CURRICULUM

English

It is our experience that children can be profound and original in their creative writing. This we nurture, taking care to ensure that the imagination and style of such children is not lost by insensitive correction.

The English department aims to instil a love of language. Children are taught in some detail about the evolution of English, its roots and the value of maintaining high standards of spelling, punctuation and grammar.

English studies concentrate primarily on our greatest poets and writers. A Hampton Court House pupil can be expected to have a knowledge and, it is hoped, a love of Shakespeare, Donne, Johnson, Blake, Dickens, Wilde et al. Their lives and works are discussed in equal measure. Some American, African and Indian literature is also studied.

Literature is viewed not as a dry, dusty activity but rather as a life-enhancing source of wisdom and the vital hallmark of an educated man or woman.

Examination skills are developed steadily through the use of past papers.

French

The department’s aim is to ensure that all its pupils speak and write fluent French. French is taught daily to all children. Only well-educated native speakers or other nationals with perfect French accents are employed.

The language is taught by following a traditional syllabus incorporating many written grammar exercises. Within two years, children can read French texts such as Goscinny’s Le Petit Nicolas. The school’s commitment to French and language-learning is reflected in the many staff who speak a foreign language, its French kitchen staff and the assistants and surveillants it employs.

Mathematics

Children need clear, structured and systematic teaching in the language of mathematics and mathematical logic from the outset. Our scheme is influenced by the Mathematics Enhancement Programme, developed by Exeter University and now placed at Plymouth University.

The programme is the outcome of the Kassel Project, an international study comparing mathematical performance of children in different countries with the aim of identifying good practice and making recommendations as to how teaching can be improved.

The project is compatible with the National Numeracy Strategy and meets the National Curriculum Attainment.

In Years 7 and 8 we prepare our pupils thoroughly for Common Entrance and senior school scholarship exams. Most pupils stay with us into Year 9 when they are prepared for GCSE with some sitting GCSE Mathematics in Year 10.

Furthermore we convey to pupils some of the excitement, variety and beauty of mathematics by supplementing the syllabus with sessions devoted to puzzles, problem-solving challenges and mathematical games, designed to develop strategy and logic.

Biology, Physics and Chemistry

From their earliest years, children are encouraged to think as scientists, not to make any assumptions, to keep an open mind and to test fully any hypothesis. Through regular newsletters and worksheets, children are kept abreast of modern research and scientific breakthroughs. In particular, ethical questions posed by advances in technology are discussed. There are visits to London’s scientific museums and talks given by visiting experts.

The laboratory is equipped for a range of experiments in physics and chemistry. Indeed, there is a strong emphasis on practical work.
Except where the use of dangerous chemicals is involved, experiments are performed entirely by the pupils, albeit under guidance from the teacher.

The grounds of Hampton Court House are used throughout the year for nature studies. In addition to butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, newts and associated pond-life, the grounds contain rabbits, field mice, a resident flock of wild parrots and many beautiful shrubs and trees. Our natural surroundings form an exquisite backdrop to school life. Our children learn to love animals and flora, and learn the names of all the principal plants and trees.

There is a thriving after-school science club, which primarily concentrates on practical work.
The science club does not necessarily restrict itself to the requirements of examinations. Rather, the aim is to build up the broadest possible knowledge for the keenest pupils.

Latin and Greek

Latin is taught from the age of nine. Pupils follow a four year course leading to Common Entrance or Scholarship. Some pupils study Greek at the age of eleven.

All pupils take Latin at Common Entrance, although a handful of pupils sit scholarship exams for other senior schools, eg Eton, Westminster. These exams are considerably more demanding, requiring a far wider knowledge of grammar, syntax and vocabulary.

Our teaching is unashamedly traditional (the core textbook is The Approach to Latin by Paterson & Macnaughton). With the right teacher, the study of Latin is tremendously exciting. A knowledge of Latin grammar helps pupils to develop a more sophisticated and literary command of English, as well as other modern languages. English lessons complement classics lessons through the regular study of English words which have derived from Latin and Greek roots.

