Jerwoods - our Lower School for 10 to 12 year olds
In an environment entirely suited to the needs of 10 to 12 year olds, we can identify skills and potential at an early stage, and thus we provide the help, support and encouragement each pupil needs to achieve to his or her full potential.
The curriculum is balanced and busy, and includes Saturday mornings for all but Lower One (10 year olds). Lower School pupils are taught by the same specialist teachers who teach throughout the School. This means pupils not only benefit from these teachers' expertise and experience, but when they progress to the Middle School, the transition is easier as they will already be familiar with teachers, timetabling and locations.
Right from the start each child has a tutor who monitors academic work and general development, provides support and guidance and communicates closely with parents.
Lower School curriculum
All pupils study English, Mathematics, French, Science, History, Geography, Religious Education, Information and Communication Technology and a series of Creative Arts courses. Most pupils also take Latin. In the second year, pupils experience half a term each of German and Spanish before opting for one of the languages in the summer term. Teaching is by forms in all subjects, except Mathematics and French where pupils are grouped by ability into sets.
Although pupils take a full range of examinations in the summer term, there are no public exams, so we are able to tailor a curriculum that is not only stimulating but also flexible giving space for a wide range of learning experiences.
About six hours' prep is set each week and specific time is allocated, Monday to Saturday, for all subjects except PE and Creative Arts. The Smallbone Library provides outstanding facilities for self-motivated study and pupils are encouraged to pursue wider interests on their own initiative. Informal support is always available.
Moving to the Middle School
Provided they reach the required entry standards, Lower School pupils do not need to take an entry examination to progress to the Middle School.