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 Computing, 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 in order to transfer to the Senior Division.
Offers of places for Year 7 are made following internal assessments during Year 5 and Year 6. Pupils in Year 6 also take the 11+ assessments taken by external applicants for Year 7, in order to provide baseline data on the full cohort. The full range of Academic Scholarships, Music Scholarships, Music Exhibitions and Sports Scholarships in the Senior School are available to King’s Juniors.