At the Abbey Junior School, English is at the heart of every child’s learning journey. Our curriculum encourages pupils to read widely, write with clarity, and think critically, guiding them through a rich and diverse range of texts. Along the way, students develop analytical skills, a deep appreciation of language, and the confidence to express their ideas with precision and creativity, inspiring a lifelong love of reading, writing, and language.

Through the expertise and support of our teachers, we foster curiosity, independent thought, and a love of learning. Children engage with texts from a wide range of periods, genres, and cultures, share their ideas through discussion, and express themselves in a variety of written forms. In doing so, we equip our students with the skills and confidence needed for academic success and life beyond the classroom.

At The Abbey Junior School, we develop mathematical understanding and skills through fluency, logical reasoning, problem solving and providing the opportunity for pupils to think in abstract ways. We aim to foster a positive and confident approach to mathematics in all children: helping them to build a strong and meaningful understanding of how it applies to everyday life. Reflecting our values, we encourage pupils to be curious, adventurous mathematicians who are not afraid to take risks in their learning. Enjoyment is at the heart of our mathematics teaching, and we combine this with a high level of challenge to inspire, motivate, and stretch every child.

In the Early Years, our priority is to establish solid foundations through play-based learning and exploration. As students progress through Prep (Year 1 and Year 2) and beyond, the emphasis shifts to achieving mastery: ensuring every child fully grasps the objectives of the mathematics curriculum and gains a deep understanding of key concepts and skills. Mathematical discussion is a central part of every lesson and we support all children to reach their full potential and progress. A range of tools, including concrete resources, visual models, digital technology and quality teaching, are thoughtfully adapted to meet each child’s individual needs.

We provide students with opportunities to experience and explore mathematics through cross-curricular links and exciting events such as the Junior and Intermediate Mathematics Challenges. These experiences enhance the mathematic experience that The Abbey Junior School provides, fostering enthusiasm and curiosity.

The visual arts are an integral part of everyday life. Our girls are able to express, communicate and understand the wider context of artistic practice. The rich and diverse creative learning helps to develop their individual breadth and scope of visual awareness.

We have a well-resourced, specialist art room as well as specialised technical support. Learners are encouraged to explore working with traditional and new media such as painting, drawing, printing, ceramics, mixed media, and new technologies. Being able to have a range of tactile and sensory experiences is essential. Ultimately having the breadth of opportunity will develop confidence, competence, problem-solving and imaginative skill.

We place great importance on the personal, social, and emotional development of every child. Our PSHE and wellbeing programme equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate everyday challenges, build positive relationships, and make responsible choices. Through discussion, reflection, and practical activities, children explore topics such as resilience, empathy, mental health, and healthy lifestyles, learning strategies that help them flourish in all aspects of life

By prioritising personal growth and wellbeing, we encourage students to understand their emotions, reflect on their values, and develop coping strategies for stress and conflict. In a supportive and inclusive environment, they cultivate empathy, self-awareness, and a sense of responsibility, preparing them to engage positively with their community and approach the wider world with confidence and resilience.

Past, People, Place is where students become historians, geographers and theologians, discovering the rich tapestry of human experience, belief and the world around them. Through a combination of discrete subject teaching in History, Geography and Religious Education, students gain subject-specific knowledge and skills, while also being encouraged to make meaningful connections across these disciplines.

By exploring how the past influences the present, how people shape places, and how beliefs guide communities, students begin to see the world in a more connected and reflective way.

Through hands-on learning, real-world exploration and enquiry-based projects, girls are encouraged to ask big questions, investigate evidence, and understand both British and global perspectives. Whether digging into local history, mapping global landscapes or exploring world faiths, they are empowered to think critically, reflect deeply, and engage with the world around them.

Rooted in curiosity and led by discovery, Past, People, Place brings learning to life, helping children make sense of their place in the world and inspiring them to become informed, compassionate and active global citizens.

Science at The Abbey is an engaging, hands-on learning experience that fosters a love of science and sparks curiosity about the world around us. Children are naturally inquisitive learners who enjoy asking “why?”

