Curriculum

The school is divided into 8 year-groups, including the Nursery (to find out more about the Nursery click here).

The curriculum is organised so that it provides experience of the different elements of learning – knowledge, concepts, skills and attitudes – and the different areas of learning – linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. Wherever possible we provide exciting,real-life experiences to bring subjects alive and instil our pupils with a life-long love of learning. Throughout the school, the curriculum is enhanced each term by educational visits to places of interest related to work in the classroom. The curriculum that we teach in the Nursery and Reception classes (Early Years Foundation Stage) focuses on the Early Learning Goals and on developing children’s skills and experiences in the six areas of learning: social and emotional development; communication, language and literacy; numeracy, knowledge and understanding of the world; creative and physical development.  Specialist teaching begins in the Nursery with the Music, Games, PE, Spanish and Dance teachers.  Each class has designated lessons in the ICT suite where they are taught in small groups. These skills are further developed within the classroom where children have access to computers and interactive whiteboards and can use their ICT skills to enhance their learning in other areas of the curriculum.

Years 1 and 2 begin a more formal programme of study, which is broadly in line with National Curriculum guidelines. Each class has a Form Teacher and a dedicated full-time teaching assistant. Your child's form teacher is responsible for his or her academic development and pastoral welfare and teaches the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Art, Design Technology, and PSHCE.  Y1 begin drama lessons, paving the way for many pupils to take LAMDA exams in Y2. Y2 also have weekly swimming lessons.  The enhanced Curriculum, offers a wide range of educational experiences with specialist teachers.

The Junior School (Years 3 to 6) builds on the solid foundation established by the Infant (KS1/EYFS) department. The day is divided into five lessons and all pupils are taught English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, French, ICT, Music, DT, Art, PSHCE, Physical Education, and Religious Studies with regard to and extending National Curriculum guidelines. Weekly lessons in Study Skills/Thinking skills and reasoning are also built in to the timetable and Latin and General Knowledge are introduced in Year 6. Their form Teachers are responsible for pupils' general academic progress and pastoral care. However, for much of the day these classes are divided into ability groups and taught by subject specialist teachers. These are more formally set in Years 5 and 6 when the specialist English and Maths teachers prepare pupils for Public School Entrance Examinations and 11+ Examinations for Grammar Schools as well as Key Stage 2 National Tests. Ability grouping ensures that all pupils are challenged and supported according to their individual needs and talents which enables us to achieve first class academic results whilst catering for all abilities. Most of our pupils go on to local selective secondary schools.

More adventurous trips such as 'Overnight at the Museum', 'Weekend Bush Craft' and a ski trip are organised for Junior pupils, culminating in a residential week for Year 6 in the summer term. These give exciting opportunities for the children to participate in educational activities off site, promoting teamwork, a sense of challenge and an enthusiasm for learning.

 "The school  meets the needs of all pupils, whatever their talents or difficulties.   Pupils respond well to the challenges provided and achieve high standards."