The Junior Years - Breadth & Depth

 

Welcome to the Junior Department

In the Junior Department we aim to develop confident, happy children who enjoy the rigours of academic learning alongside developing individual talent. All pupils are taught the core subjects of Maths, English and Science alongside Information Technology, Art, Design Technology, Geography, History and RE. There are also a number of specialist teachers who teach French, Music, PE and Drama.

 

In Year 6, there is an increase in the use of specialist teachers. Children also have weekly access to the Senior Science laboratory, Art room, Food and Design Technology rooms and the newly renovated ICT suite.

 

Each class tutor is responsible for the pastoral care of children in their class. There is a keen emphasis on developing children as responsible and caring citizens through subjects such as PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) and through tutor sessions, department and whole school assemblies, Eco-groups and the School Council.

 

The department also benefits from two Learning Support Assistants who support children both in and out of class. Additional one-to-one support is available through the department’s SENCO at an additional cost.

 

Timetabled homework is set on a regular basis, the amount varying according to the age of the pupil and the subject taught. Homework is given to develop self-discipline and the ability to study independently. All work set is to reflect the work taught in class and is differentiated to support, consolidate and extend individual pupils. Homework diaries are issued to all pupils in the Junior department to allow a two-way communication process between the home and the school.

 

There is continual assessment by the class teacher. However, termly assessments are also in place to inform planning and develop suitable differentiation to support pupils learning. Parents are kept informed of their child’s progress and development through termly reports and parents meetings.

 

The wide range of extra-curricular clubs available during the lunch time and after school provide children with the opportunity to be involved in activities such as chess club, film club, art club and food technology club. They are also encouraged to get involved in the Junior Choir, a range of sports fixtures and several outside clubs such as Spanish, Mandarin and ‘Bedazzled’ drama workshops.

 

Mrs Rachael Clements

Head of Juniors