Introduction
Children are welcomed into the Junior School from the age of Reception to Year 6. Our three principles of individuality, opportunity and success are central to all that we do. These are achieved by our dedicated and professional team, small class sizes (capped at twenty pupils), and our child-led enquiry-based curriculum.
Opportunity
As a small family-orientated school with international links, we enable our pupils to become better global citizens. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in regular fixtures, exchanges to our sister schools in Europe, our Forest School, trips and residentials as well as other experiences that enrich their learning and personal development.
PRIMARY YEARS DEVELOPMENT
Individuality
Teachers work collaboratively to ensure that every child has an individualised approach that meets both their academic and pastoral needs. This is further reinforced by receiving subject specialist teaching in Art, Design and Technology, Spanish, Music, Swimming, Physical Education and Science (Year 5 and 6).
Success
As a Junior School, our holistic and nurturing approach to success is measured using summative and formative assessments as well as recognising personal growth and achievements. Alongside continual teacher assessments, our children’s progress is supported by regular computer-based testing which further enables our individualised approach without the pressures of external exams or SATs. All of this allows our teachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinator to identify and respond to every individual’s needs.
Children’s successes both in and outside of school are highlighted in our weekly Junior Celebration Assembly. The assembly also gives children the chance to showcase their talent whether this be performing a musical instrument, sharing their learning or triumphs on the sports field.
Our family-oriented approach works in harmony with our three principles which enable happy, confident and curious pupils with a love of learning.
Curriculum
Across the school, we use the Early Years Foundation Framework in Reception and the English National Curriculum as a basis for our Junior School Enquiry Programme. Both of these are enriched by our extensive co-curricular programme.
Forest School
Children have regular opportunities to access our accredited Forest School where they take their love of learning outside. During Forest School sessions, they learn practical skills such as fire lighting, whittling, tool safety and working with nature. These help build the vital transferable characteristics of self-esteem, risk-taking, confidence and resilience.
Co-curricular Opportunities
All of our pupils have the opportunity to take part in a varied range of activities to support their education. These always include sporting activities such as horse-riding, golf, swimming or team sports. We also have a focus on nature and the environment, making use of our beautiful grounds where our Eco Committee leads the way in developing our drive for sustainability. We also have clubs that further support aspects of learning such as art, music, creative writing and mathematics.
