The Junior Department provides a nurturing and stimulating environment in which children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We prioritise the holistic development of each child, fostering not only academic success but also the growth of social skills, emotional well-being, and character. Our broad and balanced curriculum sparks curiosity, inspires independent thinking, and encourages a genuine love of learning, with lessons designed to be engaging and fun. Pupils are actively encouraged to find their own voice, express their ideas, and develop the confidence to think for themselves. We promote a positive work ethic, high standards of behaviour, and the importance of learning from mistakes, while ensuring that every pupil feels secure, valued, and empowered to become a lifelong learner.
Curriculum
In Year 3 and Year 4, pupils study a range of subjects, including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, TPR (Theology, Philosophy, and Religion), Computing, Drama, Music, PE and Games, and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education). Information about these subjects can be found on the separate Departmental pages, but below is some additional information about English, Maths, Science, and Drama in the Junior years.
English
We love reading in the Juniors, and our learning in English is based on some fantastic texts, ranging from contemporary to classic children’s literature. Using these texts, pupils learn how to make their writing really stand out, and they begin to take their comprehension skills to the next level — learning to say why language is effective and understanding the techniques that are used by writers.
In the Junior years, we also run Book Club, in which pupils read and discuss a diverse range of six books with their peers throughout the course of the academic year, alongside Guided Reading groups that support fluency and comprehension.
Maths
In Maths, the Junior pupils become extremely adept at manipulating the four operations of number and learn to problem-solve. Maths is always fun, and it is a favourite amongst many of the Junior pupils.
Science
In Year 3, pupils are introduced to experiments and how to plan and structure them. They have plenty of opportunities to carry out investigations. Pupils also learn about reflection and light in our topic, Mirror Mirror. A favourite topic of the pupils is plants. Year 4 pupils go on to study the human body, sound, space, and states of matter.
Drama
In addition to weekly Drama lessons, the Junior production provides an opportunity for every pupil to take part in performance. Pupils grow in confidence through expressing themselves in Drama lessons, complementing the work undertaken in English. Pupils explore their texts in English during their Drama lessons, taking on the physicality of characters, exploring the emotions they may experience, creating scenes based on inspiration from the books, and much more.
Enrichment
Beyond the classroom, the Junior Department offers a wealth of enrichment opportunities, including Junior assemblies, our annual Harvest Festival, residential trips, day trips, and the Junior Drama Production — all of which foster creativity, teamwork, resilience, and leadership. These experiences, combined with opportunities to take on roles and responsibilities within the Junior Department and the wider Under School community, help pupils to build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of community.
Departmental Staff
Miss Jenny Bains
— Junior Teacher; Head of Lower School Maths
Mrs Anna Downham
— Teaching Assistant
Ms Milly Langford
— Acting Head of Juniors, 4L Class Teacher
Mrs Mary Raikes
— 3R Class Teacher
Ms Hayley Wellman
— Deputy Master, Lower School; Head of PSHE; Designated Safeguarding Lead
Miss Lizzie Young
— 4Y Class Teacher
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“I love how the teachers make learning fun and enjoyable for us, and they push us to try our hardest. I’m really proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone, entering competitions, and trying new things. ”
— Konstantinos, Year 4 pupil
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“The Junior Department feels really inclusive. I’m very happy here.”
— Giovanni, Year 4 pupil
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“I enjoy all the trips that we go on. They’re really fun and on the residential trips, we make loads of new friends and get involved in lots of great activities.”
— John, Year 4 pupil
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