Junior School

From the child's perspective, the transition from Early Years to Key Stage 1 is seamless. Learning through creative and interesting activities continues with more formal, exercise-book-based learning being gradually blended into the day. Although Year 1 is commenced with a high level of task differentiation, we see ability levels start to converge into broad ability bands for differing areas of study. The classroom assistant aids the teacher in ensuring that each band is appropriately challenged. The curriculum is enriched by the inclusion of a wide rage of cross-curricular topics. These enable the children to experience their learning in a natural, holistic way, allowing for a variety of interesting perspectives.

Assessments

Assessments in Year 1 are ongoing, as children are tested at the end of each topic. This continues into Year 2 with the addition of an end of Key Stage assessment during the summer term.

Homework

Homework in Key Stage 1 is largely limited to guided reading with parents and word lists for spelling. It is felt that after a busy day at school, children of this age benefit greatly from some unstructured time for free play.