In the Junior Department of Tonstall House, we continue to deliver a dynamic, broad and balanced curriculum, via a combination of talented primary teachers and outstanding subject specialists. Our rich and varied curriculum, together with a comprehensive activities programme, provide significant enrichment of the National Curriculum, tailored to our specific requirements, allowing children to develop the skills necessary to progress effectively and resolutely to further stages in their education.
Through developing an awareness of a broad range of subjects and experiences, our children thrive, acquiring a love for learning and participation, as well as accomplishing the confidence to express themselves openly and creatively.
Delivery of the Junior Curriculum, including regular setting of homework, allows pupils to experience and utilise a range of teaching styles; encourages them to work systematically, independently and co-operatively; and provides them with challenging work, appropriate to their abilities.
In addition to specialist teaching in German, Music, Sport and ICT continuing throughout from KS1, our purpose built environment houses a Science Laboratory and Art Room which allow for dedicated delivery of Science, Art and Design Technology in KS2, to extremely high standards. Music practice rooms are in regular use as children are able to embark upon instrumental lessons from Year 3.
Creative Arts and Sports are a major part of our expanding curriculum and activities programme. All junior children participate in a range of concerts and dramatic performances, which allow the development of creativity through music, art, dance and drama. Our sports teams regularly take part in competitive sports against many schools throughout the North East, promoting our culture of working together and nurturing ‘togetherness’.
Through continual assessment, we are able to closely monitor the progress and added value of individuals, whilst remaining motivated towards academic excellence. KS2 SATs results demonstrate evidence of outstanding achievement, which exceeds the national average for all maintained primary schools.
Our House structure takes full effect from Year 3 with each pupil belonging to one of four houses, and taking part in regularly held house competitions and events. A reward system of House points and certificates assures individual and team understanding and involvement throughout the year, culminating in termly privileges, and the presentation of House shields and trophies at the end of the school year.
Transition to Senior School is ensured to be smooth and efficient, due to strength of communication and regular transition events. By the end of Year 6, all pupils and parents are familiar with Senior Staff and the environment of our Senior School, and are able to acclimatize easily to the move into Year 7. All Year 6 pupils take part in the Year 7 Entrance Assessment, usually held at the end of January.
Central to the ethos of Sunderland High School, our Junior Department continues to be at the forefront of primary education in the North East. Not only do we provide a stimulating, caring environment, but also, in line with whole school objectives, we ‘Drive Academic Excellence’; ‘Respect Spiritual Values’; ‘Encourage and Reward’; and ‘prepare our pupils for a secure, confident future in which they would be expected to show respect and tolerance, and flourish as individuals. We are a strategic, significant element in ‘Bringing out the best in every child’.
(The Junior Department encompasses Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 and is also regarded as Key Stage 2)
