Lower School 7 - 13

We aim to instil a love of the English language in each pupil and give them the confidence of true expression then we will equip them with skills that will see them through all their learning in life. Children are taught the full range of English skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening, encompassing the key stages of the National Curriculum. In Years 3-6, English is taught by form teachers who are supported by the Learning Support staff based in the school. In Years 7-8 the pupils are taught by specialist English staff. Throughout the school, children who may benefit from extra Literacy help can opt for extra lessons in individual or small group lessons from our specialist Support department.

It is essential that pupils are taught to recognize the power of mathematics and that a positive attitude to, and enthusiasm for, the subject is promoted throughout the school. Throughout all Key Stages at Ellesmere we believe that children should be given every opportunity to develop their mathematical understanding. This will be reinforced through practical tasks and by encouraging children to explain their thought processes, which will enhance their understanding. Extra support is offered via lunchtime Math Clinics, and extra one-to-one help at breaks and lunchtimes. A weekly Math Club provides the brightest pupils opportunities to stretch their thinking with interesting, challenging problems.

The areas of study through key stage 2 focus on Energy, movement and forces, the environment, Earth and solar system, Life and living things. In year 7 science is taught as a combined subject encompassing Biology, Chemistry and Physics and covers themes such as Organisms, behaviour and health, the environment, Earth and universe, Energy, electricity and forces, Chemical and material behaviour, taught by science staff. As pupils move into year 8, the sciences are taught separately, each being delivered by the relevant subject department.

We regard it as important for children to be familiar with languages thus we take every opportunity to promote other cultures and countries. Pupils are taught in form groups by language specialists and although the Speaking element remains hugely important there is increasing coverage of the three other elements of the language - Reading, Writing and Listening. The department is well-equipped with audio and visual technology as well as with interactive whiteboards. Children will study French in years 3 -6 then experience the addition of Spanish and Latin in years 7 and 8 whilst still continuing their French. Pupils with learning difficulties that impact on literacy may be withdrawn from some languages to enable individual support lessons where appropriate.

Art and Design Technology can empower pupils to make well informed value judgments as well as aesthetic and practical decisions whilst becoming actively involved with shaping their environment. All pupils will study Art and will explore ideas, meanings and expression within the world of artists, craftspeople and designers. Ellesmere pupils will learn about the diverse roles and functions of art in both contemporary life and at different times and within diverse cultures. In years 7 and 8, students will also study Design and Technology where they will tackle a range of projects from wooden toys to iPod speakers. In Year 8, all pupils have the chance to put their work forward to the National Star Pack awards.

Drama is very popular at Ellesmere, whether it is accessed through the many varied productions throughout the year or academic lessons. Lower School drama is experienced through our Wednesday afternoon Survive & Thrive programme and by participation in the productions that Lower School pupils produce each year and our Drama club. As pupils move into year 9 they can then opt for it as an academic subject, having gained practical experience whilst in Lower School.

The Lower School programme in ICT aims to enable each child to achieve a minimum standard of computer literacy; to be confident, competent computer users by the end of year 8, so that they can take advantage of these vital skills in their future studies. They will experience using computers to support their other subjects and learn more advanced skills each year in the use of software such as Publisher, Word Processing, Excel Spreadsheets and PowerPoint.

The College very much values the imagination and character that make each person an individual, and its Arts programme has been structured to encourage self-expression and confidence. Music plays a pivotal role in this philosophy. All pupils have access to a weekly music lesson and can opt to take additional music tuition in the instrument of their choice. Opportunities to play to an audience are provided through recitals, assemblies, drama productions, Open days and competitions such as the Oswestry Music Festival.

Physical Education & Games

All pupils at Key Stage 2, 3 and 4 will have one double PE lesson per week, which is 70 minutes in duration. The PE curriculum ensures that all pupils follow as wide a range of activities as possible. The department strongly believe that young people should be given the knowledge to help them lead a healthy active lifestyle whilst in school and in the future. During Key Stage 2 pupils will experience the following activities: Fundamental Motor Skills Programme Gymnastics Games Skills Indoor Athletics Net Games Athletics swimming (additional double lesson per week). As pupils move into year 7 and 8 they will experience the following activities: Games Skills Swimming Fitness and Fitness Testing Badminton Basketball Squash Tennis Athletics Volleyball Indoor Athletics Rounders Baseball Golf Table Tennis. Games is given two afternoons a week and encompasses Rugby, Football, Cricket, Hockey, Netball, Rounders and Tennis through the year.

In Key Stage 2 pupils explore the life of Jesus and the great Old Testament stories. As pupils move through into Year 7 the emphasis is on Christianity and in Year 8 they study an exciting course on the World's great Religions; exploring Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. The course of study for each year group is a combination of stories, visual information, looking at artefacts and visits to the Chapel and other religious buildings by use of our designated visit days we refer to as Expeditions or Expos.

Geography and History is taught by class teachers at years 3 to 6 and then by Geography specialists from the senior departments of Geography and History. In Geography the focus is to provide a practical, enquiry-based approach to learning, which encourages pupils to achieve their geographical potential through making use of our excellent resources and field trips. In History pupils will study a wide range of periods including Victorians, Life in World War 2 Britain. In Year 7 and 8 students study a broadly chronological syllabus that covers the period of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 up to the Glorious Revolution of 1688.