Years 5-6
The Upper School, ages 7- 11 (Years 3-6): A Broad, Balanced and Extended Education - Inspiring the Love of Learning
Years 5 and 6
Our aim is to produce well-rounded pupils with a love of learning and an enthusiasm for life. We expect the girl and boys to work hard and be active participants in their lessons, but we place equal importance on the their becoming involved in the extra-curricular activities at school. There are many areas of school life that provide exciting challenges for our pupils and we highlight sport, music, art and drama in this section of the website.
Teaching: We want our pupils to enjoy their final two and very busy years at Saclombe. We believe that one of the best ways to achieve this is by providing stimulating, challenging lessons where the girls and boys are encouraged to think, be activley involved in and take responsibility for their learning. The children are encouraged to be aware of the feelings and needs of others and are especially warm and welcoming to new pupils.
Academic Standards: The academic standard here is high, but high standards in the classroom and good sport, music, art and drama are by no means mutually exclusive, and we value our pupils' achievements in all areas of school life. In order to provide the best possible tuition in the lead up to the 11+ examinations to selective secondary schools in Year 6, teaching is largely by subject specialists across the curriculum. During their time in Salcombe's Upper School, pupils will experience English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), French, Physical Education, Art, Design Technology, Music, Drama, Personal, Health and Social Education and Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning. Except in very unusual circumstances, within their own age group.
Children: Our senior pupils are developing rapidly into the responsible, reliable young people that all good secondary schools would be delighted to have join their Year 7 cohort.
Year 5: Pupils at this level are well settled into their studies. Since this is a particulary demanding academic year we endeavour to provide the children with activities and experiences whih will consolidate their learning in creative and inspiring ways. The Year 5 residential Outdoor Education experience and the French shopping trip to the Lille Christmas Markets are examples of this.
Year 6: Pupils begin their year with consolidation of their learning and additional 'After School Extension Programmes' to ensure each individual has the opportunity to attain their personal best results in their selective school examinations.
Salcombe Year 6 pupils display a lively interest in all the activities of the School and are renowned for providing informative tours of the School on Open Mornings. The girls and boys are at once proud to be Salcombe seniors yet are preparing fortheir move to their future secondary schooling.
Selective Secondary Schools: Year 6 pupils traditionally achieve very good results in Selective Secondary School examinations. Year 5 parents are invited to an evening to speak with the Head and Senior Staff about their hopes and aspirations for their child's future schooling. Great care is taken to help each family select the most suitable school for their sons and daughters.
Assessments: Regular pre-and mastery tests enable teachers assess the children's progress, monitor learning and plan further actions.
Homework: All subjects are covered in homework each week. Homework should last no more that 60 - 70 minutes per night and there should be but two subjects covered for homework each night.