The aim of the Lowers department is to provide children with the best possible start to their education. It encompasses the Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 classes (Key stage 1) and provides a secure, happy and welcoming learning environment until the age of seven years. Children usually join Kindergarten in the September after their fourth birthday, with many progressing from the St Wystan’s Nursery. 

The friendly happy and caring atmosphere fostered in the Lowers department allows the children to develop self-esteem and confidence. The teaching and learning environment is carefully planned to stimulate the children’s development in all areas of the curriculum. The experienced teaching staff are ably supported by classroom assistants and parental partnerships, which enable the children to gain the individual attention that they deserve in our small class sizes.

In the Lowers there is a strong emphasis on developing Language and Numeracy skills. The teaching of reading, using a range of methods, is given a high priority and most children are able to read well above their age as they move into the Uppers at 7 years of age. Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum but not bound by it so that we are able to offer a breadth of experience to the pupils. 

Creative skills are encouraged through artwork, music and drama. ICT is taught through access to classroom computers and also with lessons in the ICT suite using networked software and Interactive Whiteboards. The children have P.E. twice a week with a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities. All the pupils have the opportunity for swimming lessons during the year.