Key Stage 1

At age 5 children move up into Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2).

English

Children are taught Phonics on a daily basis; we carry out phonic screening and assessment throughout the year. Our focus is on the reading and spelling of Year 1 and 2 high frequency words, on which progress is assessed termly. Through English we explore fiction and non-fiction texts, using interesting and exciting activities to investigate story structure and language and lay the foundations for punctuation. This is then applied to more formal writing activities. Where possible English lessons are linked to our topic subject area.

Maths

Children have an hour long maths session daily. Focus is on number bonds, addition, subtraction, place value and shape and measure. Learning revolves around practical activities which allow our children to explore number and related concepts in order to make discoveries for themselves. Through practical investigation we also introduce multiplication and division.

Topic

Topic is taught on a two year rolling programme with both year groups combined. Over this period we learn about The Great Fire of London, Florence Nightingale, Great Britain, Toys from the past and present, the Seaside past and present, Homes around the World and Life on an Island. Art and DT is used to explore a range of media and gain important skills creating pieces of work linked to our Topic subject area.

PE is taken by the class teacher, either in the indoor hall, on the outdoor playground or on the field, depending on the skills/sport being taught. The children take part in numerous sports events throughout the year and we hold our own sports afternoon at year end.

Productions

In addition to those subjects outlined, Farrowdale children are encouraged to develop their individual talents. With this in mind, school productions take place twice a year at Christmas and in the summer, which all children taking part. Some children get to explore their dramatic talents whilst others showcase their singing ability by performing a solo or duet. There is also a talent show, which always sees a packed house. Children last year demonstrated their Karate skills, became stand-up comedians, performed dance routines or sang a solo to name only a few of the acts taking part. All children also learn a dance to perform in front of parents at the Summer Ball.

Homework

Children throughout key stage 1 are for the most part expected to complete regular homework. This is usually used as an opportunity to consolidate learning from the previous week rather than to introduce new concepts.

Reporting

We are mindful of keeping parents up-to-date with school life. Therefore teachers send out a half-termly overview outlining news, events and topics to be studied, as well as a weekly overview detailing learning from the previous week. There is one yearly written report and three formal parents’ evenings. Parents are; of course, welcome into school to chat with their child’s teacher at any time throughout the year.

Parents

What do you appreciate most about Farrowdale? The approachable nature of staff, the culture which is based on family values and flexibility and agility or the curriculum to suit the child’s needs. The quality of education is outstanding and the staff know the children on an individual level so learning can be tailored to suit each child. I appreciate the teachers. Their teaching approach is personal and genuine. It’s not a ‘one size fits all’ school. Each pupil is individually catered for so they can learn and grow at their own pace.

Mr L

Parent

My daughter is at Farrowdale House, she's been there since she was 3 years of age now she's 5 and doing amazingly well with a reading age of 7. I would highly recommend it. The staff are so caring and supportive and it has a real family feel. We feel safe leaving our daughter knowing she is happy and reaching her potential. We are so glad we chose Farrowdale.

Parent

can HIGHLY recommend Farrowdale House Independent Preparatory School in Shaw. My son has just started in early years and they accept the 15/30 hours free childcare - and also offer FREE before school club from 7:30am which for me was a huge bonus. I can’t tell you how much he’s come on in the few weeks since starting. It’s such a lovely school, with lovely children and staff. ’ve just started my daughter in Year 6 there as she was struggling at her old school. Her attitude towards the classroom has completely took a huge turn and she enjoys going ! She feels listened too as the class sizes are a lot smaller.

Mrs J

Parent

I would highly recommend Farrowdale House school. I've seen my child progress at an amazing rate not only academically but also socially. I would probably describe the school as a big happy family, all the children really look out for one another, they have lovely manners, dress smartly and show fantastic support for each other. This is down to the hard work the teachers put in and the way the school is ran.