Curriculum

Our principal aim is to teach a child in the way that they can learn best. Each is unique, and a true education must take into account their wider experiences, personal motivation and innate learning styles. It is clear to us that the children thrive when their learning experiences are fuelled by variety and breadth. Our proudest achievement is always to help individuals to discover their own passions and interests that add a new dimension to their lives and this we achieve by ensuring that our curriculum is wide, interesting and encourages an independence in learning from an early age. Naturally high levels of academic performance are very important. We’re very proud of a record that consistently sees a very high number of children achieving success at 11+ grammar school exams or scholarships to Independent schools. Children are taught by specialist teachers from a very young age- giving them access to different styles of teaching as well as a teacher who is passionate about their particular specialism.

At St Christopher’s, every child has the opportunity to participate in team and individual sports and activities at the level that challenges them but which suits their ability. Sport is a vitally important feature of school life. Through the games lessons and the physical education programme, all children are encouraged to take part and parents are invited to spectate and support the children in competitive fixtures and tournaments. Coaching opportunities exist in rugby, football, cricket, netball, rounders, swimming, athletics, cross-country, as well as other activities like basketball and uni-hockey. The children have two full afternoon of Games lessons a week on our playing fields as well as swimming every week, all year round. Through the Independent Schools Association’s extensive programme of regional and national tournaments, we have had children compete in national finals in athletics, cross country, football and swimming. These opportunities are invaluable in building amazing memories and experiences.

All children in Preps 1 and above are taught Art and DT by our specialist teachers in our lovely purpose built workshop. The art curriculum is layered with the essential building blocks of formal art teaching interleaved with an evolving array of exciting project based work. There is an overriding emphasis on the process of creativity and all pupils are encouraged to feel confident about their work and progress. DT encourages the children to think about and plan their design work in detailed drawings before beginning the construction process. They work with a wide range of resistant materials.

The performing arts are a vital part of life at St Christopher’s. In Music, opportunities abound for the beginner, the enthusiast and those interested in trying something new. It is taught as part of the curriculum and we aim for each child to competently be reading music by the time they leave us. All children from years 2 and upwards learn to play the recorder as well as tuned and untuned percussion. In addition to music in the classroom, we currently have five visiting teachers offering the following one-to-one lessons: Piano, Violin, Cello, Flute, Recorder, Drums, Guitar (Electric & Classical). Performance platforms are provided so that all pupils are able to take part and flourish from Instrumental concerts to the Inter-House Music Competition which involves the whole school.

Our wide range of groups changes most years to reflect the skills of the pupils we have in the school, but currently we several recorder groups, Junior Choir for Preps 1,2 and 3, and Chamber choir, an auditioned group for Preps 4,5 and 6. These groups perform each term in concerts in and out of school.  Music Theory lessons are also available taking pupils from beginner to Grade V.

Whether specialist or non-specialist, our children are encouraged by exceptional and talented staff, to express themselves with confidence and ease. Formal timetabled Drama lessons, with specialist teaching, alongside drama activities are part of the curriculum in Preps 1 through to 6 and chances to perform exist for all year groups, whether that be in our Nativity Production, Poetry Assemblies, Church Services and End of Year Drama Productions.

LAMDA is also available to all children as an extra-curricular option, timetabled into the school day, and we have a long record of a high number of distinctions and merits in the yearly exams. These classes are taught by Mr Gerald Cox. Please see www.devondrama.co.uk for more details.