Year 4

One of the main features of this year is the introduction of specialist teaching throughout the curriculum.

The girls benefit hugely from being taught by subject specialists, who are able to impart a deep knowledge and love of their subject. The ability to interact with a range of adults increases their confidence and knowledge. The girls visit more specialist teaching rooms for their lessons and this helps them to develop organisational skills and a sense of responsibility for their belongings.

The girls are also put into sets for Mathematics for the first time. There are three sets across the year group and these small groups enable the teachers to differentiate the work, extending the very able girls and supporting those who find it more challenging.

Pastoral care continues to be highly valued and each form is cared for by a form teacher who liaises with the academic staff to ensure that each girl is happy and fulfilled in all aspects of school life. Parents have the opportunity to meet with the form teacher at the Introductory Parents’ Meeting at the beginning of the academic year, when the expectations for the year are explained. Further Parents’ Evenings are held during the Autumn and Spring terms with appointments with all subject staff, as well as with the form teacher.

The scope of the extra-curricular activity programme is extended further for Year 4 with the introduction of our very popular Triathlon club. In addition, Year 4 girls have the option for supervised prep for the first time.

Year 4 aims to develop greater maturity and a happy and confident approach to learning, gently but effectively introducing teaching styles used later in the school and in preparation for the girls’ eventual transition to their Secondary Schools.

At the end of Year 4, the classes are mixed once again to ensure that we have a balance of girls across the two classes in terms of sporting, musical and academic abilities and to encourage wider friendships.