This is purpose-built to to accomodate its pupils in small classes from Reception (for 4 years olds) to Year 6, the final year in which pupils are preparing for entry to secondary education. It has its own playground.
Kindergarten
The kindergarten accepts children, both part-and full-time, from the age of three, providing a happy, purposeful introduction to school life in addition to initial contact with numbers and letters, as well as structured play with both indoors and a safe play area outside. Registration for kindergarten is slightly different from the rest of the school (£25).
Reception
The reception class normally admits children whose 4th birthday has occurred in the year preceding the child's proposed entry to the school.
The programme offered seeks to build upon the work done pre-school in kindergarten within a somewhat more formally structured day, focussing upon the development of the child within the desired learning outcomes identified for early years' education:
- personal and social development
- language and literacy
- mathematics
- knowledge and understanding of the world
- physical development
- creative development
Junior School
At Key Stages 1 and 2, from Year 1 - Year 6, the Junior School curriculum keeps abreast, in general, of developments in the National Curriculum. It places emphasis upon numeracy and literacy through a clear bias towards English and mathematics in the weekly timetable. This thorough grounding in basic skills is complemented by a varied programme of other subjects: science, art, drama, craft, technology, languages, physical and religious education.
There is no formal assessment for entry into the junior school. However a potential entrant will be invited to spend a 'taster day' on which an informal assessment will be made so as to ensure that the school's learning environment is compatible with the child's needs.
At the initial interview, it is also helpful if parents bring in copies of recent assessments/reports from a previous school.
At key stage 2 the children swim weekly in the municipal pool. Their regular presentation of assemblies, concerts and drama productions increases pupils' self confidence and poise and emphasises the value of the contribution they make to the school community.
The area in which we live affords rich cultural, historical and geographical resources which the school exploits for environmental studies and, as in the Senior School, pupils are keen to participate in schemes which focus upon ecological concerns.
Pupils are taught through the medium of English, mainly by their class teachers.
There is a system of assessment and reporting, whereby pupils and parents are kept informed of progress. Formal reports are issued twice-yearly. Parents are able to consult staff informally; a formal consultation takes place mid-year.
The Typical Day
The day begins at 8.55am and ends at 2.55pm for all pupils.