Once in the Senior School, organisation and independence take on a greater importance. Children find themselves moving from one classroom to the next, with specialist teaching in all subjects. As in the Junior School, in order for pupils to be clear about our expectations, they are given targets in all subjects at the beginning and the end of each term to focus their mind. These targets are regularly reviewed by staff.

Pupils’ performance is regularly monitored through informal and formal testing. At the end of Year 6, KS2 tests are taken in English, Maths and Science. This gives us the ideal opportunity to review progress since KS1. In Year 7, the Common Entrance syllabus begins in preparation for the end of Year 8. Some of our pupils will sit Entrance and Scholarship tests in the Spring Term of Year 8 whilst others will choose to take the Common Entrance tests in June. However, we feel that it is absolutely essential for pupils who have sat exams in the Spring Term to keep the momentum going till the end of Year 8. Therefore, all Year 8 pupils take Common Entrance in June.

Our curriculum is very broad and is supported by the use of ICT in the classroom and in the ICT suite. Regular visits occur to further enhance work done in class. For instance, included in the fees is a trip to Normandy for all Year 7 pupils, where during the course of a week, they can immerse themselves completely in the French language. Regular Geography field trips also take place, as do History and Religious Studies based visits.

By the end of Year 8, we are proud that our pupils are ready to leave for their Senior Schools fully equipped with the study skills and the academic rigour which will help them for the rest of their lives.