Lower School Curriculum Subjects:

Maths
Maths is one of the three core curriculum areas, together with English and Science, and from the start of their time at Glendower our girls experience some aspect of the subject every day in many different ways. For our youngest girls maths is all about having fun with numbers. The focus is on practical maths with the opportunity to explore maths through objects and pictures. As the girls move through the Lower School the emphasis starts to change from the practical and concrete approach towards the more abstract aspects of the subject; from a knowledge and understanding of maths to the use and application of that knowledge. Wherever possible maths is related to everyday situations and is taught through the use of games, rhymes, stories and activities. The Lower School concentrates on providing the girls with the mathematical building blocks that they will need as they progress through the Upper School.

English
the Lower School there is a strong emphasis on all aspects of English both to derive enjoyment as well as knowledge and understanding. Reading is a priority from the outset and girls are taught to read using a number of different strategies including phonics. We feel that girls learn to read best when they enjoy the experience and we ensure that girls always read books that are suited to their age and ability. All girls are heard read three times a week so that we can monitor progress. All the girls in our Reception classes have a paired reader in Year 6 and once a week they are given an opportunity to share books together. Nothing deters children from reading quicker than having to struggle on every page. Girls are always encouraged to write for a purpose to give their work meaning and emphasis is placed on both content and presentation. They are provided with opportunities to speak with confidence and fluency and are given a huge range of occasions to do this.

Science
Science in the Lower School is based around practical hands-on experiences and is closely linked to the world around our pupils. They are encouraged to explore and question their environment and provide considered thoughts and ideas. The girls are introduced to the important concepts of fair testing, planning and evaluating their experiments. We also take full advantage of being in central London where we are able to use local parks and of course The Science Museum. All our girls are working well beyond NC expectations by the time they leave Form 2.

PSHE:
PSHE is seen as an important curriculum area which enables girls to develop positive relationships with their peers. There are a number of strategies which have been introduced and run alongside the school's PSHE Curriculum. These include the school's Golden Rules, the ongoing use of Circle Time, various buddy systems and star charts. We feel it is important that the school's PSHE scheme is flexible and can be adapted when necessary to deal with issues and situations throughout the year.

ART/DT
This area of the curriculum is seen as a journey. It begins with our Early Years pupils who are provided with opportunities to experience a range of materials and experiment with colour and different ways to express themselves. By the time they reach Year 2 the girls are beginning to look at the techniques of various artists and developing their own styles and ideas. It is important that there is a balance between structure and choice. DT is a subject where the process is as important as the outcome. Girls are encouraged to design ideas and then modify them, incorporating different skills and techniques before finally making their ideas and evaluating them.

Humanities
In the Reception Year at Glendower we use the Early Years Framework as a guide to providing the girls with a knowledge and understanding of the world around them. We look at their local environment and introduce ideas of personal chronology and an introduction to the idea of the past or "The Olden Days". In Year 1 and Year 2 the girls are introduced to the separate subject areas of History and Geography. History provides the girls with an understanding of certain events within the past and the differences between periods in the past. By Year 2 the girls are beginning to focus on important historical skills such as interpretation of events, points of view and the difference between facts and opinions. We are keen to impress upon the girls that this is not a subject simply about dates and famous people but about looking at change and the importance of the past on how we live our lives today.

Geography introduces the girls to an understanding of their environment, both local and global. They look at the impact of change on their local area and how they have a role in influencing the future. Geography is a subject which includes an understanding of recent global concerns, an awareness of how the land affects how we live our lives and generally get to know our planet better!

French is taught in the Lower School two or three times a year,depending on the year group, by a native speaker. With young children,the work is mainly oral as the pupils learn to develop their speaking and listening skills firts,through songs with actions, nursery rhymes, mini role-plays, puppets, games and storytelling. The software Rigolo1 enable the girls to gradually develop their reading from Year 1 upwards. Emphasis is put on the kinesthetic and fun approach.