What Does an Independent Junior School Education Offer?

Independent Junior Schools offer a broad curriculum, specialist teaching, small classes, a fantastic range of facilities, wholesome food, teacher-parent partnerships and a huge focus on the development of the individual child academically, socially and spiritually.

On receiving a prospectus from an independent school it will often say that they offer a broad curriculum, but what does this mean? The broad curriculum relates to what the children will do in school. As well as offering the core subjects most independent schools offer much more.

Art, drama, languages, design technology, music, Latin, religious education, personal, social, and health education, physical education and games are some of the things common to the curriculum. Within these subject areas will be additional disciplines. In music, for example children will have access to individual music lessons. The instruments and teaching are supplied by the school at no cost to parents. Specialist choral training and opportunities to perform in a range of contexts, all from an early age are all on offer. It is common for games to be undertaken every day and form a core part of the daily routine, promoting fitness, working as a team and contributing to a healthy lifestyle. The teaching of foreign languages often begins at an early age. French is the most common but I have known Spanish and Chinese also to be undertaken.

The term 'specialist teaching' often crops up in a prospectus and is a core aspect of the Independent School way of life. This term relates to teachers and how the children are taught. Instead of having a single teacher who teaches them for all subjects, Independent Schools organise their curriculum so teachers who are specialists in their subjects (i.e. their first degree is in the subject they teach) undertake tuition of the pupils. For example a science teacher will teach all the science lessons and so the children receive input from a teacher who has outstanding subject knowledge. Depending on the school this may range from one or two subjects being taught by specialists to the whole curriculum. The level of subject input the pupils get is second to none often resulting in a higher level of understanding being achieved by the pupils.

Coupled with outstanding teaching are small classes. Class sizes often range from eight to twenty children per class but are on average around fourteen to eighteen. This enables an enormous amount of interaction between the teacher and pupil and also enables children to contribute to all aspects of class life without having to struggle to be heard or seen. This single fact allows teachers to develop outstanding relationships with pupils and help them to become good citizens.

When introducing reading to young children the ability to spend a great deal of time individually with them empowers all children to develop confidence and the necessary decoding skills needed for future development. Small classes enable teachers to provide the necessary attention required for the acquisition of this important skill. As the child is working in a one-to-one situation, the teacher is able to establish a unique programme of development for that child which enables him or her to develop exactly the skills they need.

You may have wondered why I have mentioned wholesome food. In this world where we are all bombarded by advertisements for all kinds of foods it is essential to teach children the importance of good, wholesome food. School lunches have had bad press recently but not all schools are the same. Some schools have stuck to their guns and have always offered their pupils a good, healthy balanced diet without the threat of the vending machine! Staff also play their part when they sit with the children for lunch and discuss worldly affairs and guide children into choosing a healthy meal.

Of course, one of the most important parts of a child's education is their parents. Schools only have children for part of the day therefore it is essential that parents play their part. Parents are usually always welcome in a Prep school environment. Teachers pride themselves on the relationships they establish with parents and the role they are encouraged to play. A good school will foster good relationships with parents and guide them on how they can play their part in the development of the whole child.

When you visit an Independent School with a view to placing your child or children, discover whether the education on offer really does offer a broad curriculum. Is it taught by specialists in an environment supported by outstanding facilities where excellent pastoral care supports each child's moral and spiritual development coupled with an individual learning plan ensuring a tailored education?