Junior School

The Junior School years (Years 1 to 6) mark a critical period of transition and accelerated growth, moving children from foundational learning into subject specialisation. At All Hallows, our Junior School provides a rich, balanced, and ambitious curriculum that nurtures all our pupils academically, creatively, and personally, while ensuring every pupil makes exceptional progress through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Located in the heart of Somerset, our environment is designed to maximize potential. Our focus is on fostering secure relationships and an enduring love of learning, preparing our pupils seamlessly for the academic rigour of Senior Prep (Years 7-8) and beyond.

The first two years of the Junior School are dedicated to building essential academic and emotional foundations. The transition from our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to Year 1 is managed carefully to ensure continued happiness and stability.

In Years 1 and 2, learning remains hands-on and immersive, with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and communication skills. We ensure every child achieves strong progress in core subjects. Pupils undertake the statutory Phonics screening check in Year 1, and our tailored curriculum ensures they are ready for the greater independence of Key Stage 2.

As children progress into Years 3 to 6, the curriculum broadens significantly, and independence is encouraged. This stage introduces greater depth of study and specialisation, ensuring pupils are fully engaged in their learning.

• Specialist Teaching: From Year 3 onwards, pupils benefit from increased exposure to specialist subject staff for a wide range of subjects, including Languages, Science, and Humanities. This provides expert teaching and allows them to make full use of our dedicated facilities.

• Targeted Learning: We maintain mixed-ability classes across the curriculum, but pupils are often grouped in small sets for core subjects like Mathematics and English in the later Junior School years (Years 5 and 6) to provide tailored support and challenge for all abilities.

• Curriculum Enrichment: We ensure a comprehensive balance between academic rigor, creative arts, and physical education. Our learning is enhanced through a comprehensive programme of trips, visits, workshops, and themed days that bring the curriculum to life.

Being a part of the wider All Hallows school community provides our Junior School pupils with unparalleled advantages that set them apart from traditional primary schools:

• Outdoor Learning: Pupils have regular access to our extensive nine-acre on-site woodland and Forest School, where outdoor learning is integrated into the curriculum, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.

• Creative and Physical Facilities: Pupils regularly utilise the Prep School's outstanding facilities, including our LTA Tennis Academy, our indoor swimming pool, and our state-of-the-art Creative Design Centre for Art and Design.

• Pastoral Support: The strong pastoral framework ensures that every pupil feels secure and supported as they navigate new challenges, ensuring they are happy, make good progress, and build secure relationships.

Ready for the Senior Prep Transition

Year 6 is a key milestone, serving as the crucial bridge year before children move into our Senior Prep (Years 7-8). At this stage, we focus on developing the academic habits, organisational skills, and maturity required for success in the demanding pre-senior environment. Our integrated approach ensures a seamless and confident transition for every pupil.