Years 3 and 4
Moving up into the Prep School, Year 3 pupils enjoy a bit more independence. These are the years they build the routines and habits that will carry them seamlessly through the increasing challenges of Prep school life. Year 3 particularly love their trips to the art room, where they have access to wider facilities including the kiln and printing press. Spelling bees and Geography quizzes are also firm favourites.
Form teachers cover English, Maths, and ‘H&S’ (which spans Science, Theology, Philosophy and Religion, and the Humanities). Specialist teachers lead lessons in PE, Dance, Games, ICT, Drama, Art, French and Music, while Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), including Relationships Education, is taught by a specialist in this age range.
Independent learning skills are built through 20 minutes of daily Prep. Your child will also be expected to read for 20 minutes each evening.
Highlights for Year 3 include the careful rearing and release of butterflies, while Year 4 loves its topic on chocolate, covering everything from an awareness of fair trade to the chance to design a Golden Ticket, Willy Wonka-style. Both year groups enjoy taking their learning beyond the classroom. Studying Shakespeare is even more fun when you can walk over the bridge to the Globe!
Years 5 and 6
From Year 5, pupils travel beyond their form base to subject specialists for all their lessons. Year 5 particularly love getting into the science laboratory, proudly waving their Bunsen burner licenses!
With appropriate support, your child will be encouraged to become much more independent and organised, building habits that will prove invaluable at senior school.
Latin, ICT and Humanities are introduced at this stage, and specific preparation for verbal and non-verbal reasoning testing at 11+ also begins. Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), including Relationships Education, is taught by a specialist in this age range.
Moving into Year 6, pupils continue to build exam technique, and we prepare them for interviews through role play and practice. Year 6 also love learning beyond the classroom, with the Tower of London a particular favourite.
Your child will bring home 30 minutes of homework each evening, plus a further 20 minutes of reading.
Years 7 and 8
In Years 7 and 8, we prepare our pupils for Common Entrance (13+ examinations), as well as any specific entrance or scholarship requirements for their chosen senior schools. The curriculum is broad and stimulating, with every lesson led by subject specialists: Maths, English, Science, Humanities, French, Latin and Ancient Greek, Art, Music, Drama, PE and Games. Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), including Relationships Education.
Year 7 highlights include the Geography residential field trip to Norfolk and an independent project completed in IT lessons. Year 8 love their residential outdoor challenge after exams, along with the chance to learn to give tours of the Cathedral. Every two years, we also run a trip to France for Years 7 and 8 to build language skills and cultural awareness.
Your child will continue to bring home 30 minutes of homework daily, plus a further 20 minutes of reading each evening. A structured programme of revision ensures your child is fully prepared for mocks and Common Entrance examinations.
