Primary Department
KEY STAGE 1 – Years 1 and 2
KEY STAGE 2 – Years 3, 4, 5, and 6
The requirement of the National Curriculum has always been the academic framework of the school. The foundation subjects of Number and English, which includes comprehension, fluent reading, spelling and rudiments of grammar, are the indispensable skills which a child must have to receive learning. Children are introduced to reasoning skills, both numerative and literary, at an early stage.
Year 2 and Year 6 sit the government SATs in the summer term and all children from Year 3 upwards sit internal government tests in the summer term. Years 5 and 6 children are prepared for external examinations at other Independent Schools.
Science is also a foundation subject and for this a new Science Laboratory was installed in 2007.
History and Geography is taught, based on the National Curriculum syllabus. These subjects are further extended to enable a child to acquire an historical and environmental perspective of the present world.
French is taught by a specialist teacher from the age of 4 years and includes activities in plays and singing.
Computer Studies use information, technology and research.
Speech and Drama is an integral part of the teaching of English.
Music, Singing and Choral Work is taught so as to encourage children to take up an instrument. The recorder is taught as a serious instrument in group lessons for a small extra fee. Tuition for piano, guitar, drums, trumpet, violin and saxophone, are also available.
Craft Design & Technology instruction is provided, which enables children to develop and exhibit their talent.
Religious Instruction is based on the Bible, with the aim of instilling an understanding of fundamental moral precepts that are common to Christianity and other great religions of the worlds.Religious observance takes the form of an assembly and the celebration of Christian festivals during the year. Other faiths are studied and some of their festivals also celebrated.
School Activities take place throughout the year with all children being taken to places of special educational interest, for example, historical sites and museums. Visits to the Children’s theatre feature during the pre-Christmas period.
A wide and varied programme of sports and physical development for all children, including Football, Rugby, Netball, Athletics, Cross-Country and Rounders. For the younger children, 2½ - 7 years, organised games and physical training are provided within the School’s premises on grassed or indoor areas. 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. For girls from Year 3 upwards, netball, rounders, athletics and some football are the main activities. The girls represent their School in netball and football matches. Athletics form an important part of the physical development of all children, beginning from Kindergarten.
Wickham Court School follows an AA Primary Awards Scheme, and performance records are kept for children aged from 7 years. Certificates of performance are given to children.
Pupils from the age of 7 years are obliged to learn to swim. The school hires the West Wickham baths and teaching pool. Instruction is given by fully qualified teachers. The school is affiliated to various swimming associations and children are expected to reach certificate standards in water skills and survival tests. It is expected that all children will have obtained the National Curriculum Badge by 11 years.
Lessons for Ballet, Tap, Modern and Street Dancing are available as an optional activity for an extra termly charge for both boys and girls.
YEAR 6
Children in Year 6 progress to various secondary schools. Many will continue with independent education, achieving scholarships and bursaries at 11+.
Wickham Court School has a Senior Department, up to Year 11. Scholarships are available. Other schools, for the girls, include Alleyn’s, Bishop Challoner, Bromley High, Croydon High, James Allen’s Girls’, Old Palace and Sydenham High.
For boys Bishop Challoner, Colfe’s, Dulwich College, Eltham College, Royal Russell, St. Dunstan’s College, Trinity and Whitgift. Children 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).
Many boys and girls successfully sit the Bexley tests.
All children are thoroughly prepared for the Government SATs which are very important for admission to local secondary schools, and many achieve above the national standard.