Lower Section

It is a significant step from the Pre-Prep Department to the Lower Section. Pupils are encouraged to begin to take more responsibility for personal organisation - to look after their own belongings, to find their way around school and be ready for lessons.

Pupils in Years 3 and 4 are taught in a form setting, mostly by one teacher who oversees their overall progress. However, pupils have access to specialist teaching provision in some subjects such as Physical Education and Music.

Pupils in Years 3 and 4 also begin to mix with older children, in Buddy groups, with prefects who take a special interest in them, in the dining hall and on the playground.

The form teacher is there to support and encourage the children. They oversee all aspects of pastoral care and academic progress working closely with the Head of Section.

Pupils in Year 4 are taught in 2 mixed ability forms with setting for Maths. Year 3 pupils are taught in 3 mixed ability groups with setting for some aspects of Maths and English. Specialist support is available through the Learning Success department for those pupils who may have a specific learning difficulty.

Up to the end of Year 4, pupils are taught in a form setting mostly by one teacher. By Year 6, they are taught in specialist rooms by specialist teachers and they are expected to plan ahead and take responsibility for organising themselves and their belongings throughout the day.

Year 5 is an important year as it is the transitional year between the security of form based teaching and the demands that Year 6 brings. It can be exciting, but at the same time challenging. It is a year of opportunity as well responsibility. Pupils are introduced to some specialist teachers and expected to move around more, but one teacher, their form tutor, will usually still teach one of their subjects. The form tutor is there to support pupils and oversee all aspects of pastoral care and academic progress, as well as to help them to adjust to the new demands that a specialist taught curriculum brings.

In Year 5 pupils are streamed for the first time. It is usual to divide pupils into one higher ability group and two mixed ability classes. This ensures that the curriculum provided, as well as the style of teaching, is appropriate to the needs and abilities of the pupils. An additional class may be added in Year 6. Specialist support is available to those who would benefit from it. This is arranged through the Learning Success department.

Parents are always encouraged to come and discuss any problems or concerns. The first point of contact is the form tutor.

3L Mrs Gill Lewis                             3W Mrs Sarah White

4F Mrs Bryony Finch                       4S Mrs Claire Stunell

5H  Mr Ron Hornsby                        5M Mrs Sue Morris               5S Mrs Sarah Stallard

6C Mrs Jennie Cooling                    6J Mr Andrew Jolley

Mrs Drew is the Head of Section and has an overview of all matters, pastoral and academic relating to pupils in Years 3,4,5 and 6. She can be contacted on 01823 703407.