Mrs Chris Lee, Head of Ffrome Court Team

Sixth

Ffrome Court Ages 7-8Years 3 and 4

“We know our child needs to be in the right environment to develop the right attitude to learning and at Ffrome Court, she is.” Mother of Emily, age 8

Discover, explore, expand

FACT FILEFfrome Court StatisticsMax class size: 20

Average class size: 18

Girl/Boy %: 40/60

No. of classes: 6

Total pupils in Years 3 & 4: 90

Total pupils in Felsted Prep: 465

Believing in us

Joining Ffrome Court is an exciting step for children as they move up from the Pre-Preparatory experience of Stewart House or come to Felsted as newcomers. It is a really stimulating time as the curriculum broadens and children have opportunities to try a whole range of new subjects, sports and activities. Learning is an adventure at this age and in Ffrome Court we help children discover and explore all the exciting options available to them in a safe and secure, designated teaching and play area, whilst also having access to the wider school for play and lessons.

The Ffrome Court years are when children really start to expand their horizons. They begin to discover subjects and activities that may become lifelong passions. Specialist staff and subject specific classrooms contribute to the learning adventure and small class sizes mean that every child is known as an individual (both academically and in pastoral matters). The overriding aim is to build children’s confidence and to give them the courage to take risks and rise to new challenges as they discover new things.

A real focus at this stage is on personal, social, health and citizenship education, where children are encouraged to become hard working, caring and co-operative Young Felstedians. They gain a feeling of self worth and a desire to do their best. They take pride in their community, developing a sense of respect for those who live around them and in the wider world.

Personalised learningIn Ffrome Court, children begin to find out about themselves and how they learn best. Differentiated teaching means that each child works happily to maximise his or her learning and individual potential. Learning support is available for those who need extra help while extension work develops those who relish further challenges.

In Year 3, dedicated class teachers introduce pupils to the higher expectations of the Preparatory School. For some core subjects and activities, children are mixed across the year group, expanding their social horizons. In addition to their own dedicated class teacher, Year 4 pupils begin to leave their classrooms for the environments of specialist subject teachers. Personal timetables introduce a degree of independence and, as the curriculum broadens, the children’s learning takes them out into the world. Trips are arranged, for example, to the British Museum and Colchester Castle, bringing to life their studies in History.

Enriched learningFfrome Court children develop the confidence to stand on stage and have the opportunity to take part in major drama productions and concerts. Performances include traditional Greek plays and a staged Greek Olympics! Confidence in public speaking is further developed in Year 4, when each child takes the English Speaking Board Examination. We are proud of our 100% success rate, not to mention our many distinctions!

Children also have the chance to explore their musicality as part of a vibrant music curriculum, encompassing all elements of music appreciation and musicianship. In Year 3 all children learn to play a stringed instrument, with these skills being developed during the class ensemble sessions in Year 4. A child's love of singing can be developed through the fully inclusive choir, as well as the more specialist 'Chamber Choir'. Many also learn to play a solo instrument, with lessons arranged on site during the school day. These music experiences are designed specifically to foster a life-long love of music in all children, no matter what their ability, and early talent is recognised and nurtured by our specialist music teachers.

ICT lessons in the Computer Suite teach the children how to present their work electronically. Time dedicated to Art and Design Technology is used as a creative way of extending their Topic learning – decorated elephants are designed to illustrate Indian Festivals as part of their research on India and wonderful mythical creatures are created alongside their study of Greek mythology!

Success at Ffrome Court comes in lots of different guises: children begin to enjoy the process of meeting targets and recognising areas for academic focus. Achievements are celebrated in class and in assemblies with certificates, badges and trophies.

Developing creativity

Group experiment work

www.felsted.org

“There is a great atmosphere in the classroom, the happiness really is contagious.” Mother of Ben, age 7

Bringing Roman history alive!

Specialist learning

Mrs Burrett awards a Commendation

Learning outsidethe classroom

FACT FILE: Core Curriculum

English, Mathematics, Geography*, History*,

Religious Studies, Science, Spanish, Physical

Education/Sport and PSHCE

(personal, social, health & citizenship education)

Enrichment Subjects:

Drama, Music, ICT, Art, Design Technology,

Forest School

*Topic work in Year 3

A Year 4 fish made from

recycled materials

Sporting prowess is developed as children begin to learn the skills and rules of the core sports that will be essential when representing Felsted for the first time. Children have the opportunity to swim most weeks and can take part in a physical session every day. In addition to the core sports, children also take part in the many other sporting activities available to them in the ‘It Clubs’.

FACT FILE: Core Sports

Autumn: Rugby, Hockey, Netball, PE*

Spring: Rugby, Hockey, Netball, PE*

Summer: Cricket, Rounders, Tennis, Athletics, PE*

*Swimming and Gymnastics

Ffrome Court’s range of ‘It Clubs’ provides a fun introduction to everything from cooking to gardening. All these activities build useful life skills that might also become the platform for future hobbies or even careers. Some children choose to take part in these Clubs after school each day, while others choose a few options each week.

All activities are managed ‘in-house’, freeing parents from having to drive their children to different activities after school each day. The ‘It Clubs’ are also particularly useful for working parents who can leave their child in a stimulating environment with their friends until 5.45 pm each day. Outside coaches and specialists are employed to develop a multitude of skills.

Musical opportunities

Enjoying ‘It Clubs’

Building confidence on stage

Sporting skills

‘It Clubs’ & After School Care

FACT FILE: ‘It Clubs’Children can choose to take part in a changing range of ‘It Clubs’ until 5.45 pm each day.Sport: Trot It and Canter It, Kick It and Shoot It, Putt It and Drive It, Bat It and Bowl It, Jazz It and Dance It, Balance It and Roll It, Throw It and Belt It, Tennis, Pedal It and Ride It, Sweep It and Block It.

Arts: Mould It and Model It, Act It and Perform It, Read, Spell and Multiply It, See It and Draw It, Recorders.Technology: Shake It and Deal It, Make It and Taste It, Direct It and Film It, Explore It and Test It, Stitch It and Sew It, Recycle It and Reconstruct It, Check Mate It, Bake It and Taste It. “As a working parent, the ‘It Clubs’ are invaluable to me. My children love the range of activities available and being able to try new things with their friends.” Mother of Rory and Lucy, age 7 & 8

FACT FILE:

A Typical Ffrome Court Week

Year 3 children build their academic and

enrichment programme through an extended

school day on Tuesday and in Year 4 Thursday is

added too. The extra hours give children the time

to take advantage of many new opportunities.

Monday: 8.20 am – 3.45 pm

Tuesday: 8.20 am – 5.45 pm

Wednesday: 8.20 am – 3.45 pm

Thursday: 8.20 am – 4.15 pm (5.45 pm for Year 4)

Friday: 8.20 am – 3.45 pm

A chance to shine

Ffrome Court gardeners

Experiencing team play

We are always delighted to see parents at School events or helping with activities and, through our policy of informal contact, parents are welcome to meet with staff at any time. Parents are kept in touch through parent/teacher meetings, eNewsletters, planners, reports and e-mail. A thriving Parents’ Association organises many activities and social events during the year to involve parents with the Felsted community, from netball, tennis and steel band sessions to summer parties, charity quiz nights and convivial Christmas meals. We even host a Grandparents’ Day!

Felsted, Essex, CM6 3JL

01371 822610 info@felsted.org www.felsted.org

Sixth

Healthy options

Team spirit

Parental involvement

Healthy refreshments are provided at the three supervised breaks each day, with water fountains always available. Water bottles are brought to school for use in class as our children learn that they concentrate better when they are well hydrated. At lunchtime our children have the chance to socialise and are encouraged to try different healthy foods and to eat a balanced meal. Favourite lunches include roasts, chicken korma and cheesy jacket potatoes!

All aspects of Ffrome Court life inspire team spirit. The League system, which they join in Year 3, allows children to be integrated across all year groups. Pupils are divided into five Leagues for competitions that include Public Speaking, Drama, Music, Charity events and Sports Day, and everyone is fully involved. League meetings with more senior Young Felstedians engender a real sense of team spirit, while the Rising Stars leadership award develops independence and responsibility for the self as a prerequisite to leading others higher up in the School.

FACT FILE:

Felsted Leagues★ Cromwell ★★ Gaselee ★★ Grignon ★

★ Lord Riche ★★ Smythies ★

“There is a real partnership between the pupil, parents and staff. The triangulation is super.” Mother of Xavier, age 8

FACT FILE: ‘RUBY’,

The School Jewel

Responsibility: take responsibility

for yourselfUnderstanding others: be kind, well

mannered, friendly and tolerant

Best: Achieve your personal best in

all you doYourself: become yourself, be yourself,

believe in yourself

FACT FILEFavourite things about Ffrome Court

according to pupils• League activities• Different teachers for different

subjects• Playing in a match for the first time

• ‘It Clubs’• Playing on the adventure playground

at break times• The Greek Olympics

• Lunch choices!

Safe and supportive careThe happiness of your child is paramount and their first experiences are very important. To ease the transition to Ffrome Court, children will be welcomed at a Taster Day. They will get to know their Buddy, a Year 4 child, who will make them feel at home and be a friend during their time in Year 3. As with all pupils in the School, they will be cared for by the School’s team of Matrons and there is a Medical Centre on-site.

Physical challenge

Parents in school day

Swimming Gala Fun!

Raising money for global causes

Fun & friendship