Girls in Years 5 & 6 put immense value on connectivity; they relish collaboration and knowledge-sharing and they work with newfound determination to conquer fresh challenges and realise their visions. That is why our curriculum in Years 5 and 6 is focused on developing sophisticated, resilient learners who are creative, motivated and able to interpret complex issues.
In Year 5, academic challenge is provided by embarking on a series of interdisciplinary Projects covering topics such as the Victorians, space, electricity, human biology and the environment. These topics draw together multiple curriculum areas, stimulating the connectivity and knowledge-sharing we regard as the benchmark of higher-order learning. Girls also study a variety of high-quality texts in English in order to enrich their linguistic creativity and writing technique, whilst at the same time continuing to pursue mathematical mastery through the ‘Maths: No Problem!’ programme.
Studying Latin and Classical Civilisation provides the older girls with a taste of the academic rigour of their future studies.
Year 6 girls begin the year in Humanities with a whistle stop tour of the 20th Century, focusing on some of the key women who helped shape it. They then go on to look in detail at some of the fascinating wonders of our world, focusing on the ancient, natural and modern iconic marvels around us. In English, inspiration comes through the study of a rich variety of texts by authors as diverse as Carol Ann Duffy and William Shakespeare.
In Maths, girls seek to develop mastery through a study of core principles and by engaging with a range of mathematical methods. In Science, we cover a fascinating range of topics, including materials, light and sound, forces, evolution and microbes, with trips to ‘We the curious’ in Bristol and London’s Natural History Museum to consolidate the girls’ learning. Finally, it is in Year 6 that the Languages Programme is enhanced by the introduction of Latin and Classical Civilisation. Taught by subject specialists from the Senior School, this course provides the older girls with a taste of the academic rigour of Latin, as well as the fascinating historical and cultural insights afforded by those civilisations.
Of course, it is also in Years 5 and 6 that, quite understandably, the thoughts of girls and their parents turn towards their next school. This can be a daunting task – and that is why we support our families in ensuring that the next school you choose is the ideal fit for your daughter’s strengths, interests and needs. You can read more about this process in the Next Schools section.
