Inside the Classroom
Sandroyd is an ambitious forward-thinking prep school, well-placed to respond to the ever-changing demands and expectations of new generations of parents and children, built on a heritage of achieving excellence.
We are proud of our record of academic success at both Scholarship and Common Entrance level. The Honours Boards tell a consistent tale of excellence in examinations to all leading Public Schools. We recognise too that not all students will learn at the same rate and for those who need extra help with their studies there is a dedicated Learning Support Unit. Here the specialist teachers reinforce class work, teach learning skills as well as offer advice and encouragement on a one-to-one basis.
The academic side of the timetable is balanced by more practical demands in the form of Art, and Design & Technology. The specialist rooms for both of these disciplines are in almost constant use both during and out of class time and a significant number of pupils have submitted portfolios of their work to Senior schools. A fully equipped computer room keeps everyone up to date with the latest advances in technology and each individual has a personal e-mail address for private use.
It is our aim at Sandroyd that days spent here should be exciting, stimulating, rewarding, and fun. We offer all our children peaks that can just be climbed with higher ones for tomorrow. Wherever their talents lie we strive to develop them to the full and thus help them to make their way into the competitive world with confidence.
Classical Civilisation
Classic Civilisation was introduced as a Common Entrance subject at Sandroyd in September 2022. It runs in parallel with the work that is covered in Latin and develops the ancient stories and myths in greater detail. The subject is designed to continue the foundational work that Latin has provided and focus on storytelling without the need for extra language skills.
In Year 7 the subject covers many areas of ancient Rome. As the pupils enter Year 8 we focus heavily on Classical mythology and the ancient Greeks. Pupils consider the philosophical questions that can occur when learning specific myths, focussing on the Olympian gods. Questions are asked about the character and the relevance of these gods in historical times and how they link in today’s ever changing world.
English
Teachers within the Department aim to share their passion for English to inspire a lifelong love of language and literature in pupils, nurturing creativity, critical thinking and effective communication. Through a broad and engaging curriculum, essential skills in reading, writing, discussion, public speaking and listening are developed, whilst fostering confidence and curiosity. By exploring a diverse range of texts, across poetry, plays and novels, both contemporary and classic, pupils are encouraged to appreciate different perspectives and to express themselves with clarity, flair and imagination.
French
At Sandroyd, French is taught by native speakers to ensure an authentic experience. We rigorously develop all four language skills - listening, speaking, reading, and writing - through dynamic classroom activities. Our custom-designed resources, from lively presentations to songs, cater to all learning styles and abilities, making lessons engaging and interactive. Students enjoy a variety of fun tasks and projects, including a soirée française and a French spelling “frog” competition. Additionally, our Year 7 students embark on an annual trip to Normandy for a rich cultural and linguistic immersion. Vive le français!
Geography
Geography at Sandroyd sparks curiosity about the world, helping pupils understand the interconnections between people, places, and the environment through a National Curriculum-aligned curriculum. Fieldwork enhances their practical skills, fostering a hands-on approach to environmental understanding while also developing a range of transferable skills that benefit their overall learning and personal growth.
Latin
In parallel with preparing the children for Common Entrance or scholarship Latin at the end of Year 8, we try to foster a love of Classics, by exploring (and often acting out in Latin!) the wonderful Romano-Greek myths and legends. We also try to sneak in a little Greek as well! The children should all leave Sandroyd with an appreciation of the two great works of Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey, and an understanding of the way our language and culture are so inextricably linked to the Classical world.
Maths
In our school, maths is taught in an engaging and challenging way, ensuring it is accessible to all abilities. Our key aim is to foster a desire for number fluency and the application of logic in real-life situations. Our approach encourages students to explore how maths impacts their daily lives, promoting both confidence and a deeper understanding of the subject. Although we work towards Common Entrance, our primary focus is to ensure that all pupils leave with a solid foundation in the key skills that they need for senior school and beyond. KS1 and KS2 pupils use the White Rose maths scheme, alongside problem-solving and logical reasoning activities, to ensure a rigorous curriculum is delivered.
Science
We are very fortunate at Sandroyd to have 2 fully equipped, modern, science labs where the pupils are able to conduct a range of experiments to support their learning of science. Our aim is for all pupils to leave Sandroyd with a love of the subject and to be confident science learners; we try to accomplish this by making lessons engaging, challenging and fun for all pupils. We encourage pupils to ask questions about the world around them and consider how science and technology can be used to benefit human advancement.