Junior Level
formedWe aim to provide a positive learning experience in a Christian environment, for pupils from ages 3 to 11 years. The school day for all our age groups begins with registration at 0830 followed by an act of collective worship. There are seven 40 minute periods in the day, and school finishes for Kindergarten, Reception, Years 1 and 2 pupils at 1530, while pupils in Years 3,4,5, and 6 finish at 1555. On Tuesday and Friday mornings Years 5 and 6 join in with the senior school pupils for a whole school assembly.
The children are taught in small classes by friendly, highly qualified staff. We hope to encourage all our pupils to reach their full potential as individuals, in order to prepare them for the next stage of their education.
We firmly believe that the educational process should be enjoyable, taking into account all four areas of a child's development: i.e. academic, emotional, social and spiritual.
In accordance with current Government guidelines, the department is organised into three sections; Foundation Stage (Kindergarten and Reception), Key Stage One (Years 1 and 2) and Key Stage Two (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6).
While broadly following the National Curriculum, our independent status allows us the freedom to provide a wider range of educational experiences, aimed at enriching and extending the pupils' abilities and understanding. A carefully planned programme of both on and off site visits are arranged each term to support learning.
Teaching within the Department takes into account the individual needs and learning styles of each child with suitable differentiation where appropriate.
Assessment is an integral part of our pupil's learning experience. It is a continual process, which takes place both formally and informally throughout a child's time at the school. It documents a child's progress with us as an individual, whilst also monitoring their progress as a member of the school community. It effectively informs teacher's planning and has as much a diagnostic role as one of measuring levels of attainment.
Homework is set every day according to age. Each class teacher will give out a homework timetable at the beginning of every year. All children will be expected to practise their spelling and read aloud in addition to their set homework.
As well as the formal programme of lessons, extra-curricular activities are an important part of school life. Children have the opportunity of taking part in additional activities such as Art Club, Computer Club, Chess Club, Sports Clubs (seasonal), Drama Club, First Aid Club, Junior Christian Union and Junior Orchestra.
MARCH 2010
KEEP CALM and CARRY ON
Year 6 pupils displayed the amazing Anderson Shelters they made as part of their History work.
Emma and Kitty proudly display their shelters
Each shelter was unique, but all showed a real appreciation of the subject through the attention to detail and the amount of thought, care, and ingenuity demonstrated in the finished models.
Careful research was translated into accurate interiors for a night in a shelter.
Kitty's even came complete with the washing line!
YEAR 5 - GREEK COOKERY AFTERNOON
We would like to thank Mrs Chapman and Ms Ortolani, who came in to show the children how to cook feta cheese and spinach filo parcels.
Authentic Greek cookery was enjoyed by everyone, especially George, Kammy, James and Emily, however, everyone tasted pitta breads dipped into Greek olive oil and a selection of olives.
We all enjoyed the afternoon; sampled the food and took home a plateful of delicious pastries! Tom and Amy show their delight!
MINI MASTERCHEFS!
Every week the Early Years children fill the Junior Department with wonderful smells from their cookery sessions. Everyone has a go and they thoroughly enjoy themselves, particularly the mixing and the eating! Future chefs: Holly, Kendal, Joel and Georgina!
Geography Field Trip - A whole day of learning in the woods!
Last Thursday, years 3 to 6 spent the day at The Magdalen Project in Winsham. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to practice their mapping skills and compass directions, as well as learn about global sustainability, along with some science and history that were included for good measure. This is the third time we have visited Magdalen, and another trip is already being planned for next term!Here the children can safely experience a greater degree of freedom than usual, enabling them to develop their knowledge and understanding in real-life situations as well as other vital skills, such as team work, self-confidence and decision making. The older children took part in orienteering and tracking exercises and a survival challenge, while the younger ones discovered how a farm works and how Early Britons lived in tribes by building shelters and fires. Everyone came home tired but happy. It was a great day!
Here are some pictures taken during the day, and there will be a larger display in the Junior Department later on this week!
