Junior School

Reception to Year 3

Between the ages of 4 and 7, boys are placed in unstreamed forms. Class size is small with around 18 boys in a class. Every boy's work is under the supervision of a Form Teacher who ensures that the '3Rs' (Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic) are taught to a high standard. By the time a child reaches the age of 7+ he should know all his tables, the four rules of Arithmetic and be able to read, spell and write his own stories in joined-up handwriting with a fountain pen.

While these important skills are developing, boys are also made aware of the exciting world around them.  Specialist teachers from the Senior Department take each class for music, games, PE, ICT, and French. Music is introduced at an early age when songs are learnt alongside elementary dance with music and movement. Violin, recorder and ocarina lessons form part of the curriculum and individual music lessons are taught as extras.  In addition to PE, there are two afternoons of Games when the boys will either go swimming or start to learn the elementary skills required for Football, Cricket and Rugby. Boys in Year 3 also have Judo lessons.

Each Form Teacher takes his or her own class for painting and drawing from Reception to Year 2 with Year 3 visiting the new art studio to be taught by one of the art teachers.  Various outings are made to local theatres, concerts and places of interest.  As the children move up the Junior Department, Drama, History, Geography, Religious Education and Science are introduced. In the Christmas Term plays are produced for parents. Children progress smoothly into the Senior Department, having been fully prepared for its curriculum.  Parents are encouraged to discuss any problems with their son's Form Teacher or Head of Juniors, Mrs Diana Mahon. They are kept in close touch through Parents' Evenings and written reports (see Parental Communication).