In Upper I (Year 4), girls become more independent as they prepare for the challenge of Upper Juniors. It is an action-packed year culminating in a 3 day residential trip to the historic Elizabethan Manor House of Ufton Court.
Throughout the year, the girls' learning is enriched with workshops and first hand experience of the topics being studied. In RE, these include visits to local places of worship: Christchurch, Reading Synagogue and the Gurdwara. Whilst studying the Ancient Egyptians, we go to The British Museum and a visit to Hampton Court provides extra knowledge for our study of the Tudors. The Geography topic of Rivers is enhanced by a visit to the River and Rowing Museum in Henley in the Summer Term.
Many exciting workshops take place on the school premises. In Year 4 these have included The Science Explorer Dome, a DT Structures workshop, the Life Education Bus and a Tudor Workshop. Some weeks are dedicated to particular activities such as The Environment, Maths Investigations and Art. Expectations of achievement are high in all areas of teaching and pastoral care of the girls is central to our philosophy.
The Upper I production in the Autumn Term is an opportunity for the girls to shine on the stage through Music and Drama. There are many sports fixtures against other schools in games such as netball, hockey and rounders and there are also judo, ballet, gymnastics and dance clubs. Musical opportunities include Lower Junior Choir, Orchestra, Recorder and Percussion, as well as individual music lessons for a range of instruments. The choirs compete at a very high level in regional competitions with great success.