Pupils can begin their time at The Yehudi Menuhin School at many different ages, but they enjoy a particularly warm welcome if they start in the nurturing and creative atmosphere of our primary classes, affectionately called the Ds.
The Junior Department at the Yehudi Menuhin School accepts pupils from age 8 to 11. Each prospective pupil is invited to the school for a three day stay during which time they are given a variety of tasks in English and Maths in order to assess their academic ability. This does not influence the offer of a place at the school, however, which are made on the basis of musical performance, aptitude and the potential and ability to learn.
The pupils follow the National Curriculum in English, Maths and Science. In addition the pupils are taught History and IT skills by the Junior Department teacher, while German and Art and Music Theory are taught by specialist teachers. Pupils with English as a second language are offered support if necessary by an EFL specialist.
In the summer term pupils in years 4 and 5 sit the QCA optional tests in English and maths, and also sit internal end of year tests in all the other academic subjects. The pupils in year 6 are entered for the QCA SATs examinations. The results since 1998 have always been at least level 4 with the majority at level 5 in maths, English and Science. The Science examination is now set internally using previous SATS questions from past papers.
At the end of year 6 the pupils then progress into the senior school; there are no entrance exams. They continue their education in key stage 3.
The Ds' primary specialist teacher is Janet Poppe.
Recent visits and events:
Plant sale to raise money to sponsor a guide dog’s training
Visit to the British Museum to see the Ancient Egyptian exhibits
Outing to the ‘Snow Queen’ pantomime
Visit to the RHS gardens at Wisley
