Located in its own building with lovely views over the lake, Lower School covers Years 3 and 4. Pupils have their own class tutor who teaches them for most lessons, but there are also special teachers for music, art, French, games, PE and swimming. Lower School has its own library and small computer suite, as well as a trolley full of laptops to be used during lessons. ICT lessons are run in one of the two excellent computer rooms in the main Junior School building.
Weekly enrichment lessons have been added to the curriculum this year. These lessons cover Textiles and Cookery, Design and Technology and an extra ICT lesson. Activities are based around the curriculum they are studying. Year 4 have been learning in Science about their bodies, and in ICT they have been using slow motion cameras to look at the muscles and joints working whilst jumping. This then led to investigations on how to improve their jumping technique. In Geography, pupils studying India, have been experimenting with natural herbs and spices to dye material. Wonderful pillow cases are now on display!
Lower School is the first time boys get to play rugby, hockey and cricket and girls get to play hockey, netball and rounders. Everyone gets a chance to play for the school. Pupils may also be involved in swim squad and enter galas or join Junior Choir.
At play time pupils are free to run around or play on the fort, which has its own cargo net and mini climbing wall! There is plenty of playtime equipment or pupils can bring in a small toy of their own - plastic soldiers and skipping ropes are very popular at the moment!
After school there is a whole range of activities. Pupils might want to go skiing, play netball or football. Or they may want to make something wonderful in Art Club or bake something delicious in Cookery Club. Perhaps they’d like to go to Brownies or improve their chess skills - or just enjoy playing in the swimming pool with their friends. It’s up to them!
Saturday School is optional in Lower School and the morning is split into two parts. Instead of normal lessons, fun activities are planned, to help enhance the children’s learning. Often it will be an investigation (please do read about the Battle Siege at Cheltenham College Junior School and find out what fun can be had with conkers!) or activities that encourage creative thinking and independence. After a break, the children then have the opportunity to play sport, either developing their skills or playing in a match.
Finally, we also have an activity week during the Summer Term. In Year 3 pupils get to camp out in the school grounds for a night, cook their own breakfast and have a go at activities such as kayaking. And then in Year 4 they get a chance to go away for two nights and try all sorts of activities, from abseiling to archery and from quad biking to zip wiring!