written and spoken word, speech and drama, and artistic work which explores colour, texture, shape and form in two and three dimensions.
6. Physical Development
   
   There are opportunities to develop co-ordination and spatial awareness through running, jumping, climbing, balancing and the use of large and small apparatus, and dance.Manipulative skills are developed through using construction materials, and a variety of appropriate art and craft tools.A variety of PE lessons encourages the development of physical co-ordination, balance and control. Skills are taught through a range of large and small apparatus, team games, music and movement, and dance.

Years 1 to 6 Curriculum

English

In the Junior School we provide the children with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to use the English language confidently, appropriately and accurately to the best of their ability. This is achieved through reading, writing, speaking and listening. Pupils respond to a wide range of literature and poetry and develop an awareness and critical appreciation of the performing arts. Teachers aim to instil in pupils a love of books and encourage the children to enjoy using language as speakers, readers and writers. English is usually taught by the class teacher in periods distinctly allocated to the subject. Learning continues throughout the day and throughout the curriculum. A flexible approach enables teachers to adapt work directly to the needs of the pupils.

Mathematics

From the very early stages pupils have the opportunity to enjoy maths and study it with confidence and a sense of achievement. Learning is supported and developed through a wide range of practical activities. Pupils develop a sense of number and learn number facts. They tackle problems and recognise the operations needed to solve them, explaining their methods and reasoning in correct mathematical language. Pupils learn to calculate accurately and efficiently, both mentally and with pencil and paper drawing on a range of calculation strategies. They are able to explain and make predictions from graphs, diagrams, charts and tables.

Science

In science we aim to develop a child’s natural curiosity about the world by providing opportunities for pupils to find out about themselves and the world around them. The development of scientific skills, knowledge and understanding is encouraged.

Geography

Geography is usually taught by the class teacher and forms the basis of much of the topic work. Pupils are given the opportunity to investigate their own surroundings and develop knowledge, skills and understanding of their own environment and the rest of the world.

History

History is usually taught by the class teacher and is generally taught in a topic format. History is linked with other areas of the curriculum such as English, Art and ICT wherever this is appropriate. Study of a major historical topic will either include a visit to a place relevant to the pupils’ area of study or visitors are welcomed to run workshops and role play sessions.

ICT

One of the most exciting educational developments of the last two decades has been the speed with which Information and Communication Technology has become an utterly indispensable part of teaching and learning for all our children. Each classroom at the Junior School, for example, is equipped with an interactive whiteboard allowing the teacher to bring the world into the classroom with an unprecedented wealth of vivid, contemporary resources. The school is also fortunate to be generously resourced in terms of desktop and laptop computers and all the essential peripherals – high quality printers, scanners, cameras, digital projectors, roamers.

Weekly ICT lessons for all pupils allow for the rapid development of a vast skill base in an ever-growing range of topics, from desktop publishing to digital imaging, spreadsheets to animation, computer control to databases. Skills are taught not in isolation but within the context of subject areas so that they are immediately relevant to the pupils’ needs. Once they have assimilated new techniques, the pupils need little encouragement to use and adapt them creatively across the curriculum. By the time they reach Year Six, our girls are using ICT to tackle a substantial proportion of their weekly work, most of them moving their files seamlessly between home and school and fully exploiting the continuity of learning that today’s technology allows.

Art

Art enjoys a high status at the Junior School. It offers pupils visual, tactile and sensory experiences not explored in other areas of the curriculum and provides a unique way of understanding and responding to the world. Themes are explored, including both 2D and 3D projects, using different media.

Design & Technology

Pupils carry out a wide range of practical activities, which involve identifying problems, needs or opportunities and responding to them by developing ideas and making a design. The finished product is evaluated in the context of the original need.

Music

The primary reason for teaching music is to ensure that each pupil has the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate music. It develops creativity and imagination. Group music making develops social skills and an understanding of the need to co-operate with others. Listening to and performing world music fosters the understanding of a variety of cultures.

Throughout the school there are many opportunities for performance, whether as an individual, a small group, as a class or year group – or even as a whole school!

There is a wide and varied programme of musical extra curricular activities.

French

We aim to raise awareness of today’s multilingual world and foster a positive attitude towards foreign language learning. The gradual acquisition of language skills gives them a sense of confidence and intellectual stimulus as they learn to understand and communicate in another language. Children have the opportunity to develop the foundations of a good French accent.

RE

RE teaches pupils about the nature of religious beliefs and practices, and the importance and influence of these in the lives of believers. We hope this will promote a tolerant understanding of and respect for people in our multicultural society. Desirable skills and attitudes such as personal reflection, learning to respect the opinions of others, the ability to express feelings and opinions and listening and asking questions are all encouraged.

Physical Education

Physical education develops pupils’ physical competence and confidence and their ability to use these to perform various activities. Opportunities are provided for the pupils to be creative, competitive, work as individuals, in groups and in teams. It promotes positive attitudes towards an active and healthy lifestyle. From Year One pupils benefit from specialist teaching. There is a wide and varied programme of extra curricular activities.

Educational Outings

The curriculum is further enriched by extending the learning experience outside the classroom. There are many opportunities for the children to visit historic sites, religious centres, theatres, museums and art galleries. We also like to welcome outside speakers and theatre groups, to participate in a variety of workshops, and to develop the children’s individual talents in sport, music, drama and the creative arts.

Learning Support

The Junior School offers a programme of additional support for children who experience learning difficulties. Some may receive help from peripatetic specialist teachers. The Learning Support Co-ordinator offers advice concerning the management of support in the Junior School.

The Junior School has a programme that ensures the needs of those children who have been identified as gifted and talented are recognised and supported.