Welcome

Welcome to Blanchelande Juniors

Our curriculum, based on the English National Curriculum, is structured and rigorous and needs to be, as what pupils learn from ages 7-11 is the foundation of their senior school years and future success. Therefore, our pupils enjoy a liberal arts curriculum that enables the acquisition of core knowledge and subject-mastery.

Pupils study the following subjects:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Religious Education
• French
• History
• Geography
• Computing and ICT
• Art and Design
• Classics (Latin)
• Music
• Physical Education
• PSHE/RSE

As pupils move up through the Junior department they benefit from a combination of class teachers and subject specialists. As the number of subjects taught by specialist teachers increases as children move up through the Junior department, the class teacher remains very much at the centre of each pupil’s school day and the point of contact for parents.

During their time in the Junior department, pupils build up their digital literacy. In Years 3 and 4 children work on the J2e platform. From Year 5 each child enjoys full use of their own school Microsoft Office 365 account, with MS Teams as the main school platform. This is accessible both at school and from home.

At Blanchelande we are passionate about empowering pupils to learn for themselves, and we recognise that this depends on skills and attitudes that need to be taught and practiced in and beyond the classroom. We use the internationally recognised FOSIL framework, created by our Head of Inquiry-Based Learning, Darryl Toerien, which aims to develop the skills and attitudes required for independent inquiry systematically and progressively from Reception through to Year 13.

Alongside embedding inquiry throughout the taught curriculum, we are also developing a Signature Work inquiry in every phase of the school, through which pupils can explore a relevant topic over an extended period, sometimes across multiple subject areas, to create a meaningful product. For example, in Year 6 pupils undertake a structured and guided year-long inquiry across Art & Design, English, ICT, Library and Maths leading to a Bronze CREST Award. You can explore FOSIL and inquiry further on the Library page of our website .

Through the Blanchelande Junior Diploma, pupils are incentivised to set and achieve their goals. Pupils win merits, badges, stickers – and even a unique ‘Dragon Slayer Mug’ for high achievement. Junior pupils attend a weekly primary assembly with Infants (which often includes form presentations to which parents are invited), a Head of Junior’s assembly (Years 3-6), and a Principal’s assembly, which is attended by pupils aged 7-18!

Our classes are smaller which means we are able to focus on finding each child’s individual strengths. Our team of committed Learning Support Assistants work with teachers and parents to meet the needs of each child, providing additional support, or challenge, where beneficial. Additional one to one Learning Support provision is also available.

Junior Handbook