Academic

The Prep (Age 4 to 11 years)

The Prep School includes the Reception class and pupils in Years 1 to 6. Form Teachers provide pastoral care and are responsible for the welfare of the children in their respective form.

The School is equipped with specialist classrooms and facilities for:

• Design and Technology
• Art
• Information and Communication Technology
• Science
• Music

Reception to Year 2

Within a happy and relaxed atmosphere, the children in Reception become used to a more formal approach to education. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the basic skills of literacy and numeracy. The boys and girls are taught mostly by their Form Teachers, with the help of classroom assistants, in mixed ability groups. In Year 2 pupils sit the National Key Stage 1 SATs.

Years 3 & 4

Form Teachers continue to teach the majority of subjects. Pupils also receive specialist teaching in some areas of the curriculum. These two important years consolidate Key Stage 1 work and begin to prepare the children for Key Stage 2 SATs and the 11+ entrance tests.

Years 5 & 6

Preparation for 11+ entrance tests continues. Subject specialists teach children in all areas of the curriculum. Setting pupils, according to achievement, is introduced in some subjects, so that Long Close children enjoy the highest standards of teaching coupled with individual attention in the lead up to the 11+ examinations in Year 6.

The Upper School (Age 11 to 16 years)

The Upper School prepares candidates for the GCSE examinations.

Teaching is provided by a combination of Form Tutors and specialist subject teachers. Setting in some subjects ensures that the pupils in Years 7 to 11 can make the most of their talents and abilities. Learning support is provided in classes at no extra cost.