"I have learnt not only academic things, but friendship and teamwork as well." - A pupil
A broad education
Teaching methods are thoughtfully planned to encourage, accelerate and support each child’s abilities. The school’s individual approach helps the less able as well as the more talented through, for example, small separate groups in reading and maths. We cover all areas of the National Curriculum, and more besides, so that every child can find areas of personal strength. We use an enquiry-based approach to teaching and learning.
Our broad, outward-looking curriculum includes ICT, science, music, creative arts, French, Latin and PE, taught by specialist teachers and often in small groups. Touch-typing is taught to children in year 4. All Junior Classes have 'Brain Time' which includes thinking skills; Ultra Violet Class also has a separate philosophy lesson.
Interactive whiteboards are extensively used in all classrooms, together with the ICT suite, science room and school hall. ICT is used in many lessons. For example, in PE and music children record their work on video then immediately review to assess and improve their performance; in the Junior Classes, children use the Internet to research science and history projects.
Extra-curricular activities
Unusually for a primary school, we dedicate Thursday afternoons to extra-curricular clubs for all children in years 3 – 6 so that they can experience and develop a wide range of interests, from golf to riding, and needlework to gardening. After-school clubs include gym, karate, orchestra and swimming.
Many outings connected with class projects are arranged each term and there are regular visits to ballet and theatre productions. Each year, all Juniors spend time away on residential field study trips in Surrey, Cornwall and Cumbria.
Extra tuition
This is available to children who may have special educational needs. Specialist teachers work with children individually or in small groups.