Lower School
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Overview
The Lower School comprises the first two years of secondary School (Years 7 and 8) and contains approximately 150 pupils aged between 11 and 13. The "Section" is led by The Head of Lower School, Mr Matthew Jelley (mjjelley@perse.co.uk) and the Deputy Head of Lower School, Mr James Featherstone.
An effective relationship between pupil, parent and School is integral to a successful educational experience and we endeavour to provide every opportunity to develop such links to initially ensure a smooth transition from a child's previous school to The Perse is achieved and subsequently a pupil's full potential can be realised.
Aims
We aim to foster a sense of community in the early years of secondary school and to value courtesy in all aspects of School life. The Lower School pastoral team aims to work closely with parents to develop pupils who have responsibility, consideration and independent thought and to provide them with an inclusive, rounded and fulfilling experience of The Perse School.
Induction
The Lower School has a developed Induction Programme for new pupils at 11+ which includes:
- A full Induction Day for new pupils to get to know staff, fellow classmates and the School site well before the beginning of term
- A programme of visits to primary schools to meet our new intake in the Summer Term prior to joining
- Upper School staff liaison with The Perse Preparatory School
- A Linking Project so new pupils can get to grips with the secondary curriculum before they arrive
- A helpful First Year handbook posted before the beginning of the new term
Pastoral Support
Each Lower School Year (First and Second) contains 3 forms groups of around 24 pupils and these forms are then sub-divided into two tutor groups. Each tutor group is allocated a member of staff to act as 'pastoral tutor', and this ratio of 1 : 12 allows teachers to know their tutees well and provide meaningful one to one support through individual tutee meetings, fortnightly tutorial sessions and PSHE lessons.
The tutor is the first point of call for all pastoral issues, and parents are encouraged to contact tutors if they have any concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem. Parents are invited to an annual tutorial meeting where they will meet with their son or daughter's tutor. The First Year meeting is held in October to ensure we have an early point of contact for parents and School.
At the end of the Second Year, accounting for our 13+ intake, new form groups are drawn up taking into account the social, academic and extra-curricular profile of each pupil to ensure balanced form groups are achieved for the Middle School years.
Curriculum
The Lower School curriculum introduces the secondary curriculum in a varied and stimulating manner. Complimenting the emphasis on study skills delivered through departmental teaching, Skills lessons are timetabled once per fortnight to help equip pupils for independent learning.
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Extra-Curricular
On arrival at The Perse Lower School pupils are quick to make the most of the extra-curricular opportunities available. The School prides itself on offering an all-round education that emphasises the value of participation in clubs, societies, overseas visits, sport, music and drama and tutors are keen to promote a "full School experience".
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Matthew Jelley
Head of Lower School
