Junior Curriculum

Bedstone Junior School is an independent co-educational school for ages 4 to 11 years. Offering the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and Primary Key Stages 1 and 2 curriculums (see below), we deliver an all-round, non-selective, private education with day school from four to 8 years and optional flexi-boarding or boarding from eight years. In beautiful south Shropshire, on the Herefordshire/Powys border, like a prep school, we offer the ideal preparation for the onward journey into senior school.

KS1 Curriculum Overview 2022-2023

Lower KS2 Curriculum Overview 2022-2023

Upper KS2 Curriculum Overview 2022-2023

Entrants – from 4 to 11yrs – receive a friendly and effective induction to the School at whatever point they join, encouraging a strong sense of their own identity and progress.  Small class sizes ensure that everyone receives extra attention when needed and develops confidence in learning and social skills. Extra specialist support is also available through our Learning Support Department, if required.

Learning Support in the Junior School is provided by a fully qualified and experienced teacher. The personalised approach is a hybrid of 1-1, small group and in-class support, and reflects the needs of the child. We work closely with parents and outside agencies to identify and provide the best support. We have a dedicated Learning Support room where children can learn in a quiet focussed space or where assessments or specialist sessions (Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy etc) can take place. Our children with additional needs love learning and make great progress.

Our academic programme goes beyond the UK National Curriculum and is designed to blend seamlessly with the Senior College. Junior School staff are complemented by specialists from the Senior College, teaching French; science; design technology; music and physical education, including year-round swimming, all within specialist facilities like the science laboratories; the Murch sports centre;  ICT suites and Music School (complete with recording studio and soundproofed rehearsal pods). There are numerous key themed days too, including World Book Day.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The Junior School offer a wide variety of extra-curricular activities throughout the school year. At Bedstone, we believe it is outside the classroom where our junior school students can really develop their skills and confidence.

Every day there are enriched curriculum sessions from 4pm until the buses depart. While not compulsory, those children who do stay have the opportunity to engage in  a whole raft of activities such as participating in Woodland School, undertaking arts and crafts and participation in the national Junior Duke programme. In addition, horse riding, theatre trips, social nights, LAMDA, dance, choir and involvement in Musical Theatre are also available.

As part of the extra-curricular activities, music lessons are available at a small cost, with specialist teachers coming into Bedstone to teach those students. These lessons can be taken during the school day, with a mixture of times available to ensure students do not miss the same lessons each week.

There are many activities to take part in each year, including the Junior School Cross Country Event, where over 20 local primary schools attend to compete on Bedstone’s famous cross country course, this is a fantastic day for our junior students! The Junior School also produces an annual drama performance, directed and produced by our teaching Staff. This is a real opportunity for students to experience performing in front of an audience and working as a team.

Moving Up Day

As part of the transition between junior and senior school, Junior 4 are given the opportunity to attend first form for the day during the summer term. This is an annual event during which Junior 4 can experience senior school life, taking part in academic lessons, sport and senior extra-curricular activities. It really helps prepare children from Bedstone or other schools considering joining the senior school, developing their confidence and leaving them typically happy and excited about coming up into Year 7.

This also extends to Key Stage 1 to 2 Transition whereby students experience life in Year 3/4 and participate in Senior School lessons, helping the students familiarise themselves with a new environment and prepare for the next chapter in their Bedstone journey.