The Middle School

A lively and busy environment where academic progress, sport and creativity continue to be developed.

The Middle School consists of Years 4 and 5: approximately one hundred and twenty  pupils split into six classes. As we cater for all abilities and, in accordance with school policy, there is no academic competition but each child is expected and encouraged to do her best, we have different levels of expectation for each child.  We want the girls to feel valued and celebrated as individuals, to recognise their own strengths and weaknesses and for them to work with us to set them realistic individual goals.

Year 4

As the children move from the Lower School into the Upper School, we aim to make this an enjoyable, happy and productive year for the girls, who we hope will enjoy the greater challenges of work and become more independent and confident as the year progresses.  

They are taught by their form teacher for English and Maths and usually Humanities and ICT, with specialist teachers for all their other subjects. All three classes follow the same curriculum and the teachers plan the work together.

Homework is set on a weekly basis for English and Maths and occasionally there is also Humanities homework. Girls write in their homework diaries to remind themselves of what is required of them and we ask you to sign these diaries. We aim for them to complete the homework independently but we encourage parents to help when necessary and so to work in partnership with the school and the child. We hope this helps the girls develop the confidence they need as they move up the school.  

Year 4 stage a major drama production in the Autumn term and enjoy a two-night residential field trip to the Isle of Wight in the Summer term as well as a wide variety of day trips, speakers and workshops. They also take part in choral speaking. Apart from the learning that takes place, these help greatly in the girls' social development and of course they love participating in such activities.

They elect their Form and Vice captains each half term and so can put suggestions and ideas to the School Council for consideration.

At the end of the year the girls are asked to give us a list of four of their friends so that we can take this into account when we place the girls in new mixed-ability classes for Year 5. We do our best to ensure that each class has a balance of personalities, academic abilities and talents and that every girl has at least one of the friends from her list. In this way we encourage the girls to get to know new people each year as well as to remain loyal to old friends.

Year 5

This is an important year for the girls, as it is the last year before the 11+ exams in Year 6. The teaching is lively and challenging and the preparation for exams begins, although a the girls are almost unaware of it. It is, of course, hugely enjoyable for the pupils as they are given opportunities perhaps to represent the school in netball, swimming and other sports as well as in choir and to take part in Drama and music productions. The Year 5 play takes place in the Spring term and is a highlight of the year. They all enjoy a residential trip to York when they have a packed programme of activities including a day at a "Viking village". Day trips, visitors and workshops again enhance their learning experiences and catch their imaginations.

The girls have a more structured curriculum this year, with set lesson times and more subjects, including Latin, which are all taught by specialist teachers. All three classes follow the same curriculum and are taught by the same teachers for each subject. They do of course continue to have form teachers, who take care of administrative and pastoral matters and seek to know their pupils very well.

Homework is set nightly in up to two subjects of approximately half an hour in length for each. English and Maths are both set twice a week. Again, homework diaries are filled in to remind them and you about the expectations of the task.

At the end of the year we again remix the classes on the same basis as before, ready for the children confidently to enter Year 6 with all the challenges, fun and celebration that brings.

The Middle School provides a safe, nurturing environment where girls develop socially and academically, encouraged and supported by adults who know them well to spread their wings and "have a go" at all the many new experiences and opportunities on offer at Bute House.

Year 6

Year 6 at Bute House is our "senior" and final year and as such involves a lot of hard work, but also a lot of fun!  The year group is divided into three forms of twenty girls, with form teachers who are responsible for registration and administration tasks as well as looking after the well-being of the girls in the form throughout the year. When the girls come into Year 6 in September they are also assigned a tutor, who will act as mentor and interested adult for the year. The tutor helps her tutee prepare for interviews and generally supports her during the year and especially over the examination period.

The Autumn term is, of course, the term for preparation for the 11+ examinations, which are held in January. The examinable subjects are English, Mathematics and, in certain cases, Science. Other subjects that are taught in Year 6 are History, Geography, RE, Latin, French, ICT, Art and Design Technology, Music, Drama and Dance, Citizenship and Games. All subjects in Year 6 are taught by specialist teachers. The girls are able to represent the school in a number of sports such as swimming, netball, tennis, gymnastics and pop lacrosse.

The School Council gives many girls the opportunity to show their leadership abilities. The President and three executive members are voted onto the Council from Year 6 and represent the school pupil body where necessary.

Every year the Year 6 girls look forward to their Drama production, staged by the specialist Drama teacher. Every girl has a speaking role in the play and much is learnt in the way of teamwork and give and take!

A highlight of the Year 6 calendar is certainly the trip to Devon at the beginning of July. This trip to Skern Lodge incorporates Geography and Science field work and much fun is had by all. Tasks include following a river from source to sea, discovering rocky shore ecology, investigating sand dune systems, learning about the Lynmouth flood of 1952, marvelling at the spectacular geology of Hartland, spotting the flowers of the area and walking on Exmoor. Other activities include watching birds of prey, listening to stories and eating, eating, eating!

The final function for all Year 6 girls is the farewell disco, held in the school hall. Girls dress up and dance the afternoon away, having enjoyed a tea prepared by the kitchen staff. Much fun is had by all and many tears are shed at the thought of leaving.

Year 6 is a special year and friendships made here last a very long time. It is always a thrill to welcome back our "old girls" to the school.