Key Stage 2
As pupils progress through Key Stage 2 they are increasingly required to apply their skills and knowledge in investigations and problem solving. The focus is on developing independent and effective learners. In Key Stage 2, as in Key Stage 1, the curriculum encompasses and enhances all the National Curriculum subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Information & Communication Technology, History, Geography, Art, Design & Technology, Music, Physical Education, Personal, Social & Health Education, and Citizenship. French continues to be taught throughout Key Stage 2. Religious Education is also part of the curriculum for all pupils and the principles of worship and instruction are interdenominational.
In Mathematics pupils consolidate the application of strategies in all the four operations, and problem solving activities provide increasing opportunities for children to think and reason for themselves. Open-ended investigations are given; these stretch pupils’ minds, encourage them to think laterally and to look for relationships between different areas of mathematics. In Science the emphasis is on practical work: hypothesising, planning investigations, collecting results and drawing conclusions.
In Physical Education pupils continue to develop a variety of skills required for net and wall games, invasion games, striking and fielding games. Educational dance continues to be taught and all pupils have swimming lessons. Sports played include tennis, netball, basket ball, tag rugby, football, rounders, kwik cricket and hockey. Pupils also take part in competitive sports against other schools, and teamwork and training are encouraged.
As girls progress towards the 11+ entrance examinations, they grow up in many ways, and we aim to help them to reach their potential both academically and personally. We encourage them to review their own progress and strive to do their best. We guide them to think independently, to have confidence in their opinions and their ability to put their ideas forward in discussion. As pupils travel on this important educational journey they do so in a supportive and creative atmosphere which ensures that school is enjoyable and learning is fun.
Pupils’ enjoyment of reading and love of literature continue to be encouraged. At the same time, pupils are helped to develop deeper understanding, more advanced reading skills and greater awareness of the complexity of texts. In addition they learn to develop their own writing style with powerful vocabulary, varied sentence structures, metaphorical language and imagery. Pupils in each year have a weekly drama lesson; the School recognises and values the contribution which drama makes to the development of pupils’ self confidence, imagination and creativity. The benefits are evident across all areas of the curriculum.
