Upper School Booklet

Issue 4

Academic Year 2021/2022

Dolphin

School The Upper School and Beyond

"PUPILS'

ATTITUDES TO LEARNING ARE EXCELLENT." ISI

The Dolphin Approach Inside: Year 3 Onwards and Upwards / 11+ Journey / FAQs

Children make good and most frequently excellent progress in their learning and personal development.

ISI

Year 3 Onwards and Upwards...

As the children settle into the Upper School, consolidating and building on the firm foundations built

in Lower School, the style of learning becomes more formal. Children work at their own desks which

fosters independence, organisation and ownership of their work.

Dolphin Production

English English lessons include weekly reading comprehension practice. This becomes more advanced as the children learn to engage with a wide range of texts on a deeper level.

There continues to be a focus on oracy, reading, writing, spelling and grammar each week. Wider reading is encouraged.

Specialists

Children continue to have the security of their own inspiring class teachers, but they also benefit from the expertise of subject specialist teachers for Art, Drama, P.E. and Music.

Children enjoy two themed Design and Technology Days each year; inspired by a new skill, they design, create and evaluate.

Year 6 take the most

prominent roles in our much

Reasoning Maths loved and highly acclaimed

Children are grouped for Maths according Children have 30-45 minute summer play. They lead the to their conceptual understanding. One class lessons in Verbal Reasoning and in school in a masterful display of

works mainly at the level expected for their Non-Verbal Reasoning each week. dancing.

A The This is an examined 11+ subject. age,acting, and thesinging other is and an express group. professional backdrop express group works at a moreand

accelerated They also have the opportunity to wild and wonderful costumes

pace and goes beyond the year group’s set complete additional online work content. Coverage of all 11+ topics is using the BOFA platform. make for an unforgettable

provided within both groups for successful experience. secondary school preparation and transfer.

Physical Education Children enjoy two afternoons of sport a week. Sports include Football, Netball, Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Rounders. Cross Country is introduced for all pupils in the Autumn Term.

Dance and Gymnastics are included in the curriculum.

Relationship Time Our pupils continue to benefit from daily Relationship Time where they have an opportunity to discuss current issues, develop strategies which enable them to thrive relationally and personally, and to develop an understanding of the role of faith in daily life.

POST 11+

A COVID Guide to

Journeying to 11+ FOR PARENTS

'GET READY' EVENT & SECONDARY SCHOOLS FAIR

1

Every September a 'Get Ready' event is held for parents of pupils in Year 4 and above. During the COVID pandemic these talks are given virtually by the Senior Team on: How do I choose a school for my child?

How does Dolphin prepare my child for 11+ (academically and pastorally) and what can parents do to

support this?

How does the secondary state admissions system work?

Biennially parents are also invited to come and meet a range of representatives from secondary schools they may wish to consider for their child.

SENIOR TEAM MEETINGS & FEEDBACK

2

In the Autumn term of Year 5, members of the Senior Team meet all parents individually to discuss tailored secondary school options. This gives parents an opportunity to share their hopes and preferences and is coupled with guidance given by our experienced Senior Team on the type of school that may suit their child personally, socially and academically. In the Autumn Term of Year 6, a further meeting is offered to discuss and finalise the schools parents wish to apply to for their child. Regular feedback is given from teachers in parent/teacher evenings, reports and informal conversations.

11+ FOCUS

3

In Year 5, we discuss the 11+ process with the children so they know what lies ahead; this is done in a way which helps them feel prepared and emotionally resilient.

Within English (Comprehension, Grammar and Writing) and Maths, there is increased focus on exam style questions. Children are taught how to tackle exam questions and to consider mark schemes. Working to time is developed, as is responding to tests online. Pupils are exposed to content within their capability.

11+ exam papers are used when children are ready.

WELLBEING

4 5

In addition to a strong pastoral approach from all class teachers, Year 5 classes enjoy a series of positive, engaging ‘Power Thoughts’ sessions which equip pupils with strategies to manage ‘big emotions’ as they approach the last stage of primary school. This supports their mental wellbeing and prepares them to deal with the pressure and challenges ahead.

At the beginning of Year 6, children have a ‘Power Thoughts’ workshop on how to manage feelings of stress or worry and how to grow a positive mindset for the tests to come.

MOCK INTERVIEWS All pupils have a Mock Interview with a member of the Senior Team during the Autumn term of Year 6.

They are encouraged to communicate their opinions, abilities and uniqueness. Constructive verbal

feedback is given to each child.

Quality

teaching and

an inspiring

approach.

RS ACADEMICS

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The main skills you can be supporting your child with at home

are in reading and mental maths.

