The Curriculum

Priority is given to a proper grounding in reading, writing and arithmetic. It is on this foundation that all later education is built. However, at all stages there is a broad and interesting curriculum and, for the youngest boys, learning through play is also still very important.

Reading

The pre-reading stage is taught from sounds, blends and words, to give a thorough grasp of phonics and word recognition. After this, the boys move systematically through reading schemes and on to stories and proper books. Learning the mechanics of reading is important, but it is also vital to progress from books designed to help teach reading, to a love of books those that give pleasure, entertain and inform. There are class libraries in every classroom and teachers discuss suitable books with each boy to encourage and monitor his reading development.

General English

The boys are taught handwriting, spelling, grammar, comprehension and composition. The skills of good presentation and neatness are instilled, and boys learn the importance of content and appraisal. Observation and imagination are developed.

Mathematics

Early mathematics is taught through sorting, matching and sequencing. Numerical skills are developed through familiarity with the number bonds, then addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and the practical application of these concepts via problem-solving. Space, shape, time and money are all included in the curriculum. Maths games and regular mental arithmetic ensure sufficient challenge, confidence and consolidation.

History

This subject is introduced to the boys in their first year. As the boys move up through the School, history is taught to give an understanding of appropriate elements of British and World history. The teaching of history brings to life the past, its heritage and culture and the concept of time. Great historic figures are studied, so that the boys can be aware of the importance of character.

Geography

By the age of eight, the boys will have a good basic grounding in the geography of the British Isles, Europe and the World, and knowledge of their principal features and environments

Science

In science the boys are taught about the world around them: "animal, vegetable and mineral" and how each interacts. An understanding of the main forces and of some of the basics of chemistry, biology and physics, is taught, as is the Earth's place in the solar system. A prime element in the teaching of science is to encourage inquisitive and enquiring minds.

French

An informal verbal introduction to French is given in the first two years. This will be in songs and simple greetings. In the five plus year, French is taught more formally, but the emphasis continues to be on oral French. By their final year, the boys will be studying elementary written French.

Religious Knowledge

Taught as part of the curriculum, Religious Knowledge includes the study of Christian teaching and of the Old Testament, as well as an understanding of the other major religions. The daily assembly is the foundation of the School's spiritual life.

Music & Drama

An appreciation of music is nurtured from an early age. Boys are encouraged to develop their skills and experiment with sound. Opportunities are provided for pupils to sing and perform throughout the School year. Speech and drama form part of the curriculum, with boys being taught the value of co operation and inter action in a creative context. Self confidence, humour and a respect for others are enhanced through the School's programme of music and drama.

Games and P.E.

Fun, teamwork and healthy competition are encouraged through games and physical exercise. The boys have PE. lessons in the School's well equipped gym and regular supervised time in Kensington Gardens. The School's Sports Day is in the summer term; the Parents' Race requires more dexterity than training.

Art & Craft

The joy and pleasure of creating and making things is central to life and is encouraged from a boy's first day at the School. Art and craft are vital areas of individual selfexpression and for the development of practical skills. As the boys move up the School, they are also given a brief introduction to the work of a selection of great artists; the opportunity is taken for the boys to visit some of the art galleries in London. Work will be displayed throughout the year and parents will be able to view this at Parents' Evenings.

Information and Design Technology

There are computers throughout the School, in every class. The boys are taught how to use these and how to get the most from them for appropriate communication and information. In Design Technology the boys are shown how to consider, plan, design, make and test things. This practical and intellectual subject is taught to the boys throughout the School.

All the principal areas of the National Curriculum are covered. However, the work is at a higher level and is taken at a faster pace.