Years 3-4
Curiosity, confidence and new challenges
Year 3 and Year 4 mark the beginning of the Junior phase at Argyle House School. These are exciting and important years in which children grow in confidence, independence and curiosity. Pupils begin to take on new challenges, develop stronger learning habits and discover new interests both inside and outside the classroom. With small class sizes and a supportive atmosphere, every child is known, encouraged and guided to shine.
Our staff take pride in providing a learning environment where pupils feel valued, motivated and ready to embrace the next steps of their school journey. As one Year 4 pupil recently shared: “My favourite part about being in Year 4 is that everyone is kind and I come to school each day happy.”
Transitioning between year groups
Moving from Year 3 into Year 4 is a natural and well supported step within the Junior School. As pupils progress, they take on greater responsibility for their belongings, manage more complex routines and begin to approach tasks with a growing sense of independence.
Academically, children rise to new challenges, from more advanced calculations in Maths to richer, more imaginative writing in English. Teachers guide pupils carefully through these expectations, ensuring they feel capable, confident and ready for each new stage.
Years 5-6
New experiences and opportunities
Year 5 and year 6 are exciting and purposeful years at Argyle House School, where pupils take on greater responsibility, strengthen their independence and begin preparing for the transition to Senior School.
These final two years of Prep bring new opportunities, deeper learning and wider experiences, supported by specialist teachers and a strong pastoral structure that helps children flourish both academically and personally.
I feel ready for my next steps — my teacher challenges me, supports me, and encourages me to be the best version of myself.
Year 6
The final chapter of the prep journey
Year 6 is a year of leadership, responsibility and preparation for Senior School. Children take on roles such as Prefects, supporting younger classes, including Kindergarten. They become increasingly independent in their learning, using planners and Microsoft Teams to track homework and developing strong study habits.
Lessons taught by senior teachers in Science, Art, Music, French and PE help pupils become familiar with the Senior School staff, routines and expectations. Classrooms mirror senior learning environments, and work quality expectations are aligned with those in S1, creating a smooth and confident transition.
At the end of the year, pupils celebrate their time in Prep with a special leavers’ assembly and a personalised hoodie marking their final days in Prep.
Prep School Curriculum
Years 3-4
The Year 3 and Year 4 curriculum is broad, engaging and designed to help pupils develop firm foundations for the years ahead. Pupils benefit from specialist teaching in French, PE, Music and Science, ensuring lessons are lively, well structured and led by teachers with expert knowledge.
Sport is a particular highlight of the curriculum, with sessions taking place at Silksworth Sports Centre and the ski slope. Here, pupils take part in swimming, football, skiing, tennis, hockey, rounders, cricket and athletics, taught by professional instructors.
Across all subjects, we promote hands on, active learning. Children create research posters linked to curriculum topics, model the water cycle, and explore the local area in Geography to learn how environments are used and shaped.
Learning in Year 3 and Year 4 extends far beyond the classroom. Trips and experiences give children the chance to explore new places and apply their knowledge in real life settings.
Years 5-6
Pupils benefit from specialist teaching in French, Art, Music, PE and Science, ensuring strong subject knowledge and high quality lessons.
Sport remains a key part of the curriculum, with regular sessions at Silksworth Sports Facility. Here, pupils are taught by specialist coaches in swimming, skiing, football, netball, rugby, tennis, hockey, rounders, cricket and athletics.
Outdoor and practical learning are built into subjects wherever possible, including fieldwork in Geography, hands on Science investigations and ICT tasks completed outside the classroom.
Our approach across Year 5 and Year 6 focuses on curiosity, independence and resilience. Pupils are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions, solve problems, collaborate with others and take real pride in the effort they put into their work.
In Year 4 at Argyle House I have loved having lots of fun lessons, like creative art projects and working in a group with my best friends.
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