The
Junior School and infant department are in a specially designed building
in it's own grounds, next to the Senior
School. The building was
opened in 1974 and then extended in 1994 to accommodate parallel forms
at each stage, making 14 classes altogether. There is an infant hall
equipped with climbing apparatus, a large junior hall, a library and resource
centre, a new science laboratory, design and technology facilities, audio
and visual equipment and a computer in each classroom. The outdoor
facilities are excellent; there is a conservation area, full use of the
tennis and netball courts, the school playing field is only one minute's
walk away and the infants have modern climbing apparatus.
Children are admitted to the infant department, from the Nursery or by interview, when they are 4 years old. In their final year all juniors take an examination in English and Mathematics to assess their standard of achievement. This test, on the basis of which some scholarships are awarded, is also taken by children from other schools applying for 11+ entry. Almost all junior girls progress to the Senior School. The national curriculum is taken fully into account, tested and moderated by Edexel at Key Stage I and at present marked internally at Key Stage II.
The infants have a full and varied day. Not only are they given a firm grounding in the course subjects, but they are also involved in Art and project work and have specialist teachers for French, Music, Drama, Dance, Sport and Design Technology. They have outings which enhance in-school provision. At Christmas the infants are involved with the production of the nativity play. This is performed not only for the school and the parents, but also at a local old people's home or a local hospital. The benefit of having 6 form teachers in the department is an ever widening range of teaching skills and subject leadership.
The Junior School pursues steady academic aims covering a wide range of
subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography,
French, R.E., Art, Music, Drama, P.E. and Design and Technology.
A wide range of educational visits takes place every term and the school
offers clubs for Sport, Orchestra, Choir, Drama and Chess. From the
age of 8 the girls can take part in weekend courses where among other activities
they are taught canoeing, abseiling and rock climbing. The aim of
these weekends is to build confidence and team spirit and they are thoroughly
enjoyed by the girls and teachers. We emphasise enthusiastic and
effective involvement in academic and all other aspects of school life,
aiming for a happy atmosphere in which the girls are encouraged to show
thoughtfulness towards on another and to develop self-confidence as well
as self-discipline. This well-balanced all round education creates
an excellent foundation in preparing the girls to move up to the Senior
School where the same ethos prevails.
The Newcastle upon Tyne Church High School
