Junior

Academic Curriculum

Years 3 and 4

In Years 3 and 4, there are two parallel classes in each year group of between 16 and 20 pupils. The pupils undertake a 40 period week, with a large percentage of this time being spent with the class teacher. Class teachers are also supported by 2 non-teaching assistants.

There is an academic focus on the core subjects of English and Maths, in which the pupils are setted. Science, ICT, History, Geography, Art, Technology, Music and Religious Studies, PE and Games are additional parts of a broad curriculum, with the pupils also learning French as a modern language in Year 3, and French and Spanish in Year 4.

Trips out of school add depth and purpose to our classroom studies. The Year 3 History programme is brought to life through regular visits to Houlgate Viking Centre, while a highlight for Year 4 is their trip to Barley Hall in York.

Click here to download the Year 3 curriculum overview and here for Year 4.

Years 5 and 6

In the upper half of the school, there are 3 parallel classes of between 15 and 20 in each year group. The children follow a similar mix of subjects that they will have encountered in earlier years, but here, there is a greater emphasis placed on specialist subject teaching. There is also additional time set aside for the study of modern languages (French and Spanish)

The curriculum is enhanced for the top two year groups through well-established residential trips. Year 5 spend a week away in the Yorkshire Dales, while Year 6 go away to visit Paris and the landing beaches of Normandy.

There is an entrance exam, which is taken by all Year 6 pupils, for passage into Senior School. Scholarships are offered for academia, art, music and drama. A number of these are awarded each year to pupils from the Junior School.

Throughout the Junior School, there is a Gifted and Talented scheme to extend pupils whom we have identified as being particularly able in specific areas while extra support is also available for those who require it.

Click here to download the curriculum overview for Year 5 and here for Year 6.

Click here to download the prospectus (PDF)