There
are approximately 440 children in the Primary School, organised into eight year
groups. Currently, we have two classes in Nursery and three classes in Reception
through to Year 6.
The
Primary School is a happy, child-centred environment, open to children from 3
to 11 years. We encourage a spirit of enquiry and adventure whilst reinforcing
academic studies with a wealth of activities and practical work.
Our
youngest children (3 to 5 years) are in the Foundation Stage, where they
learn best through play and practical activity. Crammed with fun and colour,
wall paintings, games and educational toys, our classrooms reflect these
priorities. Parents are welcome to visit the Nursery and Reception classrooms
any time.
During
these years, children develop the skills essential for the rest of their academic
career: reading, writing and numeracy. Children work in a purposefulway while
enjoying a range of subjects, including science, history, geography, IT, music
and technology. During Key Stage 1, pupils are encouraged to become outgoing in
their interaction and confident in their abilities. They are also expected to
learn how to work well together, whether undertaking research on healthy food
or investigating the conditions needed for plants to grow successfully. The results
of classroom endeavours in poetry and prose are regularly displayed, whilst the
children's perceptive artwork is exhibited throughout the school.
In
Key Stage 1, specialist staff teach music, PE, swimming and IT. Drama and dance
are also important elements of the curriculum, and children have plenty of opportunities
to demonstrate their talents, both in front of the whole school and their parents.
Out-of-school trips are a regular feature, and all classes undertake a study of
Oman.
Key
Stage 2 builds on the foundation of earlier years. Great value is placed on providing
a stimulating and attractive learning environment that encourages children to
focus productively on their work.
French
is introduced in Year 3, and, as with music, ICT, PE and swimming, is taught by
specialist staff. In English and Maths, children are taught in ability groups
that allow teachers to focus more effectively on the specific learning needs of
all children.
In
addition to the thriving extra-curricular programme,children are encouraged to
develop a social conscience, which they demonstrate in their enthusiastic approach
to our charity fund-raising, our School Council, and through their class roles
and responsibilities.