During Years 3 to 6 (Key Stage 2), strong foundations are built in the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science, and doors are opened to a broad range of disciplines, including History, Geography, Computer Science, Art and Design, Music, and Physical Education. Students also continue to develop their skills in a Modern Foreign Language, expanding their understanding of different cultures and ways of communicating - particularly relevant in our international community.
Throughout these years, we encourage students to take greater responsibility for their learning. They begin to work with more independence - exploring ideas, applying knowledge, and making decisions with growing confidence. Our teachers are there to guide, support, and inspire them, nurturing self-esteem and encouraging them to believe in their own abilities.
Key Stage 2 at Durham is not only about academic growth; it’s a time for building resilience, curiosity, and a genuine love of lifelong learning - preparing every student for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
In Years 3 to 6, we purposefully focus on equipping all students with a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience to engage them, foster their strengths and challenge each individual student to be the very best that they can be. Learning builds on prior knowledge as students are engaged in experiences to apply their ideas, generate new possibilities and make decisions, as well as to plan, monitor and evaluate their progress as they build on their skills and understanding.
Initiative, curiosity and risk-taking are encouraged as students become more independent and they take greater responsibility for their words and actions. Through a range of experiences, students are encouraged to experiment with ideas, learn from mistakes, work collaboratively and become more self-directed in their learning. Students’ self-esteem and self-confidence are explicitly fostered along with their ability to manage their own emotions and interact effectively with others to enhance their own learning.
Enjoyment of reading and writing, speaking and listening transcends all subjects and is fostered throughout the Durham learning journey. In addition to appreciating the writing of others, students are guided to harness their own creativity and imagination to become confident, articulate and passionate speakers, writers and readers.
In Mathematics, students are encouraged to investigate mathematical principles and reason logically. Problem solving strategies are modelled in lessons and opportunities to apply these strategies through real-life problems develop a firm understanding in key mathematical concepts.
Science lessons focus on stimulating natural curiosity and broadening students’ scientific view of the world around them through exploring, talking about, testing and developing their ideas about functions, relationships and interactions. Students are encouraged to ask their own questions about what they observe and make decisions about which type of scientific enquiry is likely to be the best way to answer them.
In Geography, students explore ways in which our planet’s features are shaped, interconnected and change over time. As students progress their growing knowledge about the world, they deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and how these affect the way we live today and might live in the future.
History develops concepts like cause and consequence to bring the past to life. Skills like assessing evidence, making balanced arguments and reaching conclusions are developed – all skills that are valuable for upper primary, secondary school and beyond.
By introducing students to a wide range of exciting activities, we give them the opportunity to try new things and find new interests. Students are challenged to think creatively and develop new skills, giving them the opportunity to succeed and build confidence in their abilities.
In Years 5 and 6, our Prep School students particularly benefit from being part of an all-through school, with access to the expertise and facilities usually reserved for older students. They are taught by subject specialist teachers who bring passion and depth to their lessons, helping to extend knowledge and inspire curiosity. Learning takes place in state-of-the-art science laboratories, drama studios, computer science suites, and art and design workshops, allowing pupils to explore subjects in greater depth, develop practical skills, and gain confidence in preparation for their transition to Senior School.
