8.25am
The day begins with registration. Our pupils spend this time with their form teacher and other members of their form, catching up and preparing to start their day.
beyond nature
Established in 2018 to tackle growing environmental concerns beyond our School, and to make the most of our fabulous grounds, Highgate Junior School Eco Council meets regularly to develop projects and raise whole-school awareness of sustainability. This hard work was recognised in 2019, with Highgate Junior School shortlisted for a prestigious Tes School Award in the sustainable school category.
discover numbers
‘Our aim is that pupils will go beyond Year 6 with a positive view of their ability. We take a creative and flexible approach with mathematics teaching, where deeper and richer understanding is nurtured. We also ensure that pupils understand how subjects are related and that mathematics connects to science, engineering and art, plus other creative disciplines. We encourage pupils to make links, work collaboratively, and become flexible and adaptable learners.’
—Mr James, Principal of Highgate Junior School
beyond school
Highgate Junior School pupils enjoy using nearby Hampstead Heath for their cross-country running. The Heath is crisscrossed with paved and dirt paths, passing through woodlands and grassy knolls, and these varying terrains make it an excellent place for an outdoor workout. Plus we have these amazing views beyond of the city!
Welcome to our Junior School
Highgate Junior School is for pupils aged 7-11. We have around 400 pupils, making up Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.
‘Our state-of-the-art building provides a nurturing and friendly environment that encourages both academic excellence and personal development. We want all pupils to believe that there are no glass ceilings to their learning and we aim that all strive to reach their full potential.’
Mark James, Principal
Our broad and creative curriculum is planned around specific learning objectives for every subject area, within each year group. We promote high levels of achievement and effort, ensuring our pupils acquire the academic skills needed. However, we push the boundaries beyond mere acquisition of knowledge: we want our pupils to develop the confidence to investigate and enquire, to solve problems, and to take responsibility for their learning. We aim to enrich the learning experience of our pupils, broadening their social horizons and cultural interests.
Our Junior School, on Bishopswood Road in Highgate, opened in September 2016. Built to the highest specification, our modern facilities include:
• 20 general teaching classrooms
• specialist rooms and on-site facilities for science, art, DTE, drama, and music
• a range of ICT technology, including two computing rooms, class sets of iPads and wi-fi throughout the building
• a retractable seat hall for assemblies, concerts and dramatic productions
• a library at the very heart of our building
• a variety of outside play spaces designed for creative and imaginative games
• use of our Senior School fields for sports lessons and play at break times
• a small amphitheatre
400
Pupils, aged 7 – 11
Wow
“The new Junior School building is a wonder to behold”—Tatler 2018
20
General teaching classrooms
Highgate People
‘I love all the fun events that are on offer at Highgate Junior School, particularly the inter-house competitions and sports days!’
Y3
Ruby
‘Breaktimes are such fun at Highgate Junior School as our playground is really big and there are lots of different things to play on.’
Y3
Aki
‘Highgate Junior School is a happy place to work. I’m often the first point of contact for our pupils and their parents, who are always friendly and respectful.’
Highgate Junior School Receptionist
Miss Duah
‘As head of house, I develop the pastoral environment and provide opportunities for pupils to take part and grow. We hold inter-house competitions in spelling, general knowledge, debate, sports and more.’
Head of Birch House, Junior School
Ms Jani
‘I love being a member of Highgate Junior School’s Eco Council and working with my friends on different projects that help protect the environment.’
Y6
Milly
‘Lessons at Highgate Junior School are really fun and all my teachers are very nice. My favourite subject would have to be computing.’
Y3
Vali
‘I work with staff, pupils and parents to develop strategies to support their wellbeing alongside their personal, academic and professional development. Working with such thoughtful and compassionate pupils is inspiring.’
Director of Wellbeing
Dr Silver
‘I really like lunch in the Dining Hall. I get to chat with my friends and the food is great. Sometimes we even have doughnuts!’
Y3
Penelope
‘It is great fun organising author visits to our Junior School. If we have a particularly big name, like Cressida Cowell, we often invite pupils from nearby schools too.’
Highgate Junior School librarian
Ms Payne
A day in the life of our Junior School
8.40am
Twice a week, we have a full school assembly. On all other days, lessons start at this time. Many lessons are taught as doubles, lasting 50 minutes. Pupils also have two 25-minutes lessons each week in our library, which occupies a central location in our building.
Mid-morning
Break time for 25 minutes, giving our pupils a chance to interact in our outside play area or chat with their form teacher about any academic or personal matters.
Lunch time
Pupils have lunch in our nearby Dining Hall, which serves hot and cold food. With an hour for lunch, pupils have enough time to eat and take part in any lunch-time clubs (for example, School Council, Philosophy Club, Crossword and Scrabble Club or Art Club), undertake sports team practice or attend a musical instrument ensemble, as well as play outside.
12.45pm
Our Year 3 pupils start lunch earlier, so their first afternoon lesson begins at this time and they also enjoy a short afternoon break. For all Junior School pupils, sport is taught twice a week in co-educational groups, ensuring our pupils get to enjoy all Highgate sports before choosing their preferred option as they move up the school.
3.45pm
Home time, although many pupils stay late for co-curricular activities, including our Junior Strings Project and Chorus. Popular after-school clubs include musical theatre, Minecraft, chess, story illustration, coding, outdoor education, and jewellery design, while sports options include gymnastics, Eton Fives, football, table tennis and fencing. All co-curricular activities end at 4.45pm.
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