General

Teaching Structure

There are eight classes in the school; Nursery and Reception in the Foundation Stage (age 3 to 5), Lower Transition (Year 1), Upper Transition (Year 2), Pre- Prep (Year 3), Lower (Year 4), Middle (Year 5) and Upper (Year 6). There is a form teacher for each of the eight classes. Specialist teachers teach Science, French, Music, Art, Games and ICT. There are in addition a number of peripatetic music teachers.  Class sizes are small with the average number of pupils being 20. The maximum number in any Infant class is 20. The maximum number in any Junior class is 22

Children in Reception to Year 4 are taught mainly by their class teacher in the belief that the development of a close relationship with the class teacher is essential at this stage of their education. Classroom assistants are also employed in the early years. When appropriate, pupils in Years 5 and 6 are set for Maths and in these classes, the curriculum is mainly taught by subject specialists. Learning support outside the classroom is also available for a small number of children who need extra help.

Assessment and Results

Examinations for Years 3 to 6 are held in November and June of each year. In addition, Years 5 and 6 are tested in English, Mathematics and Science in March. Years 3 to 5 take the Optional QCA tests in English and Mathematics. In May Year 6 take the Key Stage 2 (SATS) tests in English, Mathematics and Science and Year 2 take the Key Stage 1 (SATS) tests in English and Mathematics.

The school has maintained its highly successful record in all of these external tests. In the Year 6 tests pupils consistently achieve at least Level 4 (the nationally expected standard for 11 year olds) in English, Mathematics and Science with a large proportion achieving a level 5 (the nationally expected standard for 14 year olds).

Key Stage 1 results are also excellent with all children reaching at least the required level and a good proportion achieving Level 3 (the nationally expected standard for 9 year olds). See NEWS for current SATs results

The school obtained an excellent OFSTED report for Early Years Education in the last inspection.

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Reports

Written reports are sent home in December, and July. They give parents information on academic effort and achievement. From Years 3 to 6 they include the exam percentage mark, effort and term grades, class average and a comment on the child's general attitude.

Verbal reporting to parents, in the form of Parents' Meetings, takes place in October, November and March. Longer appointments are possible at any time and parents are encouraged to contact the school if they have concerns regarding their child's progress in any area of the curriculum.

Homework

This provides pupils with the opportunity to practise and consolidate the work covered in class. It is set daily to a homework timetable and the amount given is appropriate to the age and ability of the child.

Reading Record Books and Homework Diaries, signed by parents, also serve as effective channels of communication between home and school.

Extra Curricular Activities

Year 3 Setting Off in School Minibus

Visits and outings are made to places of educational interest throughout the year. The choice is usually in connection with a current curriculum topic. These include visits to galleries, museums, theatres and historical sites. Pupils in Year 6 visit the Isle of Wight for a five-day adventure holiday and every second year there is a ski trip to Europe for Year 5 and 6.

Year 6 at British Museum

Extra - curricular activities at present include; Chess, Drama, Choir, Rugby, Orchestra, Football, Coerver Soccer, Netball, Table Tennis, Verbal Reasoning, Cricket and Cross Country.

Swiss Ski Trip 2005

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