Page 6 - Junior School Admissions Booklet 2020_2021

The Curriculum
Three academically balanced forms enter the school at 7+.
English, Mathematics and Science are the core subjects followed throughout the four years. This core is supplemented by Art, Computing, Design and Technology, French, Geography, History, Music, Performing Arts, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education and Religious Education. The courses offered more than fulfil requirements of the National Curriculum. Individual classes have one double period of Physical Education a week taught by members of the PE department. In addition to this, each year group has a designated Games afternoon delivered by both PE teachers and the Junior School Games staff.
During the four year period in the Junior School, the pursuit of oracy, literacy and numeracy remains the priority, but not to the exclusion of the creative and less formal approaches to all subjects.
Year 6 will sit the competitive Entrance Examination for acceptance into the Senior School in January.
YEAR 3
English
The boys are introduced to a range of different genres of text and these are used as the basis for each unit of work. A focus on reading aims to develop both decoding skills and those of understanding, along with an increased vocabulary. Comprehension skills are developed both through discussion and formal written activities. Creative writing linked to each topic aims to promote more fluent and detailed pieces of writing which are grammatically correct and punctuated appropriately. Work in English is often complemented by Performing Arts lessons where the promotion of oral fluency and speaking and listening activities support the curriculum.
Mathematics
A great emphasis is placed on the boys learning their tables, developing mental arithmetic skills and problem solving. The main topics taught are telling the time, the 4 rules, the concept of simple fractions, sorting of 2 and 3 dimensional shapes, investigating number patterns, graphs, data handling and symmetry.
Science
The boys are taught to work as scientists: observing, investigating, testing, recording and analysing living and non-living things. Topics covered are: healthy teeth and eating; characteristics of materials; rocks and soils; magnets and springs; light and shadows; helping plants grow.
Computing
Starting to touch type with EnglishType Junior; staying safe online: the SMART rules; using email; introduction to computer networks; online research and presentation; programming with Scratch: animations, debugging; using digital cameras.
History
Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age in Britain; Ancient Egypt.
Geography
Understanding and using maps and atlases; human and physical features; the local area; weather and climate; coastlines.
Religious Education
Christmas; Jesus’ miracles; Easter: Good Friday; beliefs, practices and moral values in Sikhism.
Art, Design and Technology, French, Games, Music, Performing Arts, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education and Physical Education complete the curriculum.
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