In the Foundation stage, our youngest pupils follow a programme which encourages ‘learning through play,’ catering for the educational and social needs of each individual child. During the course of the school year, structured literacy and numeracy activities are added as and when appropriate. These prepare our students for the more demanding requirements of Key Stage 1, which follows the English National Curriculum. The Foundation day plan is the same as the rest of the school: 8.30 – 3.25 pm.

In Key Stages 1 and 2, great emphasis is placed on the core subjects of English and Mathematics, which are timetabled every day. English lessons incorporate the National Literacy Hour every morning (a government-based literacy programme for all primary schools in England). Classes are taught via a combination of whole-class teaching and by dividing children into groups for spelling, comprehension, creative writing and grammar, according to the level of the individual.

Mathematics is also divided into groups according to level. The Numeracy Hour emphasises the importance of “mental maths”, which encourages pupils to make quick mental calculations which they are regularly tested in. The latest primary maths scheme from the UK (New Heinemann Maths) is used throughout the primary section.

Science, History and Geography are largely topic-based. Whenever possible, classes are taken out on local field trips to incorporate elements of their programme with more practical observations and learning processes.

In RE (Religious Education), students learn about major world religions. D & T (Design & Technology) is a practical subject, which involves project design, construction and some cooking skills.

Art, Music, Foreign Languages, EAL (English as an Additional Language) and Sports are taught by subject specialist teachers. For all other subjects, the class teacher is responsible.

At the end of each academic year, all primary children from Year 1 – Year 6 take UK-based National Tests in numeracy and literacy.

Every lunchtime all primary-aged children go outside to play under the supervision of the staff. This is followed throughout the year, weather permitting, and provides our pupils with the opportunity to run around, play, get plenty of fresh air and let off steam.