2017 finished on a high at Redmaids’ High Junior School after a term packed with learning, meeting new people and trying new things.

To begin, each new girl was welcomed by their very own ‘big girl’ – someone to help them settle in during the first few weeks or as long as they need it. They are then placed into one of four Houses in the school’s own ‘Sorting Hat’ ceremony.

Infants and juniors enjoyed visits from a number of external speakers, including CBBC’s Naomi Wilkinson who gave an inspiring talk about her life and TV career.

New parents joined their daughters for breakfast to see the daily before-school club in action. Many more also accepted an invitation to join their children for lunch, enjoying the high quality of food and observing the efficient way service is organised.

On a beautiful November day, Year 3 did the school proud leading the whole school on its Founders’ Commemoration Day parade through Bristol city centre.

At the Christmas Bazaar, the juniors excelled with their creative, festive stalls, raising £300 for their partner school – Chicuchas Wasi, in Peru.

A fresh start

Year 3, or age 7, is a natural entry point into Redmaids’ High, starting afresh as a Junior girl, and providing new impetus to pupils’ Key Stage 2 learning.

Among the many and varied things Year 3 have been doing this autumn are:

• taking part in a robotics event in preparation for the First Lego League challenge
• attending the Cheltenham Literary Festival where they met several authors
• interviewing wildlife expert Steve Backshall at the launch of their own radio station – ‘Redmaidio’
• playing competitive hockey, including an under-8s festival at Millfield School in Somerset
• taking ABRSM music exams, and
• being good citizens by reading stories with the elderly at Westbury Fields Retirement Village.

Beyond the classroom

The school also organises an extensive outdoor education programme which brings so much added learning for life.

Pupils enjoy taster lessons from Year 3 before becoming fully-fledged cavers, kayakers, climbers and enthusiasts in many other outdoor sports, learning invaluable teamwork and problem-solving skills along the way.

The importance of STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths – is reflected in the classroom and in many extra-curricular clubs: film animation, science workshops and maths competitions, all of which stimulate inquisitive minds.

Redmaids’ High’s success in STEM can be tracked right through to the senior school. Last summer, 22 girls took their maths IGCSE a year early, with 100% gaining an A* or A grade and 86% an A*.

In IGCSE biology, physics and chemistry, 58% of all entries were given the top A* grade and in further maths 63% of all grades won an A*, with one third of these students achieving an additional A* distinction, which is unique to this subject.

Finally, in ICT and computing, 57% of all GCSE entries were awarded an A* grade.

If you are seeking a Reception or Year 3 place for your daughter, why not book in for the next Visiting Morning at Redmaids’ High Junior School on Thursday 1st February.

For more information about Redmaids’ High Junior School please visit http://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/.