We teach scientific knowledge and understanding through topics in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Science is taught by class teachers from Reception up to and including Upper Prep (Year 2) in their classrooms. From Lower I (Year 3) to Lower III (Year 6), lessons are delivered by specialist science teachers in the school’s well-resourced laboratory, supported by a dedicated science teaching assistant. We also regularly explore our school grounds and natural habitats to bring learning to life.

Our Science curriculum is designed to develop children’s critical thinking and encourage them to approach the world with curiosity and a scientific mindset. Through exciting, hands-on investigations, students ask questions, observe phenomena, and analyse data to test their ideas. We go beyond the national curriculum, offering a rich and diverse programme that challenges and inspires. Throughout the year, students also explore dedicated environmental science units, which connect learning to real-world issues, deepen understanding of sustainability, and build awareness of climate change and environmental responsibility. We aim to nurture a lifelong sense of wonder and a caring, informed approach to the world around them.

Immersion into languages begins in Lower Prep (Year 1), with an introduction to the Spanish language and culture which continues into Upper Prep (Year 2). Teaching is fun and interactive and allows girls ample opportunity to put the language into practice through songs, games, mini dialogues, puppets and celebration of festivals. German language and culture are introduced to students in Lower I (Year 3) and continue into Upper I (Year 4).

Students start their learning journey in French at the beginning of Upper II (Year 5) and continue into Lower III (Year 6). The overriding aim is to instil a love and enthusiasm for French, through the study of key topics and the appreciation of French culture. There is also a thorough grounding in key vocabulary, grammatical terms and sentence structures. An inquiry into French literature and art allows students to begin exploring the works of Monet and the Impressionist painters. Throughout their learning, pupils are encouraged to give their opinions on different aspects of French culture and to extend their ideas through peer and class discussion.

One of the fundamental principles of Physical Education is that we equip students with the right tools and attitudes to be active for life. Our highly qualified specialist PE department introduces students to a multitude of competitive and recreational sports, with the aim of finding every child a sport that they enjoy. With two and a half hours a week of curriculum time and additional lunchtime and after school clubs, we offer a wide range of activities.

Through our curriculum, we aim to develop our student’s communication, social and thinking skills in an active way. Alongside our traditional invasion games of Netball, Hockey, Football and Cricket, which we deliver on our two netball courts and Astro. We also offer OAA (Outdoor Adventurous Activities); taking an annual trip to Dinton Pastures to kayak, climb and stand up paddleboard, allowing our students to develop their teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. Our Dance studio provides a space to explore creative ideas, experiment with new forms of self-expression and prepare for productions and our Gymnastics and Dance showcase. Our on-site swimming pool gives our students from Nursery upwards the opportunity to practice these important life skills weekly. We have visiting experts who strengthen and inspire our students learning in tennis. Throughout the Summer Term our students explore athletics events with preparation for our sports days at the end of the academic year.

At The Abbey, we strive to ignite a passion for music that can last a lifetime. Throughout the Junior School, students receive two class Music lessons and one year group Singing lesson each week, delivered by a team of specialist teachers. With an emphasis on live music-making and active participation by all, the curriculum covers a wide range of musical genres and encompasses performing, composing, music technology, listening and appraising. Students also have the opportunity across both key stages to learn an instrument in class – such as the ocarina in KS1 and Ukulele in Upper II (Year 5). Professional lighting and sound systems are used for performances and students enjoy the experience  of working with a live band in their final production in Lower III (Year 6).

This complements a vast co-curricular music programme, with multiple ensembles, choirs, and dozens of concerts and performance opportunities.

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.

Plato

The Abbey proudly builds on its legacy as a pioneer in teaching computing to girls. While technology is ever-changing, our mission is constant: enabling young women to lead in STEM.

From Lower Prep (Year 1), all students have weekly, specialist-taught computing lessons. Our dynamic curriculum covers the core concepts of programming alongside cutting-edge topics in Artificial Intelligence, including Large Language Models, Computer Vision, and AI ethics. Students apply these skills creatively in cross-curricular projects like photo-editing, music composition, and animation. Learning then moves from the screen to the physical world in our Fab Lab, where girls design and build robots, turning code into action and tackling practical, problem-solving challenges.