Curriculum

At the heart of our learning together are qualified and highly skilled staff who deliver a curriculum that is wide ranging and with real depth. Throughout the school, skills, knowledge and concepts are taught until they are thoroughly understood. The Foundation stage ‘Early Learning Goals’, and the National Curriculum at Key Stages One and Two are the basic structure of the education we provide, as we constantly seek to deliver quality in our teaching and learning. Teaching by subject specialists from the Senior School begins at Reception and builds year upon year up to Year Six:

Reception: Music

Year 1: Music and P.E.
Year 2: Music and P.E.
Year 3: Music, PE and ICT, Tennis and Swimming.
Year 4: Music, PE and ICT, Tennis and Swimming.
Year 5: Music, PE, ICT, DT, French, Tennis and Swimming.
Year 6: Music, PE, ICT, DT, French, Tennis and Swimming.

Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard and computers and preparatory school pupils use the technology suite in the Senior School. Teaching of Preparatory School pupils by senior school staff also helps to ensure a smoother transition from Year Six to Year Seven. Year Six pupils also have ‘Taster Days’ during the year where they are introduced to life in the Senior School. Before new pupils start they have their own taster days. They spend one or two days with us so that we can make a thorough assessment of their abilities and needs.

A well-regarded Special Needs department supports the class teachers and teaching assistants. Pupils who need extra support receive one-to-one teaching with individual learning programmes and/or in - class support.

Outside educational visits are an important part of the Curriculum and each year group undertakes visits to support work in specific topic areas, and we are pleased to enjoy a good relationship with Blackburn Rovers Education Academy. Each year in the summer term an ‘activity week’ takes place. Pupils from Reception to Year Four undertake day trips whilst pupils in Years Five and Six spend a week at an activity centre by Lake Coniston in the Lake District learning water sports, rock climbing, abseiling and orienteering.