Infant & Junior Curriculum

Children flourish in small classes with caring, experienced teachers. Each child’s happiness is at the heart of all that we do and dedicated teachers encourage learning through play with an emphasis firmly on fun, whilst also beginning phonics and numeracy programmes. Access to both indoor and outdoor classrooms, a meadow and woodland, provide an active, hands-on approach that stimulates learning. We offer part-time or full-time places, plus a Breakfast Club, After-School Care and Holiday Club for those that require them.

Our aim is to create a stimulating and exciting environment where learning takes place through enjoyment. Children in Reception and Year 1 have their own indoor and outdoor classrooms and we offer a curriculum based on, but going beyond, the national requirements.

Our ‘Learning Challenge’ curriculum encourages cross-curricular teaching and promotes independence, perseverance and investigative skills. Topics explored are adapted to the interests of the children and great care is taken to differentiate according to the needs of individuals. Each half-term, children experience ‘wow’ moments that are linked to the topic being studied and help to bring the curriculum to life. These include trips to museums, libraries and galleries as well as visiting speakers, artists and authors.

Every child is assessed throughout the year and parents are informed of progress through regular contact, parents’ evenings and written reports. Year 2 pupils take an advisory assessment in Mathematics, English and Reasoning in preparation for their transition to the Juniors.

Infants have access to a range of clubs at lunchtimes - such as choir, ICT, craft and construction clubs - plus those available after school such as cookery, football, Zumba and drama clubs. All pupils have singing and music lessons as part of the curriculum and parents are invited to enjoy shows, concerts and productions.

A rich and broad education is at the heart of the King’s ethos. Our ‘Learning Challenge’ curriculum provides dedicated time each day for laying strong foundations in English and Mathematics, whilst enquiry questions allow cross-curricular exploration of topics to broaden children's understanding of the world. This approach allows them to engage fully with topics and acquire historical, scientific and geographical knowledge. At the same time they develop life skills such as independent learning, questioning, resilience and reflection. Our pupils are encouraged to take an active part in lessons, express opinions, work collaboratively and develop a positive attitude to learning and the application of knowledge. Pupils enjoy weekly lessons in ICT, Music, PE, Games, Swimming, French, Science and Art/Design and some of these will be linked to the topic being studied by the children.

A Challenge & Enrichment Programme is available for exceptionally gifted and talented pupils, whilst the curriculum for all pupils is enriched with school trips, visiting speakers, artists and authors, as well as special activities planned throughout the year. Specialist teachers deliver lessons in Music, French, PE, Games and Swimming.
 
Academic progress is regularly assessed and reported at parents’ evenings and in reports. Junior children are assessed against the King’s standards in English and Maths, which are above the national standards. At the end of Key Stage 2, it is expected that all children will meet these standards and be well prepared for the transition to the Senior Divisions. In 2016, over a third of our Year 6 pupils were judged to be exceeding these expectations.

Offers of places for Year 7 are made following internal assessments during Year 5 and Year 6. Both Academic and Music Scholarships for the Senior School are available to King’s Juniors.