We believe in a broad and balanced curriculum
Our academic programme is guided by the National Curriculum. Numeracy, literacy and science are given great emphasis. We do, however, believe in a broad and balanced curriculum and we place a great importance on art, design technology, drama, geography, history, ICT, modern languages, physical education, PSHE and religious studies. To find out more about our academic programme, click on the links below.
English
Literacy at Sunny Hill is fundamental to every area of the school curriculum. We follow the National Literacy Strategy Guidelines but within our own structure so that we are able to take best practice and develop and extend skills to each girl’s individual requirements. This means the fullest possible development of the children’s capabilities in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Our object is for all children to develop an enthusiasm for the written word and an ability to respond to and comprehend many different types of writing matched by a competence in the correct use of spelling, punctuation and syntax. We aim to give them all a sure command of spoken English and the confidence to speak fluently in a variety of situations.
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Mathematics
The school follows the National Curriculum guidelines for the teaching of mathematics and embraces the National Framework for Numeracy. The desire to secure high standards through effective teaching and learning pervades the whole school. The structure of the mathematics teaching maintains a good pace. Daily oral and mental work helps to develop and secure the girl’s calculation strategies and rapid recall skills. The mathematics curriculum is supervised by a co-ordinator and careful attention is paid to continuity of teaching and progression of children’s learning.
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Science
Children enjoy a full science programme from the age of four and this is carefully structured to ensure progression in the key areas of skills, knowledge and the understanding of scientific concepts. The children are encouraged to work independently and carry out investigations. The work is approached through topics which include aspects of biological, physical and chemical science. Science is a core subject in the National Curriculum and our curriculum is based upon the recommended programmes of study. In the Pre-Prep science is taught by the form teacher following guidelines established by the curriculum co-ordinator with whom they liaise regularly. When girls enter the Preparatory School they are taught in a science room by a science specialist.
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Design and Technology
The principal aim of the design and technology course is to teach pupils how to develop their ideas. We aim to provide a broad range of experiences and technical skills for the children which increase in complexity as they grow. Children are taught that there are many different ways to solve a problem or meet a need. They learn to select suitable materials for their project, to assemble or join them appropriately, to evaluate their suitability and to use their resulting judgement and experience in subsequent work. Our prime objective is the pursuit of ideas, imagination and inventiveness.
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Modern Foreign Languages
Pupils are introduced informally to French and Spanish in the Pre-Prep department and these languages continue throughout the Prep School. French is studied in more detail from Prep 3. The course is designed specifically for children of this age, and is based on an oral approach to learning, backed up by seeing the words once the sound has been thoroughly assimilated. There is much use of pictures, objects, games and situations which help a natural understanding of the language. We aim to develop a good French accent and build up the child’s confidence in speaking French. The subject is taught by a language specialist.
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Geography
Geography is taught as an enquiry based subject and follows the National Curriculum guidelines. There is a study of an area in close proximity to the school together with an area which contrasts sharply with it. As the children move through the school their range of enquiry extends to the under-developed countries. Observation, collection, organisation, recording and retrieval of information are practised. Children assimilate a body of knowledge and understanding about their own locality, their own country and the wider world.
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History
History is taught within the framework of the National Curriculum and follows a progressive, chronological approach. In Key Stage One the foundations of children’s understanding of the passing of time are laid. Throughout the course they are encouraged to handle artefacts, pictures and photographs, progressing to maps, documents, architectural and environmental clues. The children are encouraged to ask questions about these resources. Careful observational skills are developed. Discussion explores differing points of view, cause and effect, the value of evidence. Children learn about the major issues and events in the history of their own country and the world and how they may have influenced each other.
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Information Technology
The school’s policy is that Information Technology should be an integral part of learning in all subjects. There is an extensively equipped I.T. suite with a network of computers and printers. This is available to all pupils for developing skills in data-handling, word-processing, computer graphics and desk-top publishing. The Pre-Prep have a computer in each classroom and access to the I.T. suite.
This comprehensive approach to I.T. encourages creativity and independent learning which enables pupils to explore situations beyond normal classroom boundaries.
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Religious Education
The curriculum is based on Christian beliefs and principles but it also contains elements from other world religions, giving an introduction to the multi-faith community.
Stories from the Old and New Testaments, told simply in the early years, are covered in greater depth and detail, extended in drama or discussion, by older pupils. This helps continuity and progress as children mature and develop a deeper understanding of constant religious and moral issues. Religious customs, festivals and rituals are studied and frequently celebrated. Children are encouraged to reflect upon questions of concern, responsibility and service. Much of the R.E. lesson takes the form of discussion, in keeping with the philosophy of the school to encourage children to think for themselves.
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Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
Our main aims and objectives in PSHE are:
To teach children the facts, such as those relating to health issues, which are elemental to their growth and development as individuals and as members of a particular community.
To help children understand the concepts, such as tolerance, respect and liberty, which are fundamental to a liberal and democratic society.
To enable children to acquire the skills, such as those relating to personal safety, discussion and decision making, which are vital to their well-being and their interaction with others.
To encourage children to develop informed opinions and attitudes for themselves about a range of personal, social and moral issues.
To nuture in children a particular set of values. These are the values which are key to the good-ordering of the school community of which they are a part and those explicit values which are enshrined in the school’s discipline policy.
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Learning Support
Any child who is experiencing difficulties will be offered the opportunity to receive additional support lessons with a specialist dyslexia teacher in the Skills Development Unit. The school welcomes children with a range of learning difficulties and close links are maintained between the Preparatory and Senior Schools.
We aim to develop skills through individualised schemes of multi-sensory learning. This leads to success and enhanced self esteem.
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