Divinity

Several religions are represented at Hampton Court House and, as such, the school does not have a strongly doctrinal outlook. There is perhaps a particular focus on the Bible because of its influence on European art and culture. However, all religions are equally valued and form part of the school’s Religious Education syllabus.

The Bible is studied both as a historical text, having passed through much translation and sometimes mistranslation, and as a spiritually-uplifting and thought-provoking axis of the Jewish and Christian faiths. The school’s religious education syllabus runs alongside the art syllabus and children are systematically introduced to the great religious paintings by Cranach, Raphael, Rembrandt and so on.

An understanding and respect for other religions are fostered from the earliest years. Needless to say, children of all faiths are actively welcomed at Hampton Court House.

Information Technology

The school has a designated computer room for whole class teaching. All computers are networked and have ADSL connection to the internet.
The computer lab is always supervised and is generally open during break and after school, in addition to timetabled lessons. Pupils learn to use a range of software applications and are also taught to touch-type, using the correct fingers.
T yping competitions take place throughout the year.

Music

The school lives and breathes music. Children, teachers and visiting musicians regularly perform in the school, either informally in the Grand Hall or in the Theatre.

All children are taught to read music and to be keyboard literate. No previous musical knowledge is assumed. There is a special emphasis on singing and composition.

There are a number of informal lunchtime concerts in which children play either their current pieces or their own compositions before an invited audience. Small bands and ensembles regularly support the school plays.

We believe that even beginners require the very best teachers and we take great care to seek out instrumentalists who are performers, as well as fine teachers. The Music Director is always happy to advise parents on suitable instruments for their children.

Art

All pupils are taught the rudimentary skills of mixing colours, perspective and how to handle a wide range of materials. Pupils are encouraged to talk about their own and their peers’ work, as well as that of artists from diverse cultures and periods.

Pupils study the various genres of still life, interiors, self-portraits, classical myths, landscapes and so on. Formal exercises in perspective and angles complement the free spirit in each child.

Children are brought face to face with works of art through books and museums and also through an ongoing process of occasional loans from generous private collectors.

In addition to the timetabled art lessons, there are after-school art activities for those who are particularly keen. Children’s work is regularly entered for local and national competitions.

Chess

Chess has an important place in the life of the school. There are regular lunchtime chess tournaments open to children of all ages and abilities. Chess is seen as excellent training for young minds, increasing self-reliance and enhancing powers of concentration and determination.

Children follow a professionally structured chess syllabus. Furthermore, our keenest children receive weekly individual chess lessons from a visiting expert. Some of our pupils are also members of the Richmond Junior Chess Club (www.rjcc.org.uk) which organises a number of external tournaments.

Chess Scholarships are also available in the case of exceptional talent.

Drama

The school has a fine semi-professional theatre (previously used by the Teddington Theatre Club 1971-1995) and a thriving acting community.
A play is produced each term and involves children of all ages. Hampton Court House’s drama department has a wide experience of staging fully-fledged plays with children under 11. Productions with this age group include The Bacchae, Oedipus Rex, Falstaff, Romeo and Juliet, Lord of the Flies, The Barber of Seville and Androcles and the Lion. Rehearsals take place after school and on Saturdays.

Sports

A wide range of sporting options is available. Children receive coaching in netball, basketball, football, hockey, cricket, tennis, softball, badminton, table tennis and swimming. In addition to our own grounds, we use facilities in Bushey Park. Swimming currently takes place in Hampton Pool.

All children over the age of six have the option of taking judo lessons on Tuesday afternoons. Particular emphasis is placed on learning to fall and roll correctly. We believe that both skills are invaluable for all other sports.

Hampton Court House participates in rugby, football, judo, football, cricket and tennis matches with other local schools.