Maths and English Clubs and our extension programme
At Barnes Primary School, we are committed to providing all children with a challenging and stimulating curriculum. We want every pupil to make the strongest possible progress and achieve the highest standards of which they are capable. We would like them all to surpass what would have been expected of them based upon their baseline performance on entry to our school. We know that some children are achieving, or have the potential to achieve, significantly in advance of the average for their year group. It is our responsibility to enable them to reach the highest possible standards.
We recognise that children learn at different rates and in different ways. Some pupils may need additional challenge to deepen and extend their learning, while others benefit from extra time and focused support to secure key skills. Our Clubs and Extensions Programme is designed to meet both of these needs.
We do not use labels such as gifted, talented, more able or less able. Instead, we focus on ensuring that every child has the opportunity to take the next step in their learning and to fulfil their potential.
What is extension provision?
Extension provision takes place outside the school day and offers pupils opportunities to engage with demanding and stretching work. These sessions are designed to deepen understanding, promote high level thinking and help pupils achieve exceptionally well.
At Barnes Primary School, extension provision currently includes:
- English and mathematics for pupils in Years 4 to 6
- Scientific enquiry for pupils in Years 4 and 5
In Years 4 and 5, each extension programme runs for one term. In Year 6, the programme runs for most of the year.
Extension provision supports pupils who are already attaining highly, as well as those who show strong potential that may not yet be fully reflected in formal assessment outcomes.
What is maths and English club provision?
Maths and English club provision also takes place outside the school day and plays an important role in helping pupils make strong and steady progress. Teams are targeted sessions in one curriculum area which provide extra time, tailored support and focