By now, our confident pupils are used to giving speeches, reading in whole School assemblies or reciting poetry. This stands them in good stead for leading roles in the annual Preparatory play which takes place in the Summer Term.
As part of Loughborough Amherst School, the move from the Preparatory School into the next phase of their education is not seen as a worrisome step rather as something very exciting. Indeed, pupils become more used to the Senior School; their Modern Language now take place in senior classrooms and they also benefit from Art and Science being taught by Senior School teachers. Any fears or worries about transition are dealt with through our comprehensive pastoral offer.
The core subjects of English, Maths and RE continue to be taught by the Year 6 class teachers with Knowledge Organisers being introduced per subject for English, RE and History / Geography. This increase in expectation is designed not only to increase knowledge acquisition but also to prepare pupils for learning in Senior School. The same can be said for homework too; good routines now will help Year 7 be less of a surprise in this area.
Pupils in Year 6 do not participate in public examinations allowing us to continue to ensure that they all benefit from a full and exciting curriculum. Instead, as across the Preparatory School, low stakes testing and retrieval of key information is practiced regularly with two opportunities in the year to participate in more formal examinations which are used to assess progress against personalised starting points. These are carefully timed to coincide with opportunities to feedback to parents about areas of strength and further development.
"I have to say your pupils were the politest, smartest ones that I've ever seen here, it was a pleasure to have them!"
As well as continuing to access weekly Swimming lessons, pupils begin to participate in a wider range of sporting fixtures in sports such as football or netball.
Year 6 at Loughborough Amherst Preparatory School continues to provide the nurturing care that we are known for as well as ensuring that children’s horizons are expanded. With this knowledge, we can rest easy knowing that we have prepared them well for the next stage of their education and with happy memories that will last a lifetime.