Life in the Junior School
Life in the Junior School is filled with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. There is, quite literally, never a dull moment.
“I have learnt from being in the Junior School, that no matter what you do, you should never give up.”
– Sherla, Year 7
PERFORMING ARTS
Junior School Drama sparkles with talent, enthusiasm and usually a whole lot of glitter! Opportunities abound in the First School where the youngest pupils enjoy dressing up and indulging in the glitz and excitement of events such as their Christmas Play, the Founder’s Day Play and their assemblies. Drama teaching begins with a weekly lesson for each class from Reception onwards. There are also drama and dance clubs on offer throughout the Lower School.
Every student also takes part in at least one production annually, and these are often ambitious extravaganzas. In recent years students have performed The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Oliver. Lower School pupils perform in the Performing Arts Centre, which is an exciting experience for both the cast and the audience.
Class assemblies are a regular event which parents are invited to.
MUSIC
Music is an important part of life in the Junior School. Pupils enjoy twice weekly class music lessons which provide opportunities for performing, composing, listening and appraising.In the Lower School a weekly choir session further develops vocal and musicianship skills and provides many opportunities for performance. In addition to this, there is an auditioned Chamber Choir. This talented group of singers achieve an extremely high standard, performing in festivals and competitions. In 2015 the choir were selected from more than 100 schools in the UK to take part in the finals of the Junior Children’s Choir competition at the prestigious Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and they have also performed on BBC Radio 3!
Most Lower School students have instrumental lessons with our talented peripatetic teachers. A full complement of instrumental lessons is available; the best age to start varies from instrument to instrument and the development of the individual.
“My fondest memory of the Junior School was when we went to France in Year 6. It was an experience I will never forget. I learnt so many new and exciting things.”
– Damini, Year 7
SPORT
Sport features regularly in the life of a North London Collegiate Junior School student.
The First School students enjoy three lessons a week, taught by specialist teachers. The activities include dance, games and gymnastics in the winter terms, and athletics, rounders and tennis in the summer. Rainbow Sports Day is a highlight for First School pupils and swimming is taught from Reception class upwards, throughout the whole year.
From Year 3 onwards the curriculum extends further to include badminton, cricket, cross country, football, netball, pop lacrosse and modules on health-related fitness, orienteering, speed and agility and trampolining activities at varying stages. An internal inter-colour team swimming gala and Sports Day encourage every student to participate in team events.
The extra-curricular programme and fixture schedule is always full. There is a wide range of open clubs and selected squads ensuring choice for all. These incorporate athletics, dance, golf, gymnastics, fencing, netball, pop lacrosse, rounders, tennis and swimming. Matches, tournaments, galas and competitions give the students opportunities to compete and take pride in representing their school.
School Day
First School pupils (Reception to Year 2) arrive between 8.30am and 8.45am for 8.50am registration. Afternoon lessons finish at 3.20pm. There is a short break in the morning and lunch at midday in the main dining room. Staff are on duty during lunch to help and supervise outdoor playtime.
Lower School pupils (Years 3 to 6) may arrive any time after 8.15am. Registration is at 8.40am and this is followed by a School assembly. Students have a short break in the morning and lunch at midday in the main dining room. All pupils have School lunch, where they can choose from a wide selection of hot and cold food which caters for all dietary needs. They then have a long break when they play in the grounds or join some lunchtime activities. Lessons finish at 3.25pm. After school the students in Years 3-6 have the opportunity to join clubs from 3.30pm to 4.00pm.
