During their final two years at The Junior School, students are encouraged to embrace their growing independence while still enjoying the freedoms of childhood. The physical move to Somerleaze House affords a sense of ‘moving up’ and is an important milestone for students, gradually preparing them for the next stage of their education with the move to The Abbey Senior School at the end of Year 6.

The academic pace increases as the students move through to the final stage of the Junior School experience. In addition to the core curriculum, which is taught by form teachers, specialist teachers ensure that as well as the depth of learning there is also breadth. Two double Science lessons per week are on the timetable, both of which are taught in the Science Lab.  Other specialist teachers include French, PE, Music and Computing. Maths and English lessons are enhanced by weekly ‘extra’ lessons, where girls are split into much smaller groups of around 5 or 6 to work on aspects of the curriculum that they may need support with or where they would benefit from further academic stretch and challenge.

Girls are encouraged to explore and discuss issues that impact them and that are part of wider social discourse. They are supported in these discussions in order to ensure that their voices are heard and valued. Developing resilience is extremely important as they face challenges in terms of curriculum and socially as their friendships develop. Acknowledgement and understanding that these challenges are normal to underpins all that we do in preparing the girls for the next stage of their educational journey.