“ Boys make good and often rapid progress at all stages of the school.” ISI January 2005
Curriculum
At Birkdale we offer small classes ensuring that pupils can receive individual attention in all subjects. The broad and balanced curriculum is designed to stretch the pupils both academically and also to provide each pupil with a solid foundation of knowledge and range of skills to build on higher up the school.
Pre-Prep (Reception to Y2)
The aims of the Pre-Prep Department are to give boys a sound start to their education by establishing sound working habits, providing a thorough grounding in reading, writing and number work and also developing a spirit of enquiry and creativity.
We provide a broad range of stimulation and activity aimed at the acquisition of basic skills needed for children to progress easily into literacy and numeracy. The calm and caring atmosphere is conducive to such progress. Work is structured in an interesting and stimulating way with the teachers monitoring each boy’s progress. The boys are encouraged to adopt a responsible and considerate attitude towards each other, to be polite and to respect property. We especially appreciate the apprehension both parents and children may feel at the start of school life, and we therefore aim to provide a secure and happy introduction to it.
Parents’ Evenings are held annually and they provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss a boy’s progress. However, if parents have a concern about their son’s education, or other aspects of school life, they are most welcome to talk to their son’s teacher at any time. When the school is aware of a problem, it can be resolved by home and school working together. Furthermore, most parents receive a written report at the end of the Autumn Term and another at the end of the academic year.
P1 and P2 (Y3 and Y4)
P1 and P2 are generally based in their form rooms for around 50% of their lessons, delivered by their Form Tutor. The emphasis is to continue to develop literacy and numeracy skills through a high percentage of English and Maths lessons.
However, in line with the school’s policy of developing the whole person, a varied curriculum is maintained as children experience specialist teaching in French, ICT, DT, PE, Music and Art. There is some specialist teaching in RE and History. Games, Swimming and Drama complete the curriculum.
P3 and P4 (Y5 and Y6)
P3 and P4 benefit from specialist teaching in all subjects, with continued emphasis on the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. Increased individual attention is achieved through smaller, setted ability groups in these core subjects. In P4, small teaching groups also feature in Music, ICT, DT, Art and RE. The programme continues to provide breadth and variety of experience in all foundation subjects.
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