The Curriculum

We are not constrained by the National Curriculum and our children enjoy a breadth of learning and a wide range of activities. Our class sizes are small to ensure the closest possible attention for each child. In the lower school the teaching staff are supported by a team of classroom assistants.

Lower School

Children are encouraged to read using a variety of methods and each child reads to a member of staff on a regular basis. Number work is also of prime importance and children's skills are developed from basic number recognition to problem-solving and an appreciation of concepts such as weight, shape, money and time.

There are regular music lessons and Bishopsgate has a vibrant arts department. There are specialist teachers for French, Music, PE, Singing and Dance and opportunities for the children to enjoy ballet, movement and a range of musical instruments. Coaching in the major games is introduced from Year 1 to establish a firm foundation for future success.

As the children move through Lower School, the breadth of learning increases.

Upper School

In Years 3 and 4 children are class-taught mainly by their form teachers. They are set for English and Maths as we recognise the importance of developing literacy and numeracy skills. From Year 5 all teaching is by subject specialists. Programmes of study in Upper School are full and varied, covering the traditional academic subjects as well as Art, Music, Information and Communication Technology, Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education and Physical Education. The children are prepared carefully for entrance to a range of senior schools and we are proud of our record of success.

In Upper School, opportunities to represent the school in sports teams, plays, choirs and instrument groups are all part of the 'Bishopsgate Experience'.

Whilst we regard prep as a useful means of consolidating and extending learning, we do not wish children to become unduly stressed after a busy day at school. Preps are therefore kept to a manageable length and are differentiated according to pupil need.

Co-Education

Girls and boys often exhibit different learning styles and our teaching takes account of this to ensure that Bishopsgate is a highly effective co-educational school.