Teaching and Learning We use a two week timetable. The very first week of the academic year is Week A and the second week is Week B. It alternates thereafter each school week. Each lesson is an hour in length.
THE JUNIOR SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL ETHOS The International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy delivers a future inspired education that best prepares our children as they grow-up to be global citizens in the 21st century. The IB Primary Year Programme (IB PYP) forms the building blocks of the Junior School curriculum. The IB PYP curriculum creates greater synergy across BGS. The IB philosophy approach mirrors our fundamental beliefs that education should place the child truly at the centre of learning; that it must ensure students grow into confident, enthusiastic and independent learners, who use their skills and attributes in the pursuit of personal knowledge, global understanding and meaningful actions; and that we learn in an enjoyable, creative and non-judgemental environment. English Language and Mathematics are learnt in daily lessons with Junior School class teachers who are experts in the early acquisition of these subjects. Developing a strong set of skills in literacy and numeracy are vital for unlocking potential across all subject areas. Learning in Science, Humanities, Arts and Personal, Social and Physical Education takes place through six trans-disciplinary themes, taught through half termly Units of Inquiry. The Themes are of global significance and provide students with the opportunity to explore local and global issues, to make real life links and study areas of personal interest. As the students progress through the School, the key thematic areas are re-visited to build on prior knowledge and understanding and to provide a more immersive, challenging
experience. There is an emphasis on independent and inquiry led learning, as the students will be encouraged to ask and explore broad reaching questions, develop independent answers and express themselves in a multitude of exciting ways. The curriculum is extended through subject specialists who teach Spanish, Music, PE and Dance on a weekly basis. In Year 6, students have additional subject specialist lessons in Science and a rotation of Spanish, French, German and Classics as well as a term of Food and Nutrition, DT and Textiles. We offer a wide variety of sports throughout the School, taught by specialist teachers. Sports are taught in Year groups and rotate around the winter sports of Hockey and Netball and summer sports of Rounders, Athletics and Tennis. Swimming takes place throughout the year and Lacrosse is introduced in Year 6. Pupils use their iPads as an integral part of their learning. They quickly learn how to use technology to find out key information, locate resources and create their own projects. They have their own unique school email address and learn how to use the technology responsibly. The School has robust e-safety procedures in place to ensure the students are always protected when working online or remotely.
HOME LEARNING AND STUDENT ACTION In the Junior School, we believe that learning is not limited to the classroom and that conversations at home, time alone to explore concepts and ideas, trips away and practising key skills all contribute significantly to your daughter’s achievement in School. 17
