School Structure

Early Years Centre

Ages 3 months to 3 years

Sherfield Early Year Centre provides an innovative programme of care and learning supported by a wide range of age appropriate resources. Our holistic approach to childcare and education, encourages children to grow and develop to reach their full potential intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally and culturally.

The staff in Sherfield Early Years Centre create a happy, stimulating learning environment within our superb Sherfield setting. We provide a wealth of opportunities and activities, which enable children to learn from first-hand experiences as they explore and investigate the world around them. The building of relationships, confidence and independence in these formative years enables each child to take a full and active part in the life of the School and the community at large. We are particularly proud of our outdoor learning area, which includes a sensory garden and a variety of stimulating elements to encourage learning across the curriculum.

Junior Prep

Pre-Reception to Year 4 - Ages 3 to 9

Many of our children have exceeded the early learning goals before the end of their Reception year, progressing from the Foundation Stage into the National Curriculum. We offer an increasing range of subjects including World Languages, Music and ICT programmes into Junior Prep so that all our children are ready to make the most of the Prep department by the time they reach the end of Year 4. There is a strong focus on laying foundations for academic success, with daily reading, literacy, handwriting and numeracy embedded in the curriculum.

Senior Prep

Year 5 to Year 8 - Ages 9 to 13

The children in the Prep School continue to receive a broad and inspiring curriculum based upon the National Curriculum. Teachers have high expectations and provide opportunities for everyone to develop their leadership skills. The children develop excellent skills in maths and English in preparation for the next stage of education. An increasing number of lessons are taught by subject specialists, enabling the  children to make full use of our facilities including the ICT suites, art and drama studios, science laboratories and sports hall. Topics, educational visits and cross curricular themes provide an excellent means of reinforcing skills and understanding.

The curriculum which has been built on earlier in the Prep School is continued through into Year 7, as well as preparing our pupils for academic success, we are keen to develop each child as a well-rounded lifelong learner who is able to make the most of his or her talents and opportunities. The National Curriculum is used as a minimum framework which we extend in many different ways providing a variety of courses and qualifications. Teaching is stimulating and forward thinking so that the learning is an exciting, challenging and enjoyable experience.

Seniors

Year 9 to Year 13 - Ages 13 to 18

Pupils join the Senior School from our own Prep School and other local schools. The curriculum is used as a minimum framework which we extend in many different ways providing a variety of courses and qualifications. Teaching is stimulating and forward thinking so that the learning is an exciting, challenging and enjoyable experience. There is close monitoring of all work in Year 9 with a view to giving careful individual advice to pupils as to the number and combinations of GCSE courses that would be appropriate for each pupil. School End of Year Exams and Common Entrance Exams for those joining in Year 9 are also used as a confirmation that the choices are suitable. Parents, pupils and teachers
discuss the options available to ensure that each pupil chooses a programme that meets his
or her needs for continued studying in the Sixth Form and beyond.

In addition to our own pupils, those from other schools transfer to Sherfield after successfully completing their GCSEs elsewhere. We also welcome pupils who have been educated within the educational systems of other countries.

Sixth Formers are based in a spacious, state of the art Sixth Form centre which adjoins the main building. It has two large study areas, two classrooms which are dedicated to the teaching of A Level subjects and office space for the Senior School leaders. Years 12 and 13 are also taught in the classrooms of Buckfield House.

Sherfield Sixth Form has a ‘business’ feel with pupils using the latest ICT and wearing office smart wear, rather than school uniform. We tailor the curriculum to each pupil’s individual requirements. Pupils will normally study three to four subjects in year 12, some taking the fourth subject as an AS at the end of Year 12, most carrying all subjects through to A Level in Year 13.