The curriculum

The school day starts at 8.20am. Academic lessons finish at 3pm after which there is an extensive programme of clubs and an after-school care scheme until 6pm.

The Curriculum for all year groups includes: English, mathematics, science, art, design and technology, French, geography, history, information communication technology, music, physical education, games, religious studies and personal social citizenship and health education. Homework plays an important role in the academic life of the school and is set on each day, ranging from twenty minutes in year 3 to forty minutes in year 6. Parents receive termly reports on their child’s progress.

Specialist teaching

Year 3 classes have approximately 75% of their timetable with their Form Teacher and 25% with a specialist teacher, usually for art, French, P.E., ICT and music. There is more specialist teaching as a child moves up through the school so that by Year 6 approximately 75% of lessons are with a specialist teacher. We believe this is the ideal combination which provides a stable classroom environment for younger pupils with the added stimulation of specialist teaching and preparation for the senior school timetable for the older children.

At present there are fifteen full-time staff made up of seven men and eight women. Assistance is also given by subject specialists in the Senior School. Physical Education and Games are taught by fully qualified male and female sports teachers. Many music specialists visit the school to teach instrumental lessons, help with music classes and support orchestras, choirs and ensembles. In terms of the mix of experience and gender we believe we have the ideal staff team.