Academics
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.
The Pre-Prep: Reception, Years 1 and 2
Children come into Reception at Hall Grove with a wide range of different experiences. Our curriculum aims to take individual learning forward through carefully planned and structured activities that are fun, relevant and motivating for each child. Making use of both the indoor and outdoor classrooms the boys and girls are encouraged to explore, investigate, discover, create, practise and consolidate their developing knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes.
At the end of Year 2 children take the Key Stage 1 End of Year Assessments. The emphasis in these early years is very much on the core subjects of Numeracy, Literacy and Science. In addition to this, the children are 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 and Maths. 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, Design Technology, Art, ICT, PSHE, Music and Games.
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, 7 and 8 the children are taught by specialist staff for all subjects.
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 pupils take all these exams with the occasional exception of Latin. Greek, Spanish and German have also been taught to small groups or individuals.
Those who are preparing for scholarships have specially prepared programmes of study.
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, PE and Sport.