Everyone gathered wood to build the camp fire. Later on we took a very welcome break to toast marshmallows and heat water for some hot chocolate!
Amy, Kate, Hannah, Francesco and Alex study the map as they search for evidence of wildlife on the farm.
Which way now?
George helps build a shelter.
James, Wasif, Esme, Emily, Erin and Sebastian help feed the goats.
THIS WEEK....
is National Science and Engineering week.
On Monday 15th everyone started the week with an investigation!
Year 3 found out how to blow up a balloon without getting out of breath!
Year 5 tried to predict the order in which different coloured ice cubes would melt!
Callum, Kammy, Amy, Cheryl and Emily thinking hard - which will melt first?
What's the science behind this investigation?
Tuesday 16th March
Year 4 were busy investigating how to make sounds. They even formed their own band!
Here Joe, Abi, Joshua, Molly, Patrick and Hannah show off their new instruments!
In Year 3 James, Emily and Harry built complex structures out of spaghetti and mini marshmallows!
WEDNESDAY 17th March:
Kindergarten have been learning how a plant takes in water, by watching coloured water move up to the petals.
THURSDAY 18th March: Joining the Junior Science and Engineering Day in the Hall were some Year 7 and 8
students, who came over to help the Junior Years 1 and 2 children get to grips with building tall structures. It was a very successful session and our younger engineers really enjoyed the help and advice they received!
Aditya and Cameron were delighted with their tall structure which made good use of triangular shapes for strength!
James and Lauren discuss how to attach the axle!
Chloe and Grace get to grips with the saw!
Mr Smith tests one of the land yachts - enthusiastically encouraged by the teams!
After all the yachts have completed a test run, team 'Einstein', were judged by Mr Smith to have designed and built the most successful land yacht.
Many thanks to Mr Smith, and
congratulations to Georgia, Emma, Kammy, Esmee, Patrick and Alex!
EUROPEAN DAY
Madame Twist organised our annual European Day for Years 2,3,4,5 and 6. Each Year group presented their songs, mini plays and activities in French to the rest of the Junior Department. The entertainment was followed by a visit to the French Cafe, where Year 4 acted as the waiters and waitresses, taking orders from the rest of the juniors (in French of course!)Everyone did very well, using the phrases and words they have been learning this term, and enjoyed a very tasty French break!
This was followed by two very exciting French quizzes, one on towns and countries around the world, and the other on the upcoming World Cup Football!
These were quite challenging,and atlases very being made good use of for the geographical quiz, while the boys were very quick to answer to answer the football quiz questions!
Many thanks to Madame Twist for another great day!
The waiters collect their orders from Madame Williamson.
The Cafe was getting very busy!
Amy and Esmee tuck in to some french bread and jam and chocolate croissants!
The waiters and waitresses get to sample their food with a few satisfied customers!
SPORTS DAY
The weather was warm and sunny as we joined the Senior School for a fantastic sports day.Here are some pictures of just a few of the many events that were enjoyed by the pupils, staff, and parents.
Elena making the high jump look easy!
James clears the bar in fine style!
The Junior boys 600 metre race.
One of the year 5 sprint heats, and Emily shows the boys how to run!
Our thanks go to Mr Tulett who organised the day! Everyone enjoyed it, and it was a great opportunity for the houses to share a whole school event. The Seniors really encouraged the juniors! Well done everyone!
July 8th - Junior School Trip to Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood.
We set off early in the minibuses, arriving just after 10.15am. It was already hot, so after a snack we headed off to complete the Nature Trail! Everyone had a challenge pack, and there were a lot of things to do and find along the way.
It was only a short 2.5 mile round trip and everyone enjoyed the morning.
Here we are arriving at the lake, getting ready to do some bird watching.
After lunch, we set off to conquer the play trail, battling against giant spider webs, crocodile crossings, stag beetles, snake pits and towers and tunnels!
Ollie's not afraid of spiders!
Who is that disappearing inside the snake?
Enjoying a short rest on the giant stag beetle.
Mrs Partington leads the way on the tree top trail.
