Classes are small (none are larger than 12) and many classes have a dedicated Learning Support Assistant. So individual attention can be given to each pupil when they need it. Where specialist tuition is required boys are given 1:1 support. Read more about our learning support or learn about the curriculum and activities we offer below.
The academic curriculum is geared to Key Stages 2, 3 and 4. In most subjects there is a certain amount of coursework and practical work which means that pupils are constantly building upon their chance of success while continuous assessment enables teachers to build on each pupil’s individual strengths.
As each boy is looked upon as an individual, the curriculum is not set in stone but is tailored to the needs and potential achievement of each boy.
For those considered capable, these 3 subjects are offered in ‘twilight time’ after the formal school day has ended
Boys in Years 4 to 6 follow a class-based programme based upon Key Stage 2 with lessons outside their ‘home classroom’ in:
Boys in Years 7 to 9 follow a programme based upon Key Stage 3.
Boys from overseas for whom English is a second language usually take a GCSE in their own language (eg: Chinese, Japanese) in addition to English.
All parents are invited to formal parents’ evenings annually but in Years 10 and 11 there are 2 parents’ evenings within the year to monitor the GCSE courses. Additionally, there is the opportunity to meet staff informally at 4pm each Friday over a cup of tea. At Slindon we welcome parents’ involvement in their sons’ education and invite you to phone if you would like to meet with a member of staff at any other time.
Comprehensive reports are produced at the end of every term, and summary interim reports are produced at half-term in the Autumn and Spring terms.
Homework is done each morning at school, the volume being graded by year group. In Years 10 and 11 pupils are expected to devote some free time to their studies and, at this stage, work is also set for the holiday periods.
All boys participate in a daily reading period after homework each morning. There are 4 reading groups based upon reading level, and each group has its own library tailored to that level.
Work experience takes place at the end of Year 11 and is individually tailored to each pupil’s needs. Often, parents have access to good contacts themselves and make suitable arrangements from home, liaising with the school, too. We are, of course, able to arrange suitable placements, generally for a week at the end of the Summer term when the GCSE examinations have finished. For those suitable, we even have some placements within the school.
Key Stages are the terms used for the educational knowledge expected of students at various ages in England as follows:
Wikipedia has more detail on the key stages and on GCSEs and the BTEC system.
Classes, rehearsals, and solo instrumental tuition take place in the music block and recording studio. The music block houses a performing room, practice rooms, recording studio and teaching classroom. Facilities exist for the boys to explore the use of technology in music especially at GCSE.
All boys study music to the end of Year 9. Thereafter they may opt to take the subject to GCSE.
Slindon offers wide-ranging opportunities for our pupils to become involved in practical music making.
A wide variety of instruments are learned at Slindon with a team of peripatetic specialists tutoring the pupils. There is a music concert every term where pupils of all standards perform to the school and to parents. The Year 6 pupil having just mastered “Three Blind Mice” on the piano is given as much credit as the Year 11 pupil playing Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini!
The school choir is composed of boys and staff and is the backbone of the weekly church service.
Extra-curricular activities and sports change by the term, and according to the weather!
There are various trips out on a regular basis to the cinema, bowling, and ice-skating in the local towns of Worthing, Chichester, Brighton and Portsmouth.
Prior consent is required for trips costing more than £30. Costs incurred are charged directly to your son’s fee account in arrears.