Reading includes listening to your child read, reading to your

child and discussing a text together. A positive reading culture

at home, and an excitement about learning new vocabulary at

every opportunity are also of great benefit. By the time they

reach Year 3, children are expected to have a secure knowledge

and fast recall of: number bonds to 10, 20 and 100 doubles and halves to 20 the 2, 5 and 10 times tables, along with their division facts doubles and halves of 2 digit numbers ending in 1, 2, 3, 4

FAQ

HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD

ACADEMICALLY FOR THE UPPER SCHOOL?

They should also have a developing knowledge of the 3 times

table. Extending their knowledge and recall of further times

tables can also be beneficial if they are conceptually ready.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT MY CHILD WITH

HOMEWORK? The homework your child is set will increase to 30 minutes a

day in Year 3, 40 minutes in Year 4, 50 minutes in Year 5 and 60 minutes in Year 6. This always includes spelling practice,

memory verse and reading. It is important that your child can

FAQ

develop their independence with homework as the tasks will

reflect what has been covered in class that day or week. Where possible, providing a quiet and tidy space for them to study will

be beneficial. While parents may like to check over the

homework to ensure their child has completed the task to the

best of their ability, there is no need to mark the work. If

necessary, parents may write a note to the teacher if anything

was particularly challenging.

WHEN SHOULD I START LOOKING AT

SECONDARY SCHOOLS? There is little need to start looking at schools until your child has

completed Year 3. Each child develops at a different rate, and it

is not always possible to predict which schools might suit your

06

Dolphin

child three years before transfer. Once your child is in Year 4,

this would be a good time to begin your homework!

WHAT ABOUT 7+ SCHOLARSHIP AT DOLPHIN? This initiative allows Year 2 pupils to apply for an academic scholarship into the Upper School. Academic scholarships are awarded to pupils who are already academic leaders in their year or to those who show outstanding promise of future academic excellence. Those who receive a scholarship will demonstrate a real passion for extended learning and a high level of intellectual curiosity. The number and size of the academic scholarships is at the discretion of the Headteacher. Prospective candidates, both internal and external, will attend an assessment day. If a pupil is awarded an academic scholarship they will be expected to stay with the school until the end of Year 6.

WHAT ABOUT 10+?

The 10+ entry process has been created by a selection of senior schools with the main aim being to attract those from state schools. The idea is that children move from their state primary school at the end of Year 5 in order to gain experience of an independent school a year earlier than their peers. 10+ moves are not recommended as there are various drawbacks and so our curriculum is not

HOW MANY SECONDARY SCHOOLS

SHOULD I BE LOOKING AT?

geared for this. Instead, we support 11+ transition, believing

There is no minimum or limit to the number of

and emotionally ready for transition to secondary school.

schools you should research. It will depend on

We believe in children finishing well. The longer we have

each family’s focus and circumstances. We

them, the longer we can love them and the more ready

would recommend starting wide to begin with

they are to leave, fully equipped for the future.

that this is the best juncture when children are academically

so that you know exactly what options are

available to you. Then, by the start of Year 6,

having a maximum of 4 or 5 contenders would

be ideal.

WHAT ABOUT 13+?

Although the majority of pupils move on at age 11 to full secondary schools, certain senior schools begin their intake at Year 9 (for pupils aged 13). Some families choose to send their children to a prep school for two years after Year

SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO THE

SECONDARY SCHOOL OPEN DAYS?

6 where they will likely study for the 13+ Common

We recommend that, where available, parents do

Dolphin will prepare pupils for their next step into Year 7,

the initial visits without their children in order to determine if the school is an option or not.

Open Days are held in person and/or online, depending upon the schools' preferences. These usually take place in September and October.

Entrance Exams at the end of Year 8. 11+ preparation at wherever it may be, including prep schools that go on to age 13.

FAQ

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Dolphin by Numbers Dolphin

32

Number of senior school offers in 2021.

Average number of practice

11+ papers completed by the

end of year 6.

100

160 2020 The Year Dolphin's Something Brilliant campaign was launched.

Hours studying

English per year in the

Upper School.

53

90

Percentage of parents

who rated Dolphin

teachers’ ability to

inspire their child and the

quality of teaching as high.

Number of senior schools with which Dolphin has links.

1650

Average number of house

points collected per pupil in

the Upper School.

9 37

Average number of formal greetings per pupil in the Upper School per year.

13

Average number of

Maths exercise books

filled in a Dolphin

career.

WHAT IF I MISS AN OPEN DAY? If you have missed an Open Day for

FAQ

an independent school, we would recommend you

contact their Admissions Department and arrange a

separate visit. There is a possibility you may be able to

have a group or individual tour and perhaps also meet

the Head on this occasion. If you are looking at state

schools, it is important to take a note of the Open Day

dates well in advance as they do not tend to offer

additional visits.

