Years 4 to 6

Core Subjects

From Year 4, pupils follow courses in the core curriculum subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. Year 4 continue to be taught English and Maths by their form teacher and from Year 5, the children are taught by subject specialists.

English and Drama

All pupils begin to acquire the skills of critical thinking, close reading and effective communication. They develop their creativity in a varied curriculum that balances a grounding in key works of English Literature with the study of how the English language operates. Independent reading outside the curriculum is encouraged.

Mathematics

The school follows the White Rose scheme which provides a more rigorous, stimulating course for pupils through the use of bar modelling as well as focussing on their problem solving skills.

Science

Pupils begin to learn the practical skills needed to carry out exciting investigations, both in the laboratory and throughout the school. Many of the topics in Year 6 are at a more advanced level, which will be built upon as pupils enter the senior part of the school.  There is an emphasis on skills-based learning and as part of our Passport assessment, pupils n Year 8 will undertake a practical assessment as well as theory and presentation.

Additional Subjects

From Year 4, alongside the core curriculum subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, we teach pupils language and humanity subjects.

French

Pupils learn French in a fun and stimulating environment. They build on the beginnings made from Year 1 and from Year 3, they are taught by a specialist teacher. Pupils enjoy using the iPad in their lessons to facilitate online learning whilst accessing a number of language and interactive websites.

History

Pupils develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of local, British and world history. They learn how to identify connections, contrasts and trends and begin to understand how the knowledge of the past is built up from a range of sources. The development of independent research skills is given a high priority as our pupils progress towards the senior part of the school where pupils will have the opportunity to undertake a research project as part of our Passport programme in Years 7 and 8. Cross-curricular links are exploited where possible and in particular, shared target-setting and monitoring of pupils progress.

History is brought to life for our pupils by visits to local sites, including Newhaven Fort, Fishbourne Roman Palace, Battle Abbey, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace. Their learning is further enriched by interactive, fun workshops, both at external venues and by external providers at the school.

Geography

The teaching of Geography seeks to engage our pupils with the world around them. Whether on a local, national or international scale, our pupils learn about various human, physical and environmental topics and these lay the basic groundwork for the syllabus they will follow in Years 7 and 8.  

Year 4 start their learning with an introduction to the subject before moving to explore topics on landscapes, extreme environments, farming and food production and citizenship, whether British, European or international. Year 5 study Kenya, the rainforest, China, population and migration and coastlines. Year 6 topics cover energy, earthquakes, rivers and flooding, water issues around the world and revive the traditional art of map reading

Religion, Ethics & Philosophy

Pupils study a broad range of topics that are not limited to ancient texts and encounter the major religions of the world, as well as philosophers from all ages and places. Each year group is introduced to new ideas and faces new challenges. 

In Year 4, pupils explore creation stories, Buddhism and the identity of Jesus and their study is supported by visits to places of worship from the various religions concerned. Year 5 study topics comprise Islam, Saints and Sinners, and Bible, Monsters & Art, enriched by a visit to the National Gallery and the Victoria & Albert Museums to see for themselves the terrifying monsters of the Bible and how artists have interpreted them. Year 6 pupils examine Sikhism, and move on to broad topics of Christianity around the world and the philosophy of religion.

Parents are given curriculum booklets for their child’s year group at the start of the autumn term which provides more detailed information about the content of their child’s learning for the year ahead.

Please visit the Creative Arts pages to explore our pupils’ learning further.