Curriculum
Rokeby provides a broad, balanced syllabus which is in keeping with national curriculum requirements while also recognising our needs as a preparatory school getting boys ready in every way for their future schools. We aim not only to equip them for the particular pre-tests and then the Common Entrance or Scholarship examinations, but also to teach them more general skills which we hope will serve them well both in their next schools and then in their future lives.
Classics
All boys are given an introduction to the ancient Greek and Roman world in Year 3. They begin Latin in Year 5 and continue through to Year 8 when they sit CE or a scholarship exam. The subject encompasses not only the language, but also some history and culture so that the boys gain an understanding of this important civilisation which has had such a profound influence on the modern world. Greek is taught in Year 8 to those offering it in a scholarship exam. A trip to Greece is arranged biennially for boys in Years 7 and 8 and following the success of a recent trip to Italy, another is likely to be planned for some time soon.
Design Technology
In Design Technology boys are given the opportunity to design and to engage in creative and practical problem solving. The project base is flexible and continually widened (most recently to include food technology) and meets the requirements of the National Curriculum. The boys are encouraged to solve problems creatively, to be technologically literate, to understand their physical environment and become socially sensitive. They experiment with a wide range of materials, which broaden their knowledge and practical skills.
English
In English lessons we aim to inspire to boys with a love of reading, and to respond in discussion and writing, both interpretively and creatively. We teach the boys to read a variety of texts, and to think about their meanings and importance. This should feel like a continuous course throughout Rokeby that develops deeper understanding and wider interests. We teach the techniques by which writers achieve their purposes. Reading is strongly encouraged throughout the school, and there is a full-time Librarian overseeing our well-stocked new Library.
French
French is started in the spring term of Year 3, and continues for the rest of the time that the boys are here. Equal emphasis is given to the four skills so that oral fluency is combined with grammatical accuracy to enable boys to express themselves with confidence and competence. ICT activities are fully integrated into lessons, as the department is equipped with a computer and projector and boys have an opportunity to visit France and communicate with native French speakers. Boys are encouraged to see themselves as Europeans and there is a very popular Spanish Club for boys in Years 7 and 8.
Geography
We aim to enable each pupil to reach his full academic potential in each area of geography, providing a foundation of geographical knowledge and understanding, ideas and skills, fostering a sense of wonder in relation to the wider world and developing a sense of place and location, giving them an understanding of different physical and human environments and the processes which have affected their development, encouraging empathy and understanding for other peoples and their cultures as well as a concern and personal responsibility for planet Earth.
History
The study of history encourages the boys to consider how the past influences the present, to develop a chronological framework, to explore source material, weigh it up and reach their own conclusions, to research and sift through evidence so as to be able to argue a point of view, to learn about the past in Britain and the wider world and thus develop a love of history that can be a life long pleasure. Cross-curricular links are explored where possible and regular trips to sites of historical interest are organised.
ICT
Rokeby is fortunate to have a first-rate ICT facility, comprising a dedicated suite of twenty-five Networked PCs, a computer Projector and an Interactive Whiteboard. Weekly skills-based lessons place emphasis on Office applications used in combination with software from our comprehensive Multimedia library, and tools such as broadband Internet access. Underpinning boys' learning is a strong cross-curricular component.
During lunchtimes there is a popular computer club, giving boys the opportunity to practise skills or learn something new.
Mathematics
Mathematics is one of the core subjects and is therefore studied by every boy in the school. All pupils learn mathematics in mixed ability groups up to Year 7. Strong emphasis is put numeracy, practical maths, good mechanical skills and logical thinking in problem solving, as early as possible. Boys are placed in sets according to their ability and senior school requirements part way through Year 7.
Years 5 and 6 participate in the Primary Maths Challenge, organised by the Maths Association. A small group of Year 6 boys is also participates in the Eagle House School Maths Challenge.
PSHE and Citizenship
Personal, social and health education form part of the National Curriculum as does citizenship. These subjects are designed to help children develop as members of their school, and of their local, national and global communities. We teach PSHE throughout the school so that the boys reflect upon different issues and gain confidence in discussing them in front of others, while thinking about how these issues affect their lives and the lives of others. In Year 8 boys are introduced to the concepts of citizenship and sometimes a visit to the Houses of Parliament is arranged.
Religious Studies
Judaeo-Christian teaching forms the basis of the syllabus, while the tenets and practices of other religions are studied in detail in Years 5 and 6. Boys are encouraged to respect the beliefs of others, and to discuss how these can be applied to contemporary issues in our multi-faith society. Cross-curricular links are developed and visits are often arranged to places of worship.
Science
Science is served by two large, well-equipped laboratories where practical and experimental activities support a full range of topics taught in the three subject areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The boys are trained in investigative and observational skills whilst gaining a broad and thorough understanding of the factual elements and encouraged to develop an inquiring approach.
