Our junior school offers every child the opportunity to achieve his or her potential. Our children, staff and parents work in partnership toward our aim of achieving together. The junior school at St Gerard’s is housed in a purpose-built block adjacent to the senior school. The close proximity with the senior school allows the interchange of staff expertise, further benefiting pupils' education.
Class teachers are responsible for the children’s welfare and delivery of the curriculum. Work is planned with close liaison, communication and support from the headteacher.
During planning, staff share the preparation of work, drawing on different experiences, knowledge and expertise to ensure work is relevant and well-matched to meet the needs of the children. In this way, we are able to utilise the strengths of our staff team and enhance the quality of learning and teaching here at St Gerard’s.
The pupils are mainly taught by form teachers with some subject lessons taught by senior school specialists.
We aim for us all to:
- feel safe and valued as part of a caring community that celebrates success
- be independent thinkers / learners who are able to seek solutions creatively and co-operatively
- inspire an ‘enquiring’ mind and ask questions
- be confident enough to take risks in learning, to experience and actively participate in a relevant, enjoyable curriculum that evolves to meet the needs of all
- be able to listen and articulate responses showing consideration to others
- be polite and courteous
- be proactive in our responsibilities towards the community, society, the environment and economy, linking ‘real life’ with our learning
- understand and respect diversity
- be aware of and recognise our own learning needs and be involved in planning future steps and targets
- develop a sense of self-esteem: be well-balanced and healthy individuals.