Upper School

The Upper School is an exciting time when pupils really get to spread their wings

By this stage they have built a firm foundation of knowledge and developed the practical study skills they need to be challenged further and explore their interests.

• Core subjects remain a focus and links are made between these and the foundation subjects (Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Sports and Computing) to enable rapid progress. 
• Lessons in the Upper School are often longer to enable more in-depth learning on certain projects. This includes afternoons to explore a topic in Science, Art, DT, or Humanities. Likewise, at least one PE session per week will be taken in Roundwood Park. 
• Children in the Upper School are encouraged to have greater independence and they are often involved in assemblies, initiatives and events. 
• Upper school pupils take on mentor roles with Lower School pupils, including buddying with new joiners and hearing them read. 
• There is a wide range of opportunities outside of lessons, such as public speaking competitions, a wider range of clubs and joining the School Council.
• From Year 4, pupils go on residentials visits, building up from two to three and then four nights away from home at school-supervised camps. 
• As pupils in Years 5 and 6 begin thinking about their next steps, they are offered twice weekly extra 11+ preparation classes within our after-school club programme.