Years 1 to 6 (age 5 - 11)
From their first day your child will be welcomed as a member of our close-knit community which fosters a caring and inclusive ethos, whilst challenging every pupil to strive to attain their very best in all aspects of school life. Children’s weaknesses are easy to spot: we aim to discover a strength in every child so that each person feels valued. Academic progress, effort and attainment are rewarded through praise and recognized by points and certificates within the house system, promoting a sense of communal as well as personal achievement.
Pupils are continually assessed against National Curriculum levels in the core subjects and targets are set accordingly, relying not only on the teachers’ expectations, but also taking into consideration those of the pupils themselves. Increasingly challenging targets are set as previous ones are met. Parents receive a copy of their child’s targets and these are discussed at parents’ meetings. Where the SENCO has had input, these will also be regularly reviewed with parents and pupils.
Children from Early Years to Year 6 are also assessed to determine their potential for learning, using CEM assessments: Aspects and PIPS (Performance Indicators in Primary Schools) which further informs the school tracking and monitoring system. In September all pupils are assessed in reading. In addition, in KS2 Non-Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning National tests provide a basis for the provision of an appropriate programme of study for each child. During the Summer Term Y2 and Y6 students currently take SATS which are marked internally, while Y3, 4 and 5 take the optional tests. We have the benefit of the expertise of Senior School staff on hand, as well as a well-qualified Learning Support department to meet all the needs of the ability range.
The Primary School operates a stage-not-age system in Maths where children learn in groups according to ability not age, across year groups. This has meant that this year, our top students in maths in Year 6, already at NC Level 5 will be working with a member of the Senior School Maths department on the Year 7 syllabus with a view to them taking maths GSCE at least one year early.
From the beginning, many KS1 pupils are already familiar with staff and the routines of the school, having moved from our Foundation Stage, and are gradually prepared for the more formal timetable of individual subjects in KS2: History, Geography, Art & DT, RE, Music, PE, Games and PSCHE as well as Maths, English and Science.
The benefits of small classes and learning in small groups are evident. There is no room to hide! The teacher and the children get to know each other very well and the teacher is able to monitor each child’s performance from lesson to lesson. Children are well-focussed and individual attention can be given to all, whether it is to challenge or give extra assistance to a particular child.
In our all-age school we recognize the benefits to the children of smooth transition. Continuity from one phase to the next, beginning right from Early Years, is ensured through close liaison between staff, as well as through the easy and confident relationships with older pupils which creates a sense of security and a feeling of natural progression.
Our pastoral care has been highly praised during inspection and by our parents, and we take great pride in our excellent relationships with our children and their families.
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