Introduction to Upper Juniors

Miss H Hughes

The Upper Junior School currently caters for 160 children, between the ages of 7 and 11, working at Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum. We provide an education of the highest quality in small classes, taught by an experienced and dedicated staff.


Curriculum
Royal Russell Junior School follows a broad-based curriculum which reflects the National Curriculum. It extends well beyond its boundaries to provide all children with an outstanding education at a level and pace appropriate to their needs. The small classes provide ample opportunity for ensuring that all pupils receive help appropriate to their needs and that they are sufficiently challenged.


Reporting and Assessing
All pupils in the school have their work continually assessed in order to monitor their progress, and inform them when they have achieved the targets set for them. They will also be tested more formally from time to time, particularly at the end of each Unit of Work in Science, History and Geography, and termly in Numeracy and Literacy.


Pastoral Care
We are passionate about the well-being and happiness of all our pupils, and actively seek to enhance the learning experience of each child. We assist, guide and encourage pupils to attain their full potential, both academically and in fields such as Drama, Sport, Art and Music. We nurture their talents through a rich programme of co-curricular activities, and encourage them to make their own personal contribution towards enhancing the school as a community.


Daily Routine
All children in Years 3 to 6 start school at 8:30am, and lessons continue until 3:30pm. There is a break during the morning, when fruit and milk are provided, and at lunchtime. A cafeteria-style system operates in the newly built Kitchens, with an extensive choice of hot meals and salads.


Homework
Children in Year 3 and above are usually set a homework assignment every night. This may be a written piece of work or it may involve research, reading, learning spellings or memorising times tables, for example.


My Maths
MyMaths can be used by all pupils at Royal Russell, in both the Junior and Senior School (including the 6^th Form), to develop their Mathematical skills. On some occasions our teachers will set specific work from the site, either in class or for homework. The on-line tutorials, which are provided for each topic and curriculum level, also provide our pupils with opportunities to independently consolidate school work and to further develop their understanding. This will allow all of our pupils to accelerate their learning. We will provide everyone with a full introduction to the site.


House System

York Minster

The children in Years 3 to 6 are placed in one of four Houses, each named after a historic cathedral city – Canterbury, Durham, Exeter and York. House assemblies are organised once a month and House Captains are appointed to help select and encourage house teams and give general assistance to House Teachers.


Co-Curricular
An extensive programme of co-curricular activities is provided for pupils in Years 3 to 6, and a list is published prior to the start of each term. Most activities run at the end of the school day or at lunchtimes. Almost all activities are provided free of charge.


Learning Support
Royal Russell Junior School Learning Support Department offers extra support to those pupils who are experiencing difficulty with some aspect of their learning. Children are given supporting lessons, to help to bring their level of learning and understanding up to the standard expected of their year group. These lessons are usually offered on an individual basis, and occasionally out of normal school hours.