Curriculum

Formal instruction is combined with modern teaching methods so that pupils are encouraged to listen, study and discover for themselves through formal and practical work in the classroom, outside in their local environment and on educational visits, usually within the County and in London.  Each year, the School hosts a number of educational visits from individuals and members of the public services in the local community. The Religious Education of our pupils is of prime importance.  The religious ethos of the school permeates the curriculum and is not confined to the religious education timetable.  All children follow the ‘Here I Am’ scheme recommended by the Southwark Diocese.  In Year 3 Catholic children will attend the schools Sacramental Preparation programme for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.  Both Sacraments are received in the Summer Term of Year 3. The curriculum comprises the usual core subjects taught in primary schools, with a strong emphasis on the basic skills.  Pupils are assessed in The Early Years Foundation (Nursery) and in the Early Years Reception.  The Early Years Transfer Form is then passed to Year 1. The Year 2 pupils take the Key Stage 1 Standard Assessment Tests (SATs).  The Year 6 pupils take the Key Stage 2 Standard Assessment Tests (SATs). Years 3, 4 and 5 sit Optional SATs papers during the last term of each academic year. An indication of the level a child of average intelligence would be expected to achieve is:                                     End of Key Stage 1     (7 year old)        Level 2         End of Key Stage 2     (11 year old)     Level 4    French, Music and Physical Education and Speech & Drama are part of the school curriculum.  There is a fully equipped gymnasium, a stage, large playing fields, a well- equipped play area and a heated, covered swimming-pool. In addition to curriculum music lessons, there are choirs for both lower and upper Junior pupils.  From Year 3, children may opt to take group recorder lessons in the lunch break and to take internal examinations in recorder playing.  Those who show a particular aptitude may progress to the treble, tenor or bass recorders.  Pianists who have passed a grade 1 practical examination are given an opportunity to study for and sit the grade 1 theory examination set by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. All children take part in the Christmas concerts and may be involved in competitions, concerts and performances at other times during the year. In the winter period, after-school sports activities include gymnastics (where BAGA awards are worked for), hockey, netball and badminton for interested, older pupils.  Swimming clubs are organised during the summer for the more competent swimmers.  Short-tennis, rounders and cricket are also played in the summer months, during the lunch break and after school.