Key Stage 2 Curriculum

Years 3 – 6: ages 7 - 11

English
Mathematics
Science
Geography
History
Art
Technology
ICT
Music
Drama
Swimming
Religious Education
PE
Games
French
Verbal Reasoning
Non Verbal Reasoning
Thinking Skills

The curriculum for Key Stage 2 is based on the National Curriculum, though we have the flexibility to incorporate a great deal more. We pay close attention to the National Literacy and Numeracy Programmes of Study. Continual assessment is made throughout each year and careful records are kept. Parents receive two written reports each year and there are two parent/teacher consultations per year.  In Year 5 we have three consultations in order to help prepare for entry to Secondary education. 

In Years 3-6 we keep the emphasis on breadth and balance ensuring the girls enjoy their studies, whilst preparing them for the important senior school entrance exams they take in Year 6. In Key Stage 2 the girls learn to analyse their preferred learning style and develop their thinking skills so they become more critical and efficient learners.

"The consistently high quality of support and challenge for pupils of all abilities is a significant factor on the high attainment and progress." ISI Report 2016

Some of our pupils will be aiming for a place at a grammar school, while others will be looking to move onto our own Senior School or transfer to another independent school. We will always discuss with you what options you are considering for senior schools, provide impartial, professional advice and help your daughter achieve her best.

"More able pupils are well supported extension tasks that promote independent thought and research and enhance their interest." ISI Report 2016

Our preparation for senior school entrance exams does not involve non-stop cramming and coaching; instead the girls are taught the ability to use and apply knowledge, and to have well practised exam technique. Your daughter will need to work hard, but balance her studies with other activities. We are aiming to develop a happy young person who has the confidence and learning skills to do well and cope with the demands of whichever senior school she moves on to.

As a result, our pupils have a very good record of success in gaining places to grammar and independent schools, and each year a number of girls gain scholarships.

In Key Stage 2 we continue to teach the same subjects as in Key Stage 1.

Verbal and non-verbal reasoning are taught from Year 4 onwards.

A variety of trips complement classroom-based learning and there is an annual residential trip to Norfolk in Year 5 and to France in Year 6.

We place great emphasis on the development and use of ICT skills in all subjects and the girls have regular access to the modern network of flatscreen computers. By Year 6, pupils have very confident and competent computer skills being able to produce PowerPoint presentations and design web pages. ICT skills are incorporated into all subject areas as well as being taught as a separate subject. Pupils have access to the ICT suites in the Senior School.

"Teachers routinely use a variety of strategies which capture and hold pupils' commitment and interest, and promote excellent behaviour." ISI Report 2016 

For girls joining us from other schools we aim to make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible.

Click here to view 'A Guide to Calculation Strategies in KS1 and KS2.'