Academic Life
The classrooms are bright and well equipped with a networked computer, interactive whiteboard and projector. The Junior Department has its own Hall, Library and ICT suite. The Food Technology area offers opportunities for the boys to develop their culinary skills whilst learning about healthy eating. There is a newly designed astro playground paid for by funds provided by King’s House parents.Reception: Age 4+
The boys are divided into small groups each with a key worker. There are currently two specialist teachers and three EYFS assistants on the team. The boys follow the EYFS curriculum and cursive writing is introduced. The school uses the Jolly Phonics scheme. They also engage in a diverse range of creative, physical and musical activities and begin swimming lessons in the summer term. French, taught by a specialist, is also introduced.
Year 1: Age 5+
Three mixed ability classes each with a Form Teacher and Classroom Assistant.
The boys begin to extend their skills and start to work more independently. They develop their skills in Numeracy and Literacy. They have swimming in the Autumn and Summer terms. Boys can begin learning an instrument now and all boys are introduced to the recorder.
In Reception and Year 1, homework is confined to reading practice. In the spring term of Year 1, the boys are given spellings to learn.
Year 2: Age 6+
There are two mixed ability classes each with a Form Teacher and a Classroom Assistant. The boys visit subject specialists for PE and Music. They develop their investigative skills in Science and begin to do their own research in ICT. They continue to have swimming.
There are two half hour homeworks, one written and one maths. There is also nightly reading practice and some learning of spellings and tables.
Year 3: Age 7+
There are three mixed ability classes each with a Form Teacher and Classroom Assistant. The boys visit subject specialists for ICT, PE, Music and French. Philosophy is also introduced. They have a games afternoon outside school following the whole school rugby, football and cricket programme. They work independently and are expected to sustain concentration for extended periods. Boys begin to write with a pen.
There are two written and one maths homework a week in addition to the reading and learning of spellings and tables.