Upper Juniors Class
Pupils in Years 4 to 6 are taught in the Upper Juniors Class. Composition As these pupils reach the top end of the school they are given more responsibility and are prepared for the move to secondary school. The age range within the class provides many opportunities for the older pupils to guide and serve the younger ones. Similarly, Year 4 pupils benefit from working alongside older role models. Year 6 pupils work towards achieving the status of School Prefects.
Ethos The learning environment is an exciting mixture of individual, pair and whole class work. Pupils have opportunities to develop their abilities and work on improving their weaknesses both academically, and in terms of character and spiritual development. Pupils are taught the truths of the Bible and are encouraged to grow in wisdom and discernment, to help them prepare for their future lives. English Pupils develop their reading individually and in group and class activities. Writing is an integral part of many areas of the curriculum and pupils are trained to write in a variety of styles. Regular practice in grammar, spelling and handwriting helps to enhance their writing skills. Pupils are encouraged to speak and listen in a wide range of contexts. Mathematics Pupils are well-grounded in numeracy - both written and mental arithmetic. They are encouraged to use this in problem-solving and investigations. Shape, space and measures and data handling are all significant areas of the curriculum. Towards the end of Year 6 pupils are given the opportunity to study basic algebra. Every year pupils in Years 5 and 6 are able to enter the national Primary Maths Challenge. Where appropriate, maths is integrated with the topic work and pupils start to appreciate how they can use mathematics to describe creation. Science This is usually taught as an integral part of topic work. Pupils study plants and animals, materials and physical processes. Pupils are encouraged to think through issues and consider the claims of the theory of evolution as opposed to the Biblical creation account Topic Each topic is studied within the framework of a Creation - Fall - Redemption model. Pupils see how God originally designed the earth to be perfect; the effects of sin/selfishness; and what God has done and people can do to put things right. Visits to museums, and outdoor activities such as river trips and farm visits, are an integral part of pupils' learning experience. History In many schools this subject is taught thematically eg The Victorians one term, Hitler the next. We feel that this is disjointed, and gives no feel of the flow and connectedness of events. In the Upper Junior class at ECS we use a chronological approach. Not only does this help give children a mental timeline, it also develops an appreciation of cause and effect, and of God's sustaining hand over events. The three year teaching cycle starts at Creation and works through to the present day, thereby covering many of the major ancient civilizations, as well as giving a good grounding in modern history. Significantly, this enables us to place the Bible in its historical context (this helps children to integrate their faith with historical fact, and to appreciate that events described in Scripture really did happen!). ICT This is integrated throughout the curriculum with pupils encouraged to use computers and other technology for a variety of activities. Creative Arts Pupils are given opportunities to explore a range of artistic techniques which are again linked with topic work where possible. Pupils take part in school presentations and concerts Physical Education Pupils to take part in weekly indoor PE lessons covering gymnastics, dance and indoor games at a local school gym. There are also weekly outdoor lessons, usually at the local park, helping to develop pupils' skills in a variety of sports: football, hockey, cricket, rounders, netball and athletics. Children continue the fortnightly swimming lessons started in Year 3. In the summer they have the opportunity to take a short course of tennis lessons. Foreign Languages For many years ECS has offered Years 5 and 6 alternating courses of French and German (ie one year of French, one year of German). Some years we are able also to offer an introductory Latin course. Homework The school works very closely with parents, and pupils are set up to five pieces of homework a week, each between 20 and 40 minutes in length (depending on the age of the child). Homework is seen as an opportunity to develop pupils' learning, enable them to grow in self-discipline, and prepare them for their future studies.

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