The Junior School
Ages 4 to 6 years
This sees the beginning of your son’s formal education.
The Head of the Junior School is Mrs Sally Kirkbright and she has a staff of 6 full-time teachers and 6 teaching assistants.
Expectations
The Junior Dept has high expectations and every boy is expected to achieve the best that he can. Staff work closely with parents and pupils to achieve this goal.
Daily life is governed by 5 school rules, which are displayed around the school, and all boys are encouraged to follow them. They are:
- We agree to be gentle, kind and helpful
- We agree to work hard
- We agree to look after property
- We agree to listen to people
- We agree to be honest
We also expect good manners and thoughtfulness and in keeping with traditional values, boys are expected to hold doors open for adults, to stand up when visitors enter the classroom and, at the end of each day, to dock their caps and bid their teacher “good afternoon”.
Curriculum
We work beyond the limits of the National Curriculum, taking the best elements and extending them to suit the individual needs of our boys. We are always looking to challenge the pupils and set our expectations appropriately high.
Each morning in class, we concentrate largely on Literacy and Numeracy, laying solid foundations for the years to come, with most other subjects taught in the afternoon. These include: Science, D.T, Topic Work, History, Geography and R.E.
Computers are used routinely to extend the boy’s knowledge and to reinforce curriculum work.
Learning to read well in their formative years is vital for all children and this is an area upon which we place great emphasis. We have introduced a wide variety of reading schemes and achieve high standards. We have an on site library and also make use of the library in the village.
Music, Art and Games are taught from Reception age upwards by specialist teachers from our Senior School. A fully qualified and experienced Swim Instructor takes swimming lessons in our own pool.
Homework
Homework in the form of reading begins in Reception. This early introduction ensures the boys get used to the discipline of a good homework routine. The amount given is then built upon each year to ensure progression.
Extra-curricular Activities
We offer a wide range of extra – curricular activities after school which become more extensive and varied as the boys go through their school life. Clubs in Junior School can include pottery, story club, gymnastics, football, rounders, library, and music experience. We are constantly thinking of new clubs to challenge and interest the boys.
Trips and Events
Despite a very packed curriculum, there are numerous other events, trips, and visitors during the year. We also stage a major drama production each year in which every boy in the Junior School is involved. Parents are warmly invited to any of the above should they wish to attend. Full details will appear each term on the website.
Special Needs
We have our own teacher of 'special needs' working within the department, enabling us to pick up on any difficulties at a very early stage.
Communication
The Junior School is a very welcoming department and parents are encouraged to accompany their sons into the school each morning. Staff are always readily available to chat and we liase very closely with parents at all times.
We hold two Parents Evenings a year to discuss the boys’ progress and parents are given an opportunity to view their sons’ work.
Reports are sent out at the end of the Michaelmas and Summer Terms with details of targets set for the following term.