STEM subjects
Mathematics
At Claremont, we aim to give all children an experience of maths based on three core principles: understanding, enjoyment and challenge. At every level, the most important question for a child to ask is, quite simply, “Why?”. If a child understands why a technique works they have a much better chance of being able to apply that method in a different context.
We aim to develop skills, allowing children to use them with confidence and to apply them to a wide range of situations. Pupils may work individually or collaboratively to investigate and solve problems. We want them to experience Mathematics as a lively, exciting and enjoyable subject.
In years 7 and 8 children are set according to ability. Years 5 and 6 participate in the Primary Maths Challenge, organised by the Maths Association and Year 7 and 8 pupils participate in the UKMT Maths Challenges. All pupils have a Mathletics and a MyMaths account so that they can enhance their maths skills both at school and at home.Mathematical activity offers scope for reasoning and the use of imagination. Children learn that problems may be solved in more than one way and that sometimes there is more than one solution thus fostering a culture of perseverance. It also provides opportunities for speaking and listening using a precise language. Thus, skills learnt can be transferred to other disciplines.
Science
Pupils at Claremont learn Science by ‘doing’ Science. Our practical led lessons are interactive and fun. From these principles, our pupils become independent learners with a passion for the subject. Pupils are encouraged to enquire and use their investigative and observational skills.
In Years 3-6, our busy and creative lessons are taught in topics, consolidating and extending pupils’ understanding of our universe and the world closer to home. In Years 7 and 8, our well-equipped laboratory allows practical and experimental activities taught in the three subject areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The syllabus challenges pupils, preparing them for the continuing curriculum at the Senior School. The pupils are trained in investigative and observational skills whilst gaining a broad and thorough understanding of the factual elements, encouraged to develop an inquiring mind. Questioning everything is vital to our approach. Pupils are placed in sets according to their ability from Year 7.
Computing
The Prep School uses the Google G Suite for Education, and its cloud-based apps to learn practical skills in word processing, presentations, spreadsheets. This virtual learning environment is tailor made for a world already rooted in technology as it enables students to work more effectively on collaborative projects, share ideas and receive feedback from their teachers outside of lesson time. The Google Classroom is used for setting homework, uploading resources and making the process of preparing, saving and ‘handing in’ work far more practical.
All pupils from Year 3 to Year 8 have two 40 minute lessons per week in the Computing suite. Teachers use interactive ‘touch panels’ in class and Chromebooks are available for students to conduct their own independent research.
Pupils in Years 3 to 6 have the opportunity to learn about how computers operate and are taught coding skills using online programs. They learn how to make podcasts and short films, create structures using 3-D modelling software and start to learn the concepts of ‘thinking like a computer’. This is further developed in Year 7 and 8 with a more ‘hands-on’ approach to computing using BBC Microbits, and the pupils receive an introduction to more advanced programming languages such as Python.
Pupils are encouraged to be technology ‘makers’, not merely consumers of it. For those with a real interest in computing and coding, our popular coding club enables them to further their skills using electronics and technology such as Lego Wedo and Raspberry Pi computers.
