Laxton Junior School: Further details
Accommodation
Briefly, the School comprises fourteen spacious classrooms, an ICT suite, dedicated rooms for Art, Science and Music, an impressive library area, and practice rooms for our many talented young musicians. Outside, the children enjoy spacious, well-appointed play areas.
Curriculum
The Infants (Key Stage 1) follow a full and varied programme of study and play. They are carefully nurtured as a group, but are also encouraged to develop as individuals. We believe that these crucial years in children's education provide the basis for the rest of their successful educational development. Happy, self-confident children who have built on good academic foundations can be assured of fulfilling their potential.
The Juniors (Key Stage 2) work within a more formal and structured atmosphere, but are again encouraged to give of their best. Here again, traditional and modern teaching styles combine to provide the children with a stimulating programme of study. Laxton Junior School's programme of learning is based on the National Curriculum, but also offers the breadth and variety expected of a good preparatory school. In addition to the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, children acquire basic skills in History, Geography, ICT, Modern Languages, Drama, Religious Education, Art, Physical Education and Current Affairs.
Assessment
Although assessment is continuous throughout their time at Laxton Junior School, pupils are formally assessed at the end of Years 2 and 6 by the School's participation in the government's Standard Attainment Test (SATs) programme. The School also has its own Educational Support Unit, where a highly qualified and experienced practitioner monitors children's progress and can offer a structured programme of additional support if it is deemed necessary.
Music
Music is a particular strength at Laxton Junior School, with all of the children being involved in music making. From the beginning, pupils are taught the value of music and are encouraged to enjoy the experience of making music together. Indeed, many of our pupils elect to take up learning an instrument and provision is made for individual lessons in school. The junior and senior choirs are taught to a very impressive standard and usually feature prominently in most formal school events. All Form 2 children are fortunate to participate in group violin tuition during timetabled lessons, where they learn the basic skills in a stimulating and enjoyable way. Their performances are delightful and provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the thrill of an audience.
Sport
Team sport and games playing are recognised as being of great importance at Laxton Junior School. Our programme of Physical Education ensures that pupils are provided with the opportunity to experience a wide variety of sporting and athletic pursuits. Whilst the most able children go on to represent their School teams, the less able are encouraged to develop their skills through sensitive and encouraging coaching. All pupils experience the excitement of competition by participating in inter-House sport, including Swimming, Athletics, Cross-Country, Football, Netball, Rounders and Cricket. Other less strenuous inter-House competitions include Chess, Music, General Knowledge and Flower Arranging.
Extra-Curricular Education
Pupils' social development is extended further through a wide variety of trips, visits and extra-curricular activities. Our dedicated members of staff provide a multitude of opportunities and share their passion for a wide variety of sport and hobbies. Don't be surprised if your child comes out of school brandishing a carefully constructed model tank, a beautiful flower arrangement and a bag of filthy sports kit all in the same week!
Discipline
Discipline at Laxton Junior School is promoted through sensitive discussion, where respect for oneself, others, and our shared environment and its contents, is positively encouraged. Great care is taken to help the children recognise that everybody has strengths and weaknesses and that, whilst success is to be applauded, disappointment should be regarded as an important learning experience, too.
Parents and Friends Association
An active Parents and Friends Association provides opportunities for parents to meet at both formal and informal levels. Each class has a parent representative who attends regular meetings and who will be pleased to answer questions and offer assistance if needed. Parent representatives disseminate details of P.F.A. meetings, and are always willing to listen to suggestions and ideas for events or fund-raising.
From the Headmaster
Deciding on how and where to educate your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Therefore, I should like to extend a warm invitation to you by recommending that you come and see Laxton Junior School for yourself. I should be delighted to show you around during School hours and answer the questions that have already been prompted by the interest you have shown so far.
To arrange a visit, please contact my secretary, Mrs Lesley Taylor (01832 277275), who will arrange a mutually convenient time for us to discuss your child's future.
I look forward to meeting you.
Mark Potter, Headmaster