Junior Curriculum

Taught by a specialist teacher, the computing curriculum introduces our younger junior pupils to foundational digital skills and begins to foster confidence in using technology for learning and creativity.

As our pupils progress through the Junior School, they will continue to build on their existing knowledge and prepare for more advanced digital skills by focusing on three main areas: Information Technology, Computer Science, and Digital Literacy.

In Information Technology, the emphasis will be on data handling and analysis, as well as creating more sophisticated digital content such as multimedia presentations and learning about databases.

In Computer Science, girls will delve deeper into programming concepts, using variables, loops, and conditionals to design and debug programs. They will also use block-based coding platforms like Kodu Game Lab, a visual programming language that allows them to create 3D games and worlds.

In Digital Literacy, girls will explore online safety and responsible use of technology.
 

Our inspiring English lessons incorporate a range of high-quality book-based texts and extracts to inspire and motivate pupil’s love or reading and writing and develop the pupil’s experience and understanding of a range of literary forms.  

Pupils will undertake reading comprehension, writing tasks and also specific work on grammar topics with many genres of texts explored, from newspaper reports to poetry.  Set novels are read, discussed and evaluated in preparation for more advanced work on literary texts.

Individual reading and library skills are regularly reinforced through a structured reading programme designed to widen the range of books which they read as well as to spark their interest and encourage them to evaluate books in detail.

Pupils are encouraged to become enthusiastic, independent and effective readers.  Throughout their time in the Junior School, all our pupils have daily DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read), a dedicated reading slot within the timetable, to go alongside group reading activities in English lessons.

Opportunities for speaking and listening also underpin much of the work and English tasks are weaved throughout the junior curriculum to make the learning purposeful and cross curricular. 
 

In Year 6, all our pupils will start Food Preparation and Nutrition lessons, inspiring a passion and interest for the food they cook and to build confidence and independence in the kitchen. 

Whilst teaching the basics of food hygiene, healthy eating and knife safety, pupils will cook a variety of delicious sweet and savoury dishes that will be brought home to share.

Forest School includes project-based activities, allowing pupils to plan and carry out tasks, such as building long-lasting shelters or creating natural water systems.

Pupils use techniques such as knot-tying and learn to use tools for construction and carving, taking ownership of their designs and projects.  There is also a focus on developing a deeper understanding of natural systems, such as studying biodiversity, wildlife habitats and sustainable practices.   

Lessons promote leadership, innovation, and an advanced level of outdoor competence, building on all their previous experiences.  Pupils gain a more global perspective on environmental issues and begin to take an active role in caring for their environment, applying their knowledge in more practical ways. 

Geography 
Through our geography curriculum, pupils’ passion for their immediate surroundings and the broader world is awakened, developing their sense of identity and an awareness of their place in the world.  

Our pupils become more aware of how the environment can affect their lives and determine decision-making. Their knowledge of places and environments throughout the world, and understanding of maps is developed, alongside a broad range of investigative skills. 

The study of geography teaches children about their place in an increasingly global world, through learning about the United Kingdom and its relationship with Europe and the rest of the world, and the impact they can have upon the world around them. 

 
History 
Our history curriculum transports pupils’ learning from ancient civilisations up to World War II and the Empire Windrush.   

Topics are brought to life with themed days and extra-curricular trips to enhance the practical and engaging themed lessons. 

Religious Studies 
Within our RS lessons, pupils are taught to appreciate and understand all the main world faiths through identifying similarities and differences and building tolerance and understanding of the beliefs and opinions of others. 
 

Mathematics is taught through a mastery curriculum where children have plenty of opportunities to build their reasoning and problem-solving skills. 

Focusing on depth and understanding, ensuring key concepts are understood before moving on. the topics we follow have number at the heart and a large proportion of time is spent reinforcing number to build competency. 

Pupils are taught in sets and stay together as they work through the topics as a whole group, broadening and deepening their understanding through differentiated problem-solving activities.   

Our junior pupils are taught French and Mandarin using an interactive, oral approach. 

French
Within their French lessons, pupils will be involved in a variety of activities including role play, songs, games and poems, using the language to communicate through mini-dialogues. Pupils will also learn about the French culture, festivals and food.

Mandarin
In Mandarin, pupils start to learn about and how to pronounce the different tones, and use the basic strokes to write Chinese characters. Pupils will also learn about the Chinese festivals, taught through legends and stories. 

The study of Latin and Spanish are also available as weekly clubs through our More Able and Talented Learners programme.
 

Junior pupils are taught a broad curriculum which includes samba drumming, African drumming, gamelan, ukulele, recorder, keyboard and much more!

Each topic will develop pupils’ listening, composing and performing skills, helping them to become confident and creative young musicians.

Find out more information about our Music provision at St Nicholas' School here.   

Using both dance and drama skills, students are taught in our Drama Studio and the theatre stage of our Performing Arts Centre to build on performance skills and confidence.

All junior pupils have the opportunity to perform in two junior productions a year and smaller informal concerts are also optional.

Pupils explore everything from Fairy Tales to Victorian script work – working on vocal skills, gesture and physical movements to create polished performances.  

Find out more information about our Performing Arts provision at St Nicholas' School here.   
 

We aim to embed a love for physical activity and sport.  Through specialist-lessons and a wide spectrum of sports, the girls learn to apply and develop a broader range of skills and how to use them in a variety of ways. 

Pupils develop their communication and collaborative skills, whilst also learning how to compete during house and inter-school matches.  They are also encouraged to develop an understanding of how to improve and evaluate their performances and recognise their own success. 

Find out more information about our Sports provision at St Nicholas' School here.   
 

This is taught weekly and contributes to the girls’ learning and focuses on the physical, moral, social and vocational self.

Throughout the years we cover the following themes; relationships, living in the wider world, health and well-being. 

In addition, a designated programme on mental health through ‘My Happy Mind’ is covered in weekly lessons. 

Year 3-6 pupils have their science lessons in our purpose-built junior science lab, where a range of exciting investigations are brought to life, incorporating a variety of topics from Biology, Physics and Chemistry. 

The pupils benefit from a dedicated science technician, available to set up experiments and extend the girls’ learning opportunities and experiences.