Years 5 & 6
Pupils complete their primary years in the historic Cathedral Close. The superb buildings, including the magnificent 17th century Palace, are set against the dramatic presence of the Cathedral. Years 5 & 6 are accommodated together in their own building, called Broadhurst.
The pupils' school experience is designed to benefit from the strengths of a primary model while taking advantage of the facilities available at the Lichfield site. The pupils are taught by a team of Key Stage 2 specialists who come to their classrooms, yet they can use nearby drama, music and sports facilities.
Their timetable is designed to allow an earlier start to lunch and a slightly earlier finish at the end of the day, and they have their own playgrounds. Movements between buildings are supervised by staff. During these two years, the pupils get to know the Lichfield campus, the teachers, support staff and older pupils, so that when they transition to Year 7, they are comfortable with their surroundings and keen to take advantage of specialist teachers for each subject.
Pupils study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Music, Singing, Art, Design and Technology, Drama, French, German, Latin, Spanish, Information Technology, Forest School, Physical Education, Games and Wellbeing/RSE. The Co-Curriculum, including a large range of fun and engaging afterschool clubs, is a vibrant and integral part of each child’s education. Pupils are actively encouraged to experience the full breadth of activities.
In Year 6, pupils enjoy a residential visit to an outward bound centre, where they take part in a wide range of physical activities designed to develop self-confidence and self-belief, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as resilience. Adventures like these form memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
Why we don't do SATs
For many families, Years 5 and 6 are synonymous with SATs revision, practice papers and growing anxiety about assessments. Across England, primary pupils spend months preparing for tests designed to measure attainment in reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling and maths. Yet at Lichfield Cathedral School, we take a different approach.
As an independent school, we are not required to administer SATs, and we choose not to. Instead, we focus on providing a rich, broad and balanced education that develops confident, curious and capable young people.
That decision is not made because we are against assessment. Assessment is an essential part of education. We regularly monitor progress, track attainment and ensure every child is receiving the support and challenge they need. However, we believe there are better ways to understand a child's development than through a series of high-stakes tests taken over a few hours in Year 6.
To read more about why we don't do SATs and what we do instead click here
Transition to Senior School
Moving from primary to secondary school can be a daunting time for both parents and children which is why we work hard to prepare pupils for the transition to Senior School. A group of Year 7 pupils volunteer to be Buddies to look after the Year 6s. Activities throughout the spring and summer are designed to introduce children to their new teachers and classrooms. We find that learning about practical things, like the layout of the school and what to do if they get lost, helps to address most concerns, while the chance to make new friends before the summer holiday helps to reassure children that they will not be on their own.
As there will be 3 Forms in each year group in the Senior School, these activities are important to introduce the children new to the Cathedral School joining at the start of Year 7. To help with integration, the Forms are reconfigured to include current pupils and those new to the School.
