Infants Department

Within the Infant Department, which caters for children of four plus, all of whom start in September, each pupil is able to enjoy three full years tuition prior to moving up to the Junior Department of the school. The aim is to provide a caring, but disciplined environment. All are taught, using largely traditional methods, to strive for the highest personal levels of achievement, both academic and behavioural, consistent with personal happiness and ability. A proportion of top Infants win places at local Preparatory Schools at the age of seven; the vast majority elect to stay and join the Junior Department.

In the Reception Class the children are taught the rudiments of "reading, writing and arithmetic", and whilst these continue to form the basis of each day, Music, Painting, Drama and P.E., together with an introduction to Science, History and Geography all play an important part throughout the Department. The children in the Reception Class benefit from having two members of staff in the room at all times, and the other infant classes also enjoy extra help from part-time qualified staff to assist with daily reading and small group work.

Throughout the Infant Department the "core" subjects in English (aural, written and spoken) and Mathematics (mechanical, mental and practical) are taught daily and form the basis of the curriculum. However, Science, History, Geography and Religious Studies play an important part throughout the department as do Music, Art, P.E. and Drama.

The children include the elements of the National Curriculum in their syllabus, but frequently widen and extend topics. The K.S.1 SATS taken in Year 2 consistently reveal results comfortably above the National Average, and those children applying for places at local Public Schools, Preparatory Departments are usually successful.