Academic

The Pre-Prep: Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

Hall Grove implements and includes the best practice from across the educational spectrum. The Foundation Stage, the Literacy and Numeracy Strategies, the National Curriculum relating to Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3, the Common Entrance syllabus and areas of study relating to the demands of Public School Scholarships are all included in the School’s educational programme.

At the end of Year 2 children take the Key Stage One End of Year Assessments . The emphasis in these early years is very much on the core subjects of Numeracy, Science and Literacy. In addition to this, the children are also taught History, Geography, PSHE, Religious Studies, Technology and Art. They have one hour per week in the ICT centre. Music, French, Drama and Games are taught by specialist staff.

A pleasing percentage of children achieved Level 3 (above the nationally expected standard for most 7 year-olds) in each of these core subjects.

The Middle School: Years 3 - 5

From the beginning of Year 3, children are taught in sets that suit their ability for English, Maths and Science. Other subjects are taught by form teachers in pastoral groups, and subjects are taught by specialist staff. There is fluidity of movement between sets.

The subjects taught are English, Maths, Science, French, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Latin (Year 5), Design Technology, Art, ICT, PSHE, Music and Games. There is provision for girls to be prepared for entry to senior schools at 11 or at 13.

The Upper School: Years 6 - 8

The final three years at Hall Grove are devoted to studying for entrance exams to senior schools. In Years 6-8, the children are taught by specialist staff for all subjects.

At the end of each year, Year 6 children undertake End of Key Stage 2 Assessments. In May 2006, 42 pupils took the tests with the following results:

The children taking Common Entrance are examined at the end of Year 8 in English, Maths and Science, supported by papers in French, History, Geography, Religious Studies and Latin. All children take all these exams with the occasional exception of Latin. Greek, Spanish and German can also be tutored to small groups or individuals.

Those who are preparing for scholarships have specially prepared programmes of study set up by the Deputy Headmaster.

As well as being taught by specialists in the subjects mentioned above, the children also follow programmes of study in Art, Design Technology, ICT, PSHE, Music and P.E. and Sport.

Every Wednesday afternoon all Year 6 children take part in the Enrichment Course.