Key Stage 1

Key Stage 1 comprises Year 1 (children aged 5-6 years) and Year 2 (children aged 6-7 years). Each year group has two mixed ability classes with a maximum size of 20 pupils. Learning opportunities are enriched by regular class outings and workshops.

In Key Stage 1 the curriculum encompasses and enhances all the National Curriculum subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Information & Communication Technology and Computing, History, Geography, Art, Design & Technology, Personal, Social and Health Education, Citizenship, Religious Education, Music, Physical Education and French.

We are keen to foster within our pupils a love of books and enjoyment of reading. Emphasis is placed on firm understanding and the development of a range of reading skills. We encourage pupils to become confident writers, expressing their ideas freely and lucidly, and developing a high standard of writing.

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.

In Mathemetics we help pupils to gain a confident understanding of operations and an ability to manipulate numbers. Wherever possible, we encourage the kinaesthetic approach before moving on to the abstract. Exciting resources and practical activities are used to encourage participation and assist understanding.

In Physical Education pupils learn a variety of skills, including throwing and catching, dribbling, kicking and hitting, aiming and inventing games, passing and receiving. Educational dance is also taught. Sports played include netball, tag rugby, football, rounders, kwik cricket and hockey. Weekly swimming is on the timetable for all pupils.

By the end of Year 2, our children are well prepared to take on the new challenges and opportunities that await them, in the upper school for the girls, and in their new schools, for the boys.   We prepare the boys for entry to preparatory departments of senior schools at 7+, and the girls for entry to London Day Schools and to boarding schools at 11+.