Junior Department
The Junior Department (also known as the Preps) helps to prepare pupils for their entry to the Senior School at the end of Year Six. The vast majority of pupils join Year Seven and a number are awarded scholarships each year. Parents often comment on how valuable the junior department is in helping their children’s transition from the primary to secondary phase.
The Junior Department offers a wide and stimulating curricular and co-curricular programme which is designed to meet the needs of all pupils. Extension activities extend the most able whilst there is learning support for those who require it.
There is a strong emphasis on pastoral care and our most recent inspection report described the standard of personal, moral, emotional and spiritual development throughout the College, as “outstanding”. A great deal of time is given to promoting the School’s core Christian values and children have regular opportunities to worship together. A number of local and national charitable causes are supported throughout the year and there is a very strong House system in place. Every child actively supports their House and many inter-House events are scheduled.
The Junior Department provides a supportive, safe and secure environment where every child is known and valued. Children are given positions of responsibility and Year Six pupils are ‘buddies’ to younger children.
Curriculum
A broad curriculum includes all national curriculum subjects. Some subjects including Languages, Art, Music and Physical Education are taught by specialist teachers using the School’s excellent facilities that include a large sports hall, libraries, ICT suites, Science labs and art rooms. Children are taken to the School’s extensive playing fields each week and use is made of the local swimming pool.
There is a strong emphasis on Numeracy and Literacy in the Junior Department. Mathematics is set from Year Three upwards, allowing for the needs of all pupils to be met. In English and Science, additional support is often provided within the classroom and children are used to being taught in relatively small groups. A full range of educational trips are arranged, including residential visits for pupils in Year Five and Six.
Regular assessment allows us to monitor individual progress closely and plan accordingly. Children generally perform very well and progress is often rapid.
Learning Environment
Class room and teaching areas are bright, spacious and well resourced. All class rooms are equipped with interactive white boards. The Junior Department has its own specialist teaching areas and also uses those available in the Senior School.
There are teaching assistants available to support small groups and individuals of all abilities.
Co-Curricular
A wide range of activities are provided for pupils during lunchtimes and after school. Occasional Saturday morning sports activities are also arranged and details are entered on the school calendar. Club activities currently include Dance, Sports, Drama, Gardening, Chess, Lego, Spanish and various musical groups. Children can also learn to play a range of musical instruments. All children in Year Three learn the recorder and those in Year Four, the violin, taught by our own Head of Music.
Home-School Links
There are many opportunities for parents to become involved in their child’s life at school. Attendance at assemblies, services, concerts, plays, sports fixtures, charity events, Prize Giving ceremonies and school trips is encouraged. There are termly parent consultation evenings and written reports. The Head offers an ‘Open Door’ policy and parents are made welcome to discuss any concerns with class teachers either informally or by making formal appointments. Parents are sent regular information via newsletters and the web site.
Homework
Homework is regularly set and children are usually given daily tasks to complete at home. By the time children reach Year Six they should be used to completing at least 45 minutes to an hour, often in two subjects. Children are expected to read at home and learn their times tables thoroughly. Children are given a detailed homework diary to help them manage their time and this is regularly checked.
Parents are encouraged to write notes in the diary if a child has encountered any difficulties.
