Academic

Breaside provides a rich learning environment for boys and girls. Our curriculum is designed to meet our objective of preparing children for senior schools, but in addition we attach great importance to providing all our children with a balanced and broadly based education, from their first days in the Kindergarten through to the age of 11.

French is taught from Kindergarten to Year 6 and an annual trip to France in Year 6 gives our children the opportunity to practise the language skills that they have learned. Spanish and German clubs are also on offer and as a school we are very aware of the future needs of our children in the global economy in which we live.

The Infant School

Our children enter the Infant  School in the Reception Classes where they continue with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. In Years 1 and 2 they continue to be taught mainly by their own form teacher but they are also taught by specialists in Science, Music, French, ICT, PE and Games. We aim to limit our class sizes to a maximum of 20 children per class. Each form teacher is directly responsible for the pastoral care and welfare of the children in their respective form. Within a relaxed and happy atmosphere, the children gradually become used to a more formal approach to education and emphasis is placed on the acquisition of the basic skills in numeracy and literacy. At the end of Year 2, all the pupils currently sit the Key Stage 1 SATs as a matter of course and we are keen to monitor that our curriculum is not driven by our testing.

Swimming is also a very important part of the curriculum at Breaside. Children from Reception to Year 6 are taking by our own Breaside Mini-bus to a local swimming pool and children are then encouraged to take part in Swimming Galas when they are confident.

The Junior  School

In Years 3 and 4, form takers continue to be responsible for teaching English, Maths & PSHE, although the children now receive specialist teaching in ICT, Science, History, Geography & Religious Education as well. These two years see a consolidation of the Key Stage 1 work as the children begin to prepare for their 11+ entrance tests and Key Stage 2 SATs. In Years 5 and 6, Breaside's unique preparation for entrance exams to over 20 different Secondary School is key. Parent Consultations with the Headteacher and staff are a priority to support those important decisions parent need to make. This is a partnerships where pupils, teachers and parents talk about options and choices. Children can enjoy the highest standards of teaching together with the individual attention that they need in the lead up to their 11+ examinations at the end of Year 6. English and Maths at Year 6 are taught by specialists in both subjects.