School Structure
Junior School
Ages 4 to 6 years
This sees the beginning of your son or daughter'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 Ryleys Junior Department has high expectations, and every
pupil is expected to achieve the best that they can. Our 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 pupils 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, pupils are expected to hold doors open for
adults, to stand up when visitors enter the classroom and, at the
end of each day, to 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
each pupil. We are always looking to challenge children 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. Other
subjects are taught in the afternoon, these include: Science,
French, D.T, Topic Work, History, Geography and R.E.
Computers are used routinely to extend the 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.
At The Ryleys we have introduced a wide variety of reading schemes
and achieve high standards. We also have an on site library and
make use of the village library facilities.
Music, Art, Dance/Drama and Games are taught from Reception
age upwards by specialist teachers from our Senior School, and a
fully qualified 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 and girls become acquainted with the
discipline of a good homework routine. The amount of assigned
homework 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 children
progress through school. Clubs in Junior School can include
pottery, story club, ballet/dance, sewing, gymnastics, football,
rounders, library, and music experience. However, we are
constantly thinking of and adding new clubs to challenge and meet
the interests of our children.
Trips and Events
Despite a packed curriculum, there are numerous events, trips,
and visitors throughout the year. We also stage a major drama
production each year, which involves every pupil. Parents are
warmly invited to attend any event.
Details of events are updated here on the website, or you can
call our school secretary on 01625 583241 to find out more.
Special Needs
We believe it is important to identify any special needs as
early as possible. Then children can receive the individual
attention they need to progress. In the Junior School Department we
have our own 'special needs' teacher, enabling us to pick up on any
difficulties and help children at a very early stage.
Communication
The Junior School is a very welcoming department, and parents
are encouraged to accompany their children into the school each
morning. Staff are always available for an informal chat and we
liaise very closely with parents at all times.
Two Parents' Evenings are held each year to discuss your son or
daughter's progress and to give you a chance to view their
work.
Reports are sent out at the end of the Michaelmas and Summer
Terms, with details of targets set for the following term.
If you would like to find out more about The Ryleys Junior
School, or arrange to come in and see us, call our school secretary
on 01625 583241 or click here to get in touch