Hawes Down JUNIOR ( Bromley, West Wickham)

[janeze]

Hello there! Having moved to West Wickham we are thinking of schools for our son. He is in Y 3 now. Could anyone share their opinion about Hawes Down Junior, especially concerning more able and bright children. Are they left to their own devices and get bored, or offered someting to do on their appropriate level? Thanks a lot for the input.

DD goes to HDJS and is happy there. She is in Y3 as well and I see quite a change in her compared to the cuddly Infant.

They are big on independence, working hard, quite a sporty school. In maths the two classes are together and split then by ability and each group sup-grouped again. They test them each term and then make adjustments where necessary. Last year they had children working on KS3 level, so yes. They push all children and give work.

They introduced new ways to grade them in accordance with the new curriculum. This also means - by their explanation - they are not just putting the brightest ones to topics covered by the next year group but deepen the understanding of the topic. So when in the past Y3 child would just get Y4 work they now stick with the Y3 curriculum but intensify it.

Have a look at their website, there is a section with Newsletters which gives an idea about the ethos and also lists with clubs etc.

The head is approachable and very interested in what is going on and engages with parents. Teachers are open for parental approach, happy to make time for meetings outside the parent evenings if required.

Noramum, thank you! That's exactly what I was interested in. All sounds very good.