Years 3-4

The Upper School, ages 7- 11 (Years 3-6): A Broad and Balanced Education - Inspiring the Love of Learning

Years 3 and 4

Transition from the Lower School: Making the transition from our the Lower School to Upper School is generally a happy and seamless experience. The children respond well to the change to more formal learning which comes with the introduction of more subject based learning.  Salcombe recognises that children learn at different rates and every pupil has the potential and ability to succeed. Our classes are small, with the opportunity for one-to-one tuition if the need exists.

The Curriculum:  The curriculum at Years 3 and 4 includes, and extends upon, all the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum. Year 3 and 4 teachers seek to promote learning and personal growth and development. The children are taught how to develop into positive, responsible people who can work and co-operate with others, while developing knowledge and skills, so they can achieve their full potential.

Year 3: This important transition year from the Lower School into the Upper School provides an opportunity for pupils to explore their growing level of self- responsibility, whilst still feeling supported by the guidance and encouragement of their teachers.  Class Form Teachers use their weekly PSHE lesson help their children to come to terms with the more grown up environment of the Upper School. Teachers demonstrate their expectations, individualise their guidance and encourage all with praise.  As the year progresses the children's sense of pleasure in their self-motivated and self-disciplined achievements grow, laying a solid foundation for future study habits. 

Year 4: This is a year of further consolidation where teachers encourage the children to become more independent, responsible and organised in their thinking and working. Year 4 is also where teachers prepare the children for Year 5 when attention to the curriculum intensifies in response to the needs of the Selective Secondary School examinations, held  in the first Term of the following Academic Year.

Assessments:  Regular small pre-and mastery in-house tests are used to assess the children's' progress. The results of these are used by teachers to monitor learning and to plan further actions.

Homework: Homework includes ste activitie in Maths and English, word lists for spelling, times tables, and, from time to time some aspects of project or topic work.