Primary Department
KEY STAGE 1 – Years 1 and 2
KEY STAGE 2 – Years 3, 4, 5, and 6
As an independent school, we are not required to follow the National Curriculum however, it has some very good aspects therefore we use its framework on which to build an excellent curriculum. Literacy and numeracy are core subjects on which teachers concentrate to ensure every pupil makes good progress. A mixture of teaching methods are used including traditional as well as progressive to give a sound foundation of these very important subjects.
Year 6 pupils sit the government SATs in the summer term and all pupils from Year 3 upwards sit internal tests in the summer term. Years 5 and 6 pupils are prepared for the entrance and scholarship examinations required to be accepted at independent secondary schools and local grammar schools.
Science is a most important subject and is taught in a purpose built science laboratory from Year 1.
History and Geography is taught with passion for the world in which we live as well as the one in which our ancestors lived.
French is taught from Nursery upwards and pupils participate in plays and singing.
ICT is taught in the computer room from Year 1. Pupils are taught to search, research and present; preparing them for their studies in senior school, which relies heavily on such skills.
Speech and Drama is taught aside from the Literacy curriculum, concentrating on building confidence and poise.
Singing and Choral Work concentrates on working towards school productions while those pupils who wish to, are encouraged to learn to play an instrument. The recorder is taught in pairs or groups for a small extra fee. Tuition for piano, guitar, drums, trumpet, violin and saxophone, are also available.
CDT is taught in the art rooms and pupils are encouraged to produce work of a high standard, according to their interests and talents. The displays around the school are much admired.
Religious Instruction is based on the Bible, with the aim of instilling an understanding of the moral concepts that are common to Christianity and other religions of the world. Religious observance takes the form of an assembly and the celebration of Christian festivals during the year. Other faiths are studied and many of their festivals also celebrated. Our aim is to encourage understanding, tolerance, patience and kindness.
A wide variety of School Activities take place throughout the year with pupils visiting places of special educational interest such as historical sites, museums, theatre and nature areas.
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We have a wide and varied programme of sports and physical development for all pupils, including Football, Rugby, Netball, Athletics, Cross-Country and Rounders. Boys from Year 3 upwards play football during the winter and spring terms. The School enters teams in local tournaments, competing with many local schools. Matches are arranged with various schools in the local area. For girls from Year 3 upwards, netball, rounders, athletics and gymnastics are the main activities. The girls represent their School in netball and football matches. Athletics forms an important part of the physical development of all pupils.
Wickham Court School follows an AA Primary Awards Scheme, and performance records are kept for pupils aged from 7 years.
The school arranges for pupils from the age of 7 years to have swimming lessons and instruction is given by qualified teachers. The school is affiliated to various swimming associations and we aim that pupils will reach certificate standards in water skills and survival tests. It is anticipated that all pupils will have obtained the National Curriculum Badge by Year 6.
Lessons for Ballet, Tap, Modern and Street Dancing are available as an optional activity for an extra termly fee for both boys and girls.
YEAR 6
Pupils in Year 6 progress to various secondary schools. Many will continue with independent education, achieving scholarships and bursaries at 10+ and 11+.
Wickham Court School has a Senior Department, up to Year 11. Scholarships are available. Other independent schools for which pupils gain entry include Alleyn’s, Bishop Challoner, Bromley High, Croydon High, James Allen’s Girls’, Old Palace, Sydenham High, Colfe’s, Dulwich College, Eltham College, Royal Russell, St. Dunstan’s College, Trinity and Whitgift. Pupils also gain selective places for the Bromley Grammar Schools (St. Olave’s and Newstead Wood) and also for the Croydon Grammar Schools (Wallington High and Wilson’s).
There are also excellent state secondary schools closeby.