Juniors

The presence of the Junior Department on the same site as the Senior Department means that we share all the facilities that Peterborough & St. Margaret’s has to offer and that the transfer from one department to the next is seamless. A strong home – school partnership ensures that each girl enjoys her time with us and has the opportunity to reach her full potential. Our girls have a positive approach towards all their studies and we reward effort as much as achievement.

We offer a wide and balanced range of subjects in addition to the National Curriculum. French, Drama, Gymnastics, Music and ICT continue to be taught by subject specialists. Many girls begin to study a musical instrument in the Junior Department as well as continuing individual Speech and Drama lessons, Tap and Ballet. A firm foundation is established in the core academic areas, culminating in the Key Stage 2 tests in Mathematics, English and Science at the end of Year 6.

The girls are continuously assessed to help identify strengths and weaknesses in order to plan work appropriately. Parents are informed of their daughters’ achievements through written reports and consultation evenings.

Other important areas of learning enable our girls to develop so that they can make a useful contribution to society. They follow a programme of Citizenship and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and circle time which offers guidance and support in these and academic matters. As the girls progress through the Junior Department they gain in confidence and their independence and sense of responsibility develop. As Year 6 monitors with specific duties they are seen as role models for the younger girls and are expected to behave accordingly.

Parents are invited to a variety of events during the academic year. We have a school concert at the end of each term and a Harvest Festival, Christmas Carol Service and Art Exhibition as well as a Music and Drama Festival at a local theatre once a year.

Educational visits enhance the children’s learning. Biannually Years 5 & 6 experience a week long residential stay in Devon. Guest speakers and subject-specific workshops support the curriculum as well as visits to the theatre, field centres, museums and places of worship.

Beyond the Curriculum

There is a wide range of activities and additional responsibilities for the girls to enjoy and develop their talents.

During the year the girls take part in form assemblies and various House events. Our House System operates in the Juniors and the Seniors – York, Stuart, Tudor and Windsor. This provides an opportunity for the different age groups to work together as teams and a chance for the Junior House Captains to develop their organisational skills. The House System develops a feeling of pride and belonging; mascots and colours always appear in support of the House! Such friendly rivalry engenders a good team spirit and provides tremendous fun for everyone.