WHERE DO PUPILS GO AFTER DOLPHIN? We send our Dolphins to a range of schools (state and independent, single-sex and co-ed, London day and flexi, weekly or full boarding). Please refer to the back of this booklet for our 2018 - 2020 Leavers' Destinations and offers list.

SHOULD I BE TUTORING MY CHILD? We do not recommend tutoring for tutoring’s sake.

Unless there is a need for a child to have support with a key area, we say, ‘Avoid tutoring!’. Children have a

FAQ

busy week of learning. In our many conversations with secondary schools, they tell us that they are not interested in ‘the tutored child’. They wish to see raw potential. If your child would need tutoring to get into an academically selective school, the chances are that that school is not suited to them. When tutoring your child to pass an entrance exam for an academically selective school, consider - will my child continue to need to be tutored throughout their secondary education in order to keep up with the school’s academic expectations? If so, is it worth it?

We prepare our children with practice papers so that they are familiar with the format they will encounter in 11+ tests.

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Leadership Roles

POST 11+

Enriching Opportunities

Year 6 become Captains,

responsible for specific areas of

the school. They develop their

leadership roles within the school

community, modelling school

values to the younger pupils.

They produce ‘Lent Charity’

presentations to the school so

pupils can vote on a charity to

support for the year.

WW1 Experience

Dolphin Production

Life of Christ

When residential visits are permitted, two nights are spent in the Dorset countryside taking part in an immersive World War 1 experience. It is an unforgettable time of adventure, physical challenge, teamwork and bonding as Year 6 approach the end of their journey together.

Whether live or 'virtually', Year 6 take the most prominent roles in our much loved and highly acclaimed summer play. They lead the school in a polished display of acting, singing and dancing. A professional backdrop and wild and wonderful costumes make for an unforgettable experience.

In the Summer Term of Year 6, open air performances permitting, children have a profound group experience on the Wintershall Estate as they perform the 'Life of Christ' with professional actors to an audience of thousands. This is a once in a lifetime experience and children learn parts of the gospel by heart to draw upon forever.

Leavers' Assembly

Dolphin Apprentice

The Dolphin journey culminates with each child being uniquely celebrated as we recall their strengths and the highlights of their journey with us. Each child is awarded a cup for a character trait or skill.

In the Spring Term of Year 6,

children undertake an Enterprise

Project in order to learn and

develop entrepreneurial skills.

This also builds on their

teamwork, communication,

creative thinking and problem

solving skills.

Residential Trips Residential trips provide opportunities for children to enjoy time outdoors in the countryside.

Each trip aims to develop their teamwork and leadership skills as well as fostering independence, resilience and a sense of wonder.

When group travel is permitted, our pupils venture out on the following trips: Year 4 - The Mill - one night Year 5 - Camp - two nights Year 6 - Hooke Court - two nights

Dolphin 11

Dolphin School LEAVERS' DESTINATIONS AND OFFERS

*Schools where scholarships were offered

2019 ACS Cobham Alleyn's School Christ’s Hospital Cottesmore Dulwich College* Emanuel School* Epsom College Ewell Castle Francis Holland, Sloane Square Fulham Boys School Hall School Wimbledon Hurst* Ibstock Place School James Allen's Girls' School King's College School* Lady Margaret School Prior's Field* Royal Russell Seaford College* Streatham & Clapham High* St Catherine's, Bramley St Cecilia's Sydenham High Thames Christian School Trinity School Tudor Hall Woldingham School

2020 Alleyn's School* Box Hill School* Caterham School Emanuel School* Hall School Wimbledon Ibstock Place School Kew House School Lingfield School Northwood Senior Oratory Prep Royal Russell Saint Cecilia's Streatham & Clapham High St John's Leatherhead Surbiton High School Sutton Grammar School Thames Christian School* Torquay Boys' Grammar School The Laurels Tiffin School Trinity School* Woldingham School Worth School

2021 Alleyn's School* Caterham School* Dulwich College Eaton Square Senior School Emanuel School* Ewell Castle School* Farnborough Hill Frensham Heights Fulham Boys School Fulham Senior School Hampton School Ibstock Place ICS London International JAmes Allen's Girls' School Kew House School King's College School* lady Margaret School Manor House School* Northwood Senior Plymouth College* Streatham & Clapham High Radnor House* Reed's School Royal Russell School* St Catherine's, Twickenham St Cecelia's C of E School St George’s, Weybridge St John’s Leatherhead* Sydenham High School* Tabernacle School Thames Christian School* Thomas’s Battersea Square* Trinity School* Wimbledon High School Woldingham School*

On the cover A Year 6 pupil sparkles, knowing that happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort!