For pupils between the ages of three and a half and seven (Goldcrest) and eight and ten (Junior Department), the Junior School delivers a wide and varied curriculum in a comfortable and friendly environment.  Small class sizes mean that every child receives plenty of encouragement to reach his or her potential.  We follow the principles of the National Curriculum and support classroom teaching with a lively range of cultural and sporting activities.

Goldcrest

Three class teachers and a classroom assistant work within Goldcrest.  The emphasis in these first years is on establishing the basics of English and Mathematics, developing the individual pupils as learners through activity and play and introducing them to some of the subject areas they will meet in later years.

Junior Department

The Junior Department has three classes for 8-10 year olds, each with its own class teacher who is responsible for the teaching of English and Mathematics.  To these subjects are added History, Geography, IT and PHSE which may be taught by another member of the Junior Department, and French, Religious Studies, Science, CDT and Art, usually in the hands of Main School specialist staff.

Music and Drama are important to the Department.  Time is generously given to the development of individual skills, singing and ensemble playing and to drama productions.

A full programme of PE and Games allows for the development of team and individual sports and culminates in Junior Sports Day in the Summer Term. A number of lunch-time societies (badminton, chess, choir, recorder, string ensemble, table tennis, stitchers) and regular Department outings encourage wider interests. There is a homework club from 3:50 to 4:30 Tuesday to Thursday and the Girls' and Boys' Sports Club is on Monday evenings from 3:50 to 4:50.

Pupils with specific difficulties in language or number work may take advantage of individual specialist tuition.

A valuable aspect of our life is the integration of the Department into the school as a whole. Not only do juniors meet Main School staff but each class has a sixth form prefect. Children attend full school assemblies from age eight, in this way becoming accustomed to participation in the wider school community. Nevertheless, the class remains the primary pastoral unit and it is on the close and warm bond established between child and the class teacher in the early years that future success and security depend.