The first years
Everything after depends on reading. A child who reads fluently and early can reach the whole curriculum for themselves; a child who does not spends the next ten years catching up. So we spend the time now, and we do not apologise for it.
Alongside reading, writing and number, pupils are taught science, history, geography, art, design and technology, music, physical education and Bible. Much of it comes through topics, so children see how subjects speak to each other, but the knowledge underneath is sequenced deliberately rather than left to chance.
Mixed-age classes
Willow and Hazel are both mixed-age classes — Willow takes Reception to Year 2, Hazel Years 3 and 4. A child works at the level they are actually at, and a child who needs another term on something can have it without moving class or feeling marked out.
Willow is taught by Sarah Seeds, Head of Lower School, supported by Joanna Harrison from Monday to Thursday and Mia Seeds on Friday. Hazel is taught mainly by George Sutton.
Mathematics
We follow a mastery approach built on the White Rose sequence, adapted for mixed-age teaching. Children move on when they have understood, not when the calendar says they should.
Bible and worship
Bible teaching happens weekly and worship happens daily. Children pray, sing, and hear the Bible taught at a level they can follow. Nobody is pressured into anything.
The early years
Reception provision is planned and evidenced against the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Children learn through play and through structured teaching, with the balance shifting gradually across the year so that they are ready for Year 1 without being rushed there.
