All Shrewsbury students benefit from an engrained commitment to specialist study. While connected to our thematic programme, Chinese language, Music, Performing Arts, Physical Education and Aquatics lessons are all supported by specialist teaching staff.

CHINESE

 

Shrewsbury students engage with the Chinese language every day. In reference to the fact that it has more native speakers than any other language in the world, we teach Mandarin (Putonghua) and refer most commonly to simplified written characters. 

The delivery of a bespoke programme for Chinese language and culture lies at the heart of our efforts to ensure that students develop a rounded, respectful and appreciative view of the world. Chinese lessons centre upon regular rehearsal and practical application. We use a broad range of stimulating resources and encourage exploration and experimentation in order to develop linguistic confidence in every student. Historical study is used to contextualise, enrich and deepen understanding.

Chinese language learning within Early Years classes is bound by the principles and values of the Early Years and Foundation Stage framework. Sessions complement classroom themes, follow the interests of students and are driven by the power of play. Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced classes run simultaneously within the Primary School to ensure that prior experience is recognised, validated and utilised. The Foundation programme lasts for 2 years and the Intermediate programme lasts for between 4 and 6 years. They run according to a thematic cycle in which Chinese culture, history and geography are fully integrated. The majority of Foundation and Intermediate level students work on a trajectory towards Foreign Language paper entry at iGCSE.

Advanced language learning is a lifelong journey. In recognition of this, our programme supports ever-growing fluency and increasingly complex cultural understanding, while instilling fascination, ambition and connection. Approximately 70% of the content taught focuses upon Chinese literacy and addresses reading, writing and vocabulary development. Text samples are drawn directly from Yuwen (People’s Education Press). Approximately 30% of the content taught focuses upon thematic application and supports contextualisation, consolidation and extension. Advanced level classes are grouped according to whether students are working on a trajectory towards First Language or Second Language paper entry at iGCSE.

Pinyin is used as a romanised form to aid with reading. It assists students at all levels with initial access to unfamiliar characters and pronunciation, as part of their journey towards reading an increasingly wide range of characters with confidence, accuracy and fluency.

The Co-Curricular programme allows students to further extend and contextualise their learning and the strength of our programme is well evidenced through a graduation record that features the names of some of the most highly esteemed bilingual schools in the region.

MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS

The Music programme at Shrewsbury has been designed to inspire, connect, and engage in recognition that our understanding and appreciation of music impacts upon health and happiness as well as achievement. Learning supports the development of language comprehension, fine and gross motor skills, pattern recognition and self-confidence. The curriculum for Music is built around the three interrelated strands of Listening and Responding, Musical Development, and Performing and Appraising. 

The delivery of weekly Music and Choral lessons allows students to learn to play a developmentally-appropriate range of instruments, build an awareness of pitch and melody, and appreciate the cultural and historical context of the music they hear.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

 

The Physical Education department benefits from access to an Aquatics Centre, a Sports Hall, a Gymnastics Centre, a Dance Studio and a rooftop Football Pitch.

The Physical Education programme at Shrewsbury has been designed to support the development of a life-long love of physical activity in recognition that our understanding and appreciation of movement impacts upon health and happiness as well as achievement. Learning supports the development of agility, balance, coordination and cooperation.

The curriculum for Physical Education offers designated focus upon athletics, gymnastics, dance and games, and is split to allow for the regular teaching of aquatics.

Our Aquatics program is run in partnership with Eliteswim Academy and focuses primarily on building water confidence and stroke development. Through small group lessons, we ensure the students receive appropriately levelled tasks that develop their confidence in the water and swimming technique across the four main strokes. Students also engage in water safety, biathlon events, water polo and synchronised swimming. 

LEARN MORE

Please refer to the links below to learn more about our ambitious and aspirational programme of study:

Early Years

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

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