Introduction
Edgeborough is a largely non-selective school. We expect to provide all pupils, whatever their starting point, with considerable ‘value added.' The great majority our girls and boys leave at the age of 13 and will gain places at leading Senior Schools which will, by national standards be taking in the top 15 - 25%. A good number of pupils will enter their senior schools having taken the scholarship examinations. Such success is built upon many strengths in the school.
- Outstanding teaching
- Excellent resources
- Small classes
- Development of thinking skills and language work from an early age.
- Positive co-operation and support for pupils and the school from parents.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of all however, is the very strong consolidation of knowledge and understanding of the early years' learning skills, which gives all pupils a very strong base from which to push off towards excellence in the later years.
Curriculum Details
Nursery and Reception years (EYFS)
In the Nursery and Reception years, there are six key areas of learning:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development;
- Communication, Language and Literacy;
- Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy;
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World;
- Physical Development;
- Creative Development.
Years 1 - 2
In years 1-2, the pupils will follow a curriculum informed by, but broader than, the National Curriculum. Additional time will be given to the creative arts such as Music, Art and Design Technology and to physical development. ICT and French are also taught. For literacy, the Pre Prep use the very successful 'Read,Write Inc.' programme. ‘Mindlab' is used as a strong supplement to the school's commitment to equip all pupils with the ability to deal with ‘problem solving' effectively.
Timetabled subjects:
Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Humanities (History, Geography and RS) PSE , Sports (including swimming and PE,) Creative Arts and Performing Arts, (including CDT, Art and Music). Also included are French and ICT.
Years 3 - 5 (Lower Prep)
These are years of an Edgeborough timetable. All the subjects outlined for Years 1 & 2 are continued and enhanced. The overall curriculum is designed to ensure pupils acquire and become comfortable with the skills needed for success in the Upper Prep and beyond. A good example of this may be:
The Learning of French.
French starts at the age of 2. In addition to the normal lessons, the study of some of the humanities (History, Geography and RS) is in French in the Lower Prep years. In the Upper Prep years, there is also the opportunity to go on multiple exchanges with a pupil or pupils from our marvellous exchange partner, the Ombrosa Language School in Lyon. Through these measures, we hope to avoid the possibility that even very able pupils, who enjoy technical ability and understanding in French, never develop the confidence to converse.
Years 6 - 8 (Upper Prep)
In years 6 - 8 the pupils will be prepared for the Common Entrance examinations in English, Mathematics, Sciences, French, Latin, History, Geography and RS. This is supplemented by PSE, sports, (including major sports, Swimming and PE), Creative and Performing Arts, (including Drama, CDT, Art and Music)
Pupils not taking Latin will follow a timetabled non-Latin course consisting of additional work in the core subjects of English and Mathematics.
In year 7 a decision is taken as to whether the Common Entrance or Scholarship programme is the more suitable for each individual pupil. This can depend on pupil's ability, style of learning and the school of choice.