An opportunity for every boy
Junior School
Reception to Year 3
We strongly believe in providing an opportunity for every boy to develop his full potential.
Reception follows the EYFS creative curriculum. Years 1- 3 follow the New National Curriculum. We pride ourselves on offering all boys a wide range of subject specialist teachers to teach ICT, French, Music, Art and Sport. The boys attend swimming lessons and Games sessions on a weekly basis at the Bank of England sports complex. Their learning is further enhanced by trips, special visitors, workshops and themed days. Enthusiastic staff offer a variety of extra-curricular clubs which the boys are encouraged to sample, including pottery, arts and crafts, drama, games, computing and football.
During the summer term, the Reception teacher invites each prospective boy in to visit for a few hours to ease the transition to life at THS. The staff also visit the children in their home settings to give a rounded picture of each boy as an individual and learn about their interests. Children spend their Reception year familiarising himself with his daily routine, making friends and gaining confidence. This year, we believe, is all about laying a firm foundation in all areas on which to build and flourish and become independent happy learners. The sessions are made up of play base and more formal, teacher led sessions in preparation for Key Stage 1.
In Key Stage 1, the curriculum is subject led with half termly topics. Lessons are a mixture of practical activities, written work as the boys become more able writers as well as learning through play and drama. As the boys move through this Key Stage from Year 1 to Year 2, lessons are tailored according to their developmental and academic progress. Written homework is issued on a regular basis in addition to weekly spellings and daily reading.
Year 3 embarks on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. This is a transition year with boys looking forward to working towards earning a pen licence, times tables badges and increased responsibility in and around the school. By the end of Year 3, the boys will have regular homework preparing them for the Senior School.
Each term holds a host of exciting activities and events for students. From Book Week, a pantomime and Nativity performance in the Autumn Term, to Class Assemblies, sponsored cross-country run, Maths Week and Easter hunt in the Spring to Sports Day and the Junior School summer trip in the final term, there is always something to look forward to. We are also very keen to teach our pupils the importance of charity and giving back to the community. As such, each year, we select a charity to raise money for, in a variety of ways throughout the course of the year.
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you know, the more places you'll go"
-Dr Seuss
Junior School Life
Morning
When I arrive at school, I go to my locker to put my things away. I take whatever I need into the classroom and then change my new reading book if i need to. After the register, I am ready to start my day. On Mondays and Fridays, I go to the hall with all the other boys in the Junior School. We always sing a song and have assembly. We also find out which two boys from each class have won the Work of the Week certificates and Merit badge. Sometimes, instead of an assembly, we pair up and share books for DEAR (Drop Everything And Read). We have lessons in the morning before having a snack and playing with our friends outside in the playground. Then we have more lessons before lunchtime.
Afternoon
At Tower House, every afternoon is different. From History, Science or Geography lessons to swimming at Barnes Home Guard with Swimway or Games at the sports grounds, music in the hall, Computing in the ICT suite or Art in the studio, we always have plenty to do. I’m looking forward to being in Year 3 when I will have Science lessons in the lab. Each week, I get to choose a book from the library to take home. Sometimes, it is hard to decide because there are so many books on the shelves! At the end of the day, we gather our things. After shaking hands with our teachers, it is time to go home – unless I have one of my afterschool clubs. Each term is different but so far I have tried Sewing, Football, Chess, Art, Cooking, Drama and Choir!
Lunchtime
While Reception and Year 1 enjoy their lunch, Years 2 and 3 have full run of the playground. There is loads of stuff to play with. My favourite things to do are play football, use the toy cars or use one of the construction toys like Lego, Octoplay and wooden blocks. At 12.15, it is our turn for lunch while Reception and Year 1 get to play outside. We wash our hands and line up to choose what we would like to eat. Sometimes, at Tower House, we have special lunches. I liked eating plantains on Caribbean day and trying brie at our dejeuner Français but my favourite is always our Christmas lunch.
