School Curriculum
Russets
Our class of 3 to 4-year-olds in Russets now enter into the life of the School. They experience many firsts in the Russet year. Their first French lesson, their first house points, their first poetry competition, or a lead in the Christmas nativity. In all our Russets activities, we aim for children to begin their school life by learning in a fun, caring and stimulating environment.
Children make the transition from Russets to reception in a confident, positive manner and full of enthusiasm for the excitement that 'big school' presents. Russet and reception staff work closely to ensure that the necessary learning skills are embedded which enable Russets to capitalise on the thrill starting school brings to each child.
Prep R
Our children in Prep R continue to follow the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Our pupils receive broad and balanced learning opportunities and have equal access to enjoyable and challenging learning and development experiences, tailored to meet individual needs and progress. Learning takes place both indoors and outside through a balance between adult led, adult initiated and child-initiated activities. Homework is introduced and becomes a feature of their school life.
Year 1
Prep 1 will see the children develop enormously, particularly in their reading, writing and number work. They will begin to work more independently, as well as getting used to working in pairs and small groups for discussion, completing tasks and solving problems.
The children feel at home as established members of the school community, adjust to a more structured timetable and begin to take on more responsibilities, whether it be undertaking classroom duties, moving around the school doing jobs for adults or taking the opportunity to seek nomination as a school council representative. They start to implement the school values by showing kindness and caring for the younger members of the school in the playground, lunch hall and classroom. Most importantly, Prep 1 pupils continue to enjoy and look forward to their school day.
Year 2
Orchard children in Prep 2 our have many changes to contend with, they lose the outward signs of babyhood, namely their teeth and often have a growth spurt. With so much going on it is always a pleasure, as well as amazing, to witness just how much learning can be done by the young minds of Prep 2 in such a relatively short time. Overall Prep 2 represents an important watershed. Basic and familiar concepts are learnt, reviewed, and cemented, leading to more formal and advanced work in preparation for the school's senior classes.
Years 3 & 4
In Years three and four there is a traditional approach to the teaching of the core subjects: Math, English and Science. Pupils are then encouraged to focus on using their acquired skills to explore, investigate and gain knowledge through thematic learning of topics.
Specialist teaching staff also contribute and enrich the main subjects by providing expertise in specific areas of the curriculum such as sport, music and French.
Learning outside the classroom is encouraged and great emphasis is placed on reading for pleasure. Experienced staff guide pupils towards books that satisfy their hunger for a particular genre or interest creating a lasting legacy of Orchard: a lifelong love of books and reading.
