he aims of the Junior School are:

• to develop in pupils a sense of wonder and a love of learning
  
  
• to provide a stimulating, happy environment in which our pupils will thrive
  
  
• to enable children to develop their talents and foster qualities of character that will lead to independence and responsibility
  
  
• to encourage children to try their best and to build their confidence so that they can each achieve their true potential.
  
  

There are currently nine classes in the Junior School, one for each year group from Reception to Year 4 and two for Years 5 and 6. Early Years at Rye are characterized by a broad and diverse approach to the Foundation Stage. Ofsted’s most recent report noted that “Topics build on children’s existing knowledge and interesting activities provide first hand experiences which are well planned and appropriate for all children.” From the on-site Beech Tree Nursery School there is a smooth transition to the Reception Class, and from there to Key Stages One, Two and beyond. Small classes mean that children are able to develop at their own pace, receiving individual attention within a co-operative classroom ethos.

The beautiful wooded grounds offer an exciting, inspiring natural environment in which to play, discover and learn. Children are taught to care for their environment, and also to look out to the wider world of their future to understand how their behaviour can affect its development.

Our children enjoy learning through breadth of experience. Science is hands-on and experimental, making excellent use of our grounds. Creativity and imagination are encouraged in all areas (including Maths!) and Art and Music play an important part in our day. There is a strong emphasis on learning through literature and we welcome children’s authors, illustrators and poets to our special activity days. The children all enjoy their ICT sessions in the new Junior School computer suite and all classrooms have their own computers for the children’s use.

In Key Stage 1 the children are taught predominantly by one teacher with specialists being available for Music and Religious Education. We follow the National Curriculum, enhancing it where possible, and in Year 2 the children complete the end of Key Stage 1 SATs in English and Mathematics.