The Curriculum

At Rudston we teach all National Curriculum subjects from Lower 3 to Upper 4 (for an explanation of the class names, click here). In Lower 1 and Lower 2, Foundation subjects are taught. Additionally, French is taught from Lower 2, so children at Rudston have seven years experience of a foreign language before they go on to Secondary school. Children also have the opportunity to learn Latin in Upper 3 and Upper 4.

Class Sizes

We believe that all children benefit from being taught in smaller classes so our maximum class size is 24. In Lower school, all classes have two members of staff: the class teacher and a nursery nurse. This means that the pupil:staff ratio is 12:1 in these classes. Research has shown that younger children fair particularly well in classes with small pupil:teacher ratios. ICT and design & technology are also taught in smaller groups throughout the school.

The Specialists

Lower school children and those in Upper 1 are predominantly taught by their class teachers, who are themselves specialists for the ages they teach. They are also taught by subject specialists for French, ICT, music and games.

Children in Upper 2 are taught by subject specialists for music, French, games, ICT and science.

Children in Upper 3 and Upper 4 are taught by subject specialists right across the curriculum.

Where To Next?

Most of our children go on to independent secondary schools when they leave Rudston. We take the role of 'Preparatory' school very seriously, and work hard with the children to prepare them for the various entrance exams set by these schools. Our children are very successful at gaining entry to their chosen schools. This year our leavers have been accepted by Sheffield High School for Girls, Birkdale, Mount St Mary's and Ranby.

Some parents may wish to send their child to an LEA secondary school, in which case they will find that Rudston has given them something of a head start. We are able to give the next school a National Curriculum level even though formal SATS tests have not been undertaken.

Our Results

At the end of each Key Stage, children are expected to reach certain levels of knowledge, skills and understanding in Mathematics and English. The tables below show the levels recently attained at Rudston Preparatory School. Levels for Key Stage 2 are obtained using the NFER Tests in English and Mathematics.

2009

2008

Beyond The School Day - Helping With Homework

For those Upper School children that need extra help with homework, or for those children whose parents are unable to collect them at 3.30, we run Late Prep. This is staffed Monday - Thursday afternoons by one of our teachers, who will help your child with any homework they may have, and may also hear them read.

For more homework help, look at our Links page, where you will find lots of subject specific and general websites that will hopefully provide your child with the assistance they need.

The Class System

At Rudston, 'Lower School' equates to the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 in state schools. 'Upper School' is equivalent to Key Stage 2.

The National Curriculum

The National Curriculum was introduced into state schools in 1988 as a way of ensuring that all children receive a 'broad and balanced education'. It has undergone several revisions, the most recent having been introduced in 2000. Independent schools are not required by law to teach to the requirements of the National Curriculum, but most choose to, to some extent.

Schools are also required to teach Religious Education and Personal, Social & Health Education. Children at Rudston also learn French and Latin.