Transition to Secondary School

Transition to Secondary School

At Carleton House, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum that prepares our pupils with the skills and confidence they need for the exciting transition to the next phase of their educational journey.

Our experienced teaching staff are experts in guiding our children through the preparation for entrance exams. We are well-versed in the specific requirements of school entrance exams, including timed extended writing assessments and advanced comprehension skills. In the junior classes, our students receive instruction in both verbal and non-verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and spatial awareness. Test-taking techniques and time management are ongoing areas of emphasis.

In the Year 5 summer term, our students participate in weekly practice tests conducted under simulated exam conditions. In the Year 6 autumn term, we offer additional optional exam preparation classes on Saturday mornings, ensuring that they are fully prepared for their exams. To further mirror the exam experience, we organise an offsite mock exam in a local church hall at the end of September.

To promote emotional well-being, we incorporate mindfulness and breathing techniques into our curriculum. Additionally, we provide one-on-one meetings with parents to address their concerns and provide support.

We maintain strong connections with local independent secondary schools and offer tailored exam practice and interview preparation sessions for students seeking admission. We also provide reference letters upon request to support applications for bursaries.

Musical Aptitude

For musically gifted students, our robust music curriculum is designed to nurture their talents. We have a successful track record of students receiving offers for music placements at their chosen secondary schools. Throughout Key Stage 2, we offer extracurricular music theory lessons, including opportunities to sit for ABRSM Music Theory Grade exams.

In the Year 5 summer term and Year 6 autumn term, we provide optional Musical Aptitude lessons for students interested in applying for music placements at select secondary schools.