2
SPORT Developing teamwork and participation With playing fields providing pitches for soccer, rugby, cricket, hockey and athletics, a full-size Sports Hall (including two indoor cricket nets) and a double-size tennis court, all children have the opportunity to learn many varied sporting skills. Each term there is an extensive fixture list for as many children as possible to represent the school, against either local independent or state schools. Sport is an important part of life at St Francis, providing a happy and healthy environment in which children can develop. The range of sport you can do has amazed me. I am currently doing rugby, but will do athletics and cricket in the summer. “ The teachers are really helpful and listen if you have any problems or worries. “ “ “ PRE-PREP Building on the foundations in Years 1 and 2 Through engaging teaching and dedicated facilities, Pre-Prep children grow considerably in confidence. They are encouraged to participate more widely in school life and to experience the world outside school with regular trips and excursions. Under the care and nurture of their class teachers, the children become more responsible for their own organisation and take part in more extra-curricular activities, preparing them to take on the challenges and opportunities that Junior Prep offers. Ages 5 to 7 JUNIOR PREP Developing independence in Years 3 and 4 Nurturing individuality and encouraging responsibility are pivotal ingredients of your child’s development in Junior Prep. Pupils thrive on the challenges and opportunities presented to them through both academic and extra-curricular activities. Although pupils in Years 3 and 4 are taught increasingly by subject specific teachers, the children continue to be under the care of a Form Teacher, who takes a daily overview of each child’s progress. We champion participation in sports, arts and extra-curricular activities which are all seen as essential complements to their academic studies. Ages 7 to 9 SENIOR PREP Responding to opportunities and responsibility in Years 5 to 8 From Year 5 every subject is taught by a specialist teacher, with English, Mathematics and Science taught in sets to the end of Year 6. St Francis is a ‘13+ school’ and children who remain beyond the age of 11 study an additional foreign language (Spanish) and Latin. Pupils take on increasing levels of responsibility within the school, with fulfilling opportunities such as becoming prefects, librarians and team captains or representing others on the Pupil School Council. Children leave with the strongest possible foundations, not only for the next stage on their academic journey, but also for life itself. ACADEMIC LIFE Building confidence in the classroom The enthusiasm and passion of our teaching staff for their subjects nourish our pupils’ appetites for learning in all areas and opens their eyes to the joys and opportunities that come from learning. Within the school there is a Learning Support Department of qualified teachers and assistants who provide academic support to children on a group or individual basis. Ages 9 to 13 FOUNDATION STAGE First steps in education in Little Saints Nursery and Reception We believe wholeheartedly that children learn best when they feel happy, secure and are engaged in active play and first hand experiences. Each day children have access to both indoor and outdoor learning environments, helping them to develop their independence and self-confidence. The youngest children join Acorns in the term following their second birthday whilst our Saplings class takes three and four year olds. During their time in Little Saints Nursery, children are introduced to French, Music and P.E. by subject specialists, as well as having opportunities to develop their learning and experiences in the school’s own woodland. Stimulated by opportunities to discover and explore, we quickly see the children’s personalities, skills and interests develop. This strong foundation provides a natural progression into Reception (Oaks), where children experience a range of well-planned, purposeful activities, both adult and child-led, that meet the needs and interests of each individual child. Ages 2 to 5 THE ARTS We have dedicated Arts facilities and an inspiring team of permanent and visiting staff who nurture creativity in an environment that is always lively, interactive and fun. Developing Confidence in Performance and Expression Creativity, self-confidence and individuality – children benefit hugely in all walks of life from an early introduction to the arts. From public speaking to solving a mathematical problem, a stimulating creative background is imperative for everyone; this is why we place such great emphasis on the arts throughout your child’s time with us. Opportunities on offer include: • Music, Choir, Orchestra and Ensembles; • Individual music lessons in a wide range of instruments; • Painting, Sculpture and Textiles; • Design and Food Technology; • Public Speaking Lessons; • Drama Teaching with productions staged throughout the year.
