Dulwich Hamlet Junior School

Core subjects

English

English is taught in a way that allows children to develop their love of reading at the pace that is right for them. Books are a vital part of the school culture and each classroom has a good supply of fiction and reference books.

In addition, access to the new spacious library, with our own librarian, allows the children to develop independent research skills and the ability to select their own favourite books.They apply their developing skills in writing within a purposeful context in lessons.

Children learn to craft their writing for different purposes and for different audiences, and use their language knowledge across the whole curriculum. Everyone is taught grammar, spelling and joined-up handwriting.

Pupils encounter a huge range of resources and a variety of tasks in their development of literacy and are encouraged to apply their developing literacy skills to all other curricular areas.

The skills of effective speaking and listening are developed through drama, debate, discussion  and performance - the children grow in confidence and become discerning and articulate young people. Two class assemblies per class each year in front of the whole school and family and friends, allows the children to practise their skills in front of an audeince.

Mathematics

All children take part in interactive and lively maths lessons. Links are made with the topics children are already studying in class so that they can see mathematics in a wider setting.

Investigative tasks are encouraged in order to help the children develop their skills and understanding. We have many mathematical resources, including computer software. Each class has its own set of mathematical equipment and access to an interactive white board.

Children are grouped according to ability in maths sets in all year groups, so they can learn at a pace suitable to their learning needs.

Information and communication technology (ICT)

We are very proud of our ICT suite in the Pickwick Building. ICT opens a window on vast depths of information and routes of communication with others. The interactive white boards in all classrooms has changed the way learning takes place. One minute children are touring the world using Google Earth, the next they are researching archive footage from wartime Britain.

Two ‘mobile’ classroom of laptops, all wireless and networked to access the internet, provide pupils with further opportunities to integrate new technologies into their learning.

Our new MultiMedia and Music Room has 10 Apple Macs with the most up to date media technology and 10 keyboards attached. Children can make comic books, animations and films and compose their own music using the music editing software. The children also make use of digital cameras, sound recording equipment and our movie camera. The children at Dulwich Hamlet are encouraged to be creative with the range of technology available to them and are supported by talented and enthusiastic practitioners.

Religious education

We teach our children about Christianity and other world faiths in order that they understand and respect each other's beliefs. Daily assemblies allow us to celebrate together, and learn about each other and the world we live in. We help the children to consider the meaning, purpose and value in life. Because we are a community school the collective worship of our assemblies is non-denominational, but of a broadly Christian character.

Parents are always welcome to join their children for their class assemblies.