Year 3

Year 3 is the jump from Lower to Upper School, and with any jumps come quite a few changes. Added to their timetables this year is a weekly swimming lesson, as well as specialist-led music classes to refine their talent, and are, all in all, slowly but surely learning how to make their mark as the youngest class in Upper School.

Literacy teaching is centred around a book, which changes per half term. Within the book, we get to learn all about the characters, setting, plot and description, with the aim of creating our own pieces of writing that have been unlevelled. Children are taught about word groups and are given plenty of opportunities to apply their newfound knowledge. Maths begins with a consolidation of all concepts that have been taught in Year 2. In Science, children build on their understanding of forces, light, rocks, animals, nutrition and plants through practical investigations and lots of enquiries.

With a gentle but thorough approach, combined with the PSB core skills that are at the heart of our pedagogy, pupils are better prepared for the rest of their journey in Upper School at Ashton House Preparatory School.

Year 4

In Year 4, at Ashton House Preparatory School, students embark on an exciting journey into the world of creative writing. We develop storytelling skills through a dynamic blend of independent work, paired work and group collaboration. Group work plays a pivotal role in their success, embodying the principle that teamwork truly makes the dream work. By engaging in collaborative projects, students learn to share ideas, provide constructive feedback, and build on each other’s strengths, which enhances their writing abilities and fosters a supportive classroom environment.

Throughout the year, children gain confidence in their writing, thriving both independently and as part of a team. Alongside creative writing, Year 4 students explore a rich curriculum that includes understanding the Digestive System, discovering the influential contributions of Ancient Greeks, and comparing various world religions. This comprehensive approach not only deepens their academic knowledge but also celebrates the beautiful diversity of the world we live in today.

Year 5

Grammar will continue to be taught as both stand-alone lessons and within topics.  Children continue their love of reading, which includes a range of genres. Children can choose a range of books from their class library and also our school library. Weekly comprehensions will further extend their inference and deduction skills. Creative writing is taught through multiple stimuli: passages from books, photo or picture prompts and also animations. Children are encouraged to practise writing for a wide range of purposes including poetry and speeches.

In Maths, the children will learn more advanced number and shape work. Data-handling will feature, with the focus on creating their own graphs and tables both in maths and other subjects.

Delving deep in to History, the children will learn about all things related to the Tudors. They will also travel to The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China and discover about life, music, worship and kings. Geography will see the children look closely at our environment and the causes and effects of Climate Change. They will also look closely at what lies beneath the surface of the oceans and seas. During Religious Education they will learn about Buddhism, Hinduism, St Paul and the Early Church along with Christmas and Easter traditions.

While working scientifically, the children will also explore Earth & Space as well as Living Things and their Habitats. In STEAM lessons we will continue to develop skills such as trial and error, asking questions, making predictions, observing and measuring, interpreting, evaluating and reflecting. Art will see the children learn how to sketch point perspective and how shades of colour can create the optical illusion of distance, studying a variety of artist’s work. Children will be introduced to the history and the different styles involved in French knitting and will use a variety of materials to produce their own work.

Year 6

Welcome to a year of exploration, creativity and academic growth! In our class, we believe that the key to learning lies in setting high expectations and fostering a supportive environment where each student can thrive and develop their unique talents.

This year, our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and critical thinking. We place a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Students will have the opportunity to undertake a self-directed project, allowing them to choose a topic of interest and explore it deeply. This project will not only strengthen their knowledge in the subject but also nurture their ability to ask questions, think creatively, and solve problems independently.

We encourage students to approach their learning with a growth mindset. By reflecting on their progress, seeking constructive feedback, and refining their work, they will develop a deeper understanding of the subjects they engage with. This process of reflection and constructive criticism will empower students to gain confidence in their abilities and recognise that learning is a continual journey of improvement. Across all subjects, students are encouraged to reflect on problems, think critically and form clear answers and opinions. In Science, we engage in hands-on projects, such as exploring electricity, while in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), we work together to design a futuristic city, where we participate in a competition with other schools across the United Kingdom called TeenTeach. Our outdoor learning lessons are a particular highlight. Children not only have fun but also contribute to saving the planet by promoting ideas around gardening and recycling.

In Literacy, we work on text comprehension and creative writing, exploring different types of texts such as poetry, narrative, newspapers and fiction. We focus on improving speech with more complex structures and various types of opinions. In Mathematics, we cover all the necessary aspects for the 11-plus exams, and once completed, we organise projects such as designing a trip with a budget or creating board games for activities with elderly people in care homes. In Art, students work on various topics, recreating their faces in an aesthetic and fun way. They also work with graffiti, learning how to draw each letter.

During History and Geography lessons, students explore enriching topics suitable for their age, such as the Second World War, maps, mountains and landscapes. We analyse, in detail, all the new aspects required by these subjects. Not forgetting Languages; in French and Latin, our students enjoy innovative lessons that enhance both written and oral skills through various activities. Many participate in Spanish club, where they take part in a letter exchange programme with a school in Spain. This allows students to learn in a different way by connecting with children from other countries.

The year culminates with an unforgettable trip to Dorset, providing a fantastic opportunity for the children to apply their skills and learn in an inspiring environment. This year is all about empowering the children to think creatively and become active problem-solvers.