Introduction to Lower Juniors

Mrs A Flynn

On behalf of the Key Stage One team I would like to welcome you to the Royal Russell Junior School. Our Key Stage One team joins the Early Years team, to create the Lower Junior School, an environment where your son or daughter develops in all curriculum areas and as a unique individual.


Curriculum
During Year 1 and 2 your child will be taught through a topic based approach, broadly in keeping with the National Curriculum for England. Teaching will include a daily Literacy and Numeracy focus, including the opportunity for your child to read daily. Teachers link children's learning in Science, ICT, History, Geography, Art and Religious Education with all other subjects across the week or half term.


Reporting and Assessing
All pupils in the school will have their learning continually assessed in order to monitor progress. At the start and end of the school year children will be assessed formally in Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning.


Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is a recognised strength within the Junior School. We truly believe happy children will be more successful in their learning journey. Strong links between home and school are encouraged to ensure all children feel secure, valued and happy here.


Daily Routine
Parents and children in Year 1 and 2 should line up in the Lower Playground at 8:30am where their class teacher will come to collect them. Teachers can answer questions at this point of the day or will happily make an appointment to meet you, should you have any concerns. The day begins with Registration by class teachers. There is a break during the morning, when fruit and milk are provided, and at lunchtime. The children enjoy lunch in the Junior School Dining Hall. The day ends at 3:15pm.


Homework
In Years, 1 and 2 children will be expected to practise their sounds, spellings and reading at home regularly. Work is individually assigned and carefully monitored by your child's teacher. During Year 2 your child will also start to bring home multiplication tables to practise.


Crèche
The Lower Junior Crèche (after-school club) accommodates up to 32 children (Nursery to Year 2) from 3:15pm until 6:00pm. The session includes light refreshments immediately following the end of the school day and a hot meal at 4:30pm. Our own Nursery Nurses and Teaching Assistants organise play-based activities and work closely with teachers to ensure all children's needs are met.


Learning Support
The Junior School seeks to identify special needs at an early stage, and class teachers who suspect that a pupil may be suffering from a specific learning difficulty may ask our Learning Support Co-ordinator to conduct an assessment.