What sets our Juniors apart?
When our children enter KS2, they transition from Infants to Juniors. The children take great pride in the responsibility that life in the Junior years brings.
Learning
The Juniors are given more independent research topics, starting their journey to becoming inquisitive, life-long learners. More specialist subjects, such as Computer Science and STEM (in addition to the ones covered across all years, including Geography, History, RE, SPAG, Art, Drama, French, Music, Science, PE) bring breadth and excitement to the curriculum. Early exposure to various subjects helps build an understanding of the world and aids the secondary school transition, where the children are already exposed to more subjects.
As ever, small class sizes ensure that every child gets individual attention and is able to thrive!
Sports and Fixtures
Juniors get the opportunity to expand the sports they can practise and improve upon, adding sports such as Netball, Rugby, Cross country, Taekwondo and Athletics. Matches against other schools are held weekly, which helps build resilience, sportsmanship, teamwork and social skills. The children get excited about working together as a team with a delicious match tea at the end! Our children do very well in their matches.
The Juniors also participate in tournaments and Independent School Association (ISA) competitions. We are proud of their results; for example, our Under 11’s won the UK Sports Academy (UKSA) Hockey Plate Competition, and U10s came runners-up. In cross country, our Year 4s came 4th out of 14 schools in the Dobson Cross Country Trophy.
Clubs and extended day
When becoming a Junior, children can stay until 5.30 pm as part of the school structure. The children have half an hour of Prep, a light tea and a club of their choice. The extended day helps build relationships and a sense of community even more. The new-found hobbies and friendships help build confidence and positive mental health. Club choices evolve each term and currently include STEM, Tech Club, Wool craft, Gymnastics, Sewing Bee, Animation club, Tennis club, Little Librarians, Judo, Ballet, Choir, Drama, Art, Nature club. There is something for everyone!
Preparation for the future
Our forward-thinking, inquisitive learners are often remarked upon by people they meet after their time at The Mead. The children are readily prepared for the future and life beyond junior school with skills and strategies cultivated during their time here through teaching, well-being, and participation in inter-house activities, trips and experiences. Some of the experiences have included Bikeability, Teambuilding workshops, two night Bushcraft experience and the Year 6 Residential Trip.
Our Year 6 are tour guides, heads of houses and subject monitors. The responsibility helps reinforce confidence, public speaking and initiative, serving them for years.
If you are interested in finding out more, book our upcoming Open Day or contact our admissions at 01892 525837 to find out more.