The Junior Years

L7

In L7, pupils follow a timetabled day. They are taught by Senior School teachers in French, Mandarin, Art, Drama, Home Economics, RE, Music and PE. This involvement with the Senior Years and the organisation required to follow a timetabled day prepares the pupils to move confidently into Senior School.

English

All four elements of language - reading, writing, listening and talking - are taught. 

In differentiated groups, pupils practise reading and comprehension skills through short texts and novel studies.  Dictionary skills are also covered.

A range of poetry is studied.

The structured spelling scheme, Quota, in which children work at their own pace, setting their own limits, is in place. Grammar lessons, which teach knowledge about language, punctuation and structure, continue. Listening and talking activities take place on a regular basis and pupils have opportunities to give talks and presentations.

The writing programme for L7 contains the following:

Term 1   Report Writing; Charles Dickens

Term 2   Characterisation; Creating Atmosphere; Setting the Scene                   

Term 3   Persuasive Argument; William Shakespeare

All pupils visit the school’s well-stocked Library each week where they receive instruction in Library Skills by our School Librarian and they take out books of their own choice for reading at home.

Maths

Maths is taught in ability groupings. This means that we can vary the size of groups and the content and pace of lessons to match the ability of the pupils. Our less able group is taught in a small group where pupils are given individual support and consolidation. Our most able are given a wide variety of challenges and problems to solve.  The core texts in operation are Heinemann Levels 6, 7 and 8, Maths in Action Levels D and E, and Teejay Maths Levels D and E, according to the ability group.  

Number work focuses on fractions, decimals, ratio and percentages, as well as using numbers in problem solving activities.

Practical Maths work, covering shape, length, weight, volume and time, also takes place. Consolidation work within class consists of mental maths plus written number work.

Environmental Studies

In our teaching of Science, History and Geography, we aim to develop in pupils a curiosity and a greater understanding of their past and heritage and of the world around them. We develop their research and investigative skills as well as their analytical thinking skills and their evaluation of evidence. Much of the work will involve the pupils in discussion, in working as a team, in drawing on information from different sources or in practical experiments. Topics covered:

Geography

Term 1   Map work             
Term 2   Floods
Term 3   Africa

History

Term 1   Victorians
Term 2   World War 1
Term 3   History of South Africa

Science

Term 1    Electricity
Term 2    Healthy Living
Term 3    Forces

RE

A senior school specialist teaches RE to L7, ensuring a smooth transition into the Form 1 curriculum.

Personal Social and Health Development

Lessons focus on the following topics:

Internet Safety and Social Networking;
Personal Safety (concerning caffeine, alcohol and tobacco);
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing;
Relationships/Friendships;
Academic Life;
Physical Wellbeing (Sex Education);
Citizenship

PE

Pupils go on the bus up to Mayfield, our superb sports facility. There are two sessions each week, taught by specialist teachers, one focusing on indoor PE activities such as gymnastics, games and dance, and the other focusing on outdoor Games such as Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Tennis.

Music

Children are taught by a specialist teacher once a week.

Art, Drama and Home Economics

Art, Drama and Home Economics are taught by specialist teachers from Senior School. This lays the foundation for continuing these subjects into the Senior Years.

ICT

Pupils visit the ICT suite each week for a lesson with our specialist teacher. 

Modern Languages

Pupils are taught one period of French and one period of Mandarin each week by Senior School Modern Languages teachers. This will form the basis of their learning in French. All pupils will take a second Language in Senior School, choosing from German, Spanish or Latin.

Homework

Parental supervision with homework is hugely beneficial. It is the pupil’s responsibility to note down homework set in their homework diary. Normally homework in L7 consists of learning spelling and completing a short written exercise either in Maths or Language.  Occasionally research work for an environmental studies topic or revision of coursework will be set. Homework in L7 should take no more than 40 minutes per night.