Junior School
Hall School Wimbledon Junior School provides a happy and nurturing environment where children study a broad and exciting curriculum. By offering a well-rounded curriculum, together with an extensive range of extra-curricular activities, we aim to instil an enthusiasm and joy for learning as children progress through the school. Great emphasis is placed on practical learning and problem solving, encouraging inquisitiveness and an ability to think for oneself. To support the move from dependence to independence in these formative years, we create a culture of praise and encouragement, rewarding good behaviour, kindness and consideration for others. We believe that cultivating characteristics of resilience, adaptability, confidence, good humour, collaboration and empathy are important to our pupils’ long-term success. Boys and girls cheering each other on in a challenging cross-country race, pupils choosing playground games so as to include their friend in a wheelchair, or children helping each other to plant seedlings in the garden – these are just a few examples of the kind, caring and happy children to be found at HSW.
Academic excellence is, of course, paramount. The children soon master the skills of reading, writing and mathematics in the early years. In Years 5 and 6 the children are taught a wide range of academic and practical subjects to a high standard by knowledgeable, specialist teachers. Our schemes of work are carefully designed to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. Tasks and activities are planned to match and then extend the abilities of each child. All our Year 6 pupils are offered automatic progression to our Senior School. Some families choose to apply to academically selective senior schools and our track record of successful admissions to these schools is excellent.
Nurturing and robust pastoral care in the Junior School helps pupils grow up and acquire the skills and confidence to allow them to achieve. We are proud to be a co-educational school: girls and boys also have positive role models among the staff. The small size of the school means that every child is known and cared for as an individual. The routine well-being and academic progress of each child is overseen by the Class Teacher who is on hand to advise on and discuss any concerns. Progress is reported to parents at termly Parent Evenings and through written reports.
Every day in the Junior School begins with a short daily workout – aerobics, dance or running. Many of our pupils choose to compete against themselves and gain the 100K Challenge award – meaning they can run more than 100 kilometres during the academic year.
The children are encouraged to broaden their range of experiences by engaging in a lively after-school clubs programme, which includes practical skills (such as cooking and gardening), arts and crafts, photography, sport and music. The choir is especially popular, with termly concerts and school productions providing an opportunity to perform in public.
Weekly assemblies are held to reflect on and consider important issues and to celebrate achievement and success. The children are encouraged to learn about responsibility and can represent their class in a variety of ways, such as on The School Council.
We try to make the most of our location by providing ample opportunities for outdoor learning and participation in the cultural life of the local community, such as Wimbledon Bookfest. As well as having opportunities to attend day trips designed to support the topics taught, we welcome to the school visits from experts, authors and theatre companies. In Years 5 and 6, pupils attend residential trips. Through these they gather life-long memories and develop qualities which cannot be defined by academic success.
Non-native English speaking pupils are accommodated in mainstream classes and make rapid progress, with extra support from our EAL teacher where required. Children with mild to moderate learning difficulties are also taught in mainstream classes: some additional help tailored to their individual needs is offered.
We offer a minibus service around Wimbledon and the wider area, with fully vetted drivers.