“Working hard is important, but there is something that matters even more; believing in yourself.”

^{Harry Potter}

As our pupils progress through the the Middle School (Years 3, 4 and 5), they become increasingly independent individuals who are able to take responsibility for their own learning and are ready to seize challenges. We recognise that children develop at their own pace and that each child is completely unique. Through our small class sizes, differentiated teaching and learning opportunities, highly trained support staff and close collaboration with parents, we can truly focus upon each child’s needs.

We place a strong emphasis upon securing children’s basic skills in reading, writing and arithmetic, to equip them with the necessary expertise to explore our broad and varied curriculum and the wider world. Our pupils are not only proud of their achievements but of all the small steps, breakthroughs, setbacks and hurdles overcome that help them to get there no matter what. Being kind, caring and respectful is also integral to our Kitebrook Code of Conduct, which we hold in high regard and expect pupils to follow at all times. In our Middle School, pupils learn to consider the needs of others as well as themselves; through Prayers, weekly RCH (Relationship, Citizenship and Health) lessons and our Growth Mindset philosophy that promotes values such as empathy.

The great outdoors continues to feature strongly in the Middle School curriculum. At play times they enjoy their own area complete with swings, slide, monkey bars and climbing equipment. They also have access to a large field in which to run, jump and play freely. Tree climbing is actively encouraged at Kitebrook, as we believe it helps children learn to consider, manage and take risks. Once in Seniors, pupils also have daily access to our adventure playground in the trees. Outdoor Education lessons take place weekly and are designed to bring the curriculum to life with first hand, practical experiences that develop our Growth Mindset values, promote the study of the natural world and enhance other curriculum areas such as Science and Mathematics.

Our Middle School marking policy fully involves the pupils in making judgements and reflections on their own learning, giving them ownership of the journey that they are on and helping them to understand that it is what they do, with the support of the teacher, that will enable them to succeed.