Our Primary stage at The Sheffield Private School consists of Years 1 to 6. Children are eligible to join us in the academic year after they reach age 5. At the age of 11, most of our students will graduate into the Secondary phase of The Sheffield Private School.
We assess students for entry at the time of admission, but we cater to a wide range of academic abilities and language needs.
At the heart of our educational philosophy is our firm belief, supported by world-class research, that there is no limit to what your child can learn and achieve. From Year 1, a High Performance Learning Pedagogy is central to all our teaching and learning. Students are taught from the youngest age the skills and attributes they need to develop to then enable them to have limitless success in their achievements, and become successful life-long learners. The enriched National Curriculum for England, on which we base our teaching, further enables your child to reach for those heights.
The high academic standards for which a British education is renown will ensure that your child has the best start on their educational journey. On entry to the school, we assess all our Primary students to ensure we understand their learning needs and to establish a starting point in their learning journey. During the academic year, we carry out further assessment points to measure student progress against these high standards, using British designed assessments.
Our Primary curriculum provides the perfect springboard for progression into the Secondary School and future curriculum programmes. Our teachers are all trained in the understanding that your child is an individual. In the classroom, therefore, we aim to provide a personalised education that meets your child’s individual needs. Through our academic curriculum and within our broader curriculum, we ensure that your child develops to be curious, determined, creative, and confident in their abilities. By nurturing your child’s interests and talents, we provide opportunities for each and every student to fulfil their potential as 21st Century learners and global citizens.
Our Primary School lays solid foundations for future study and personal growth. It includes leadership, academic and social opportunities that will allow your child to explore their potential and help them to overcome and master areas that may feel more challenging at first, transforming children into confident, inquisitive and self-motivated learners.
The English National Curriculum is a structured programme of study, that outlines clear learning objectives for each Primary year group. Our curriculum is enhanced and enriched to include the teaching of Arabic and Islamic Studies (to Muslim children) and a broader curriculum that extends beyond the classroom.
In Key Stage 1, which is Years 1 and 2, the teaching approach is a little more formal than in our Early Years programme, with an emphasis on developing sound Literacy and Numeracy skills. We introduce students to Science, Humanities, Information Technology, Music, PE and Art subjects and give them plenty of opportunities to develop their social and emotional needs further. A strong Phonics programme supports all students on their English language learning, regardless of ability.
In Key Stage 2, which is Years 3 to 6, the teaching timetable is more structured with discrete lessons for specialist subjects. Students are encouraged to become more independent learners and creative thinkers in preparation for their Secondary School education. A focus is maintained on teaching English, Mathematics, Science while further developing the broader curriculum. Students increasingly take on leadership roles in the school as they develop such skills that will ultimately enable them to be effective and successful global citizens.
In both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, we acknowledge that children will join the school at different stages in their learning and acquisition of skills and knowledge. Those children who require additional support to catch-up with their peers will receive that both in the classroom, through differentiated work, and through intervention by supporting academic staff. Students who demonstrate talents and skills in particular curriculum areas will be given opportunities to extend and maximise these.
At the core of good British teaching lies strong pastoral support. Students that feel safe, happy, and supported will excel in their education. At The Sheffield Private School, the strong pastoral and academic support provided by your child’s Primary teachers are the foundation upon which good learning will take place. The safety, security, and happiness of your child is always our priority.
At The Sheffield Private School, we take our role as educators of your child both seriously and professionally, and we recognise the enormous responsibility that our parents have given us. As such, within the Primary School, we are committed to keeping you informed and updated on all issues regarding your child. The education of your child is a partnership between you as parents, and us as their teachers. We value the relationship we have with you, aiming to actively involve you as part of the Primary School community. Your child’s Form Teacher is your daily contact person, who is fully committed to keeping you informed of your child’s work and progress at school and is always ready to answer any questions that you may have.
All our academic staff within the Primary School are committed to ensuring that your child is happy, safe, confident, and achieves their best. An experienced international and UK Head Teacher leads the phase supported by dedicated, fully qualified, and experienced international English first language teachers. All our staff have full police and local authority clearance and are trained in child protection issues, ensuring your child has the safest possible learning environment. The Primary School staff work collaboratively and closely together. We share best practice between us, ensuring that we utilise the skills, abilities, and experiences within the staff team to the benefit of your child.
Ireland is where I grew up, always playing school and wanting to be a teacher. I attended the University of Galway and qualified as a Geography and Irish teacher in 2011. I loved my time in the classroom and when curiosity got the better of me, I returned to University of Maynooth, to complete my Masters in Educational Leadership. I began my first leadership position in a starter residential school in Co. Galway. Before joining the team in Britus International School, Bahrain, I worked in the United Arab Emirates as an Deputy Cluster Manager- Academic Advisor.
During my time in Dubai, I led on educational reform and change management as well as establishing, developing and improving teaching and learning. I implemented a nationwide e-learning collaborative practice during the Covid-19 Pandemic. I believe in lifelong learning and I will model my ethos for the students, teachers and parents of BISBH. I am excited about this new chapter in BISBH and it is an honor to be involved in this educational journey.
