Juniors - 7 to 10 years

From the age of seven your child will move into the Junior department.

The timetable is more structured and children are gradually introduced to specialist subject teaching. Pupils move onto the Senior School at the end of Year 6.

Your child will follow a broad curriculum in the Juniors. Pupils are taught English and mathematics each day, and science, history, geography, French, art, technology, religious studies, personal, social and health education, physical education, including swimming and games throughout the week- a course of studies based on, but not constrained by, the National Curriculum.

Your child will experience a range of teaching styles, depending on the subject and the content and objectives of the lesson. Class sizes are small. At a curriculum evening held early in the year, you can meet your child's teacher and find out how the class operates, the teacher's expectations and the objectives for the year. Pupils' progress is carefully monitored. You will receive two written reports a year and have the opportunity to attend two parents' evenings. At Friends' School, parents and teachers work closely together to ensure the academic and social development of each pupil.

The emphasis at this stage of your child's education is to build on a firm academic foundation, coupled with a more independent attitude to learning. By the end of this stage your child will have had the opportunity to develop a sound base in writing, reading and spelling and be able to speak and listen with confidence. They will have a good grounding in mathematics and be encouraged to think and question independently. All pupils take Key Stage Two curriculum tests at the end of Year 6.

At this point, your child may transfer to the Senior School and we aim to make the transition as smooth as possible. Your child will have been taught by a number of specialist Senior School teachers and there are occasions for Juniors to attend Senior School taster days in years five and six.

For more information about entry into the Senior School please click here.

Pastoral Care

Your Child's pastoral care is primarily the responsibility of the class teacher, with support from the Deputy Head and Head. Through the personal, social and health education programme your child will develop confidence and responsibility and will be helped to make the most of his or her talents, as well as developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people.

Pupils are expected to show responsibility to the community. By raising issues and discussing responses with their forms, pupils are encouraged to feel ownership for decisions made at School Council, and at Eco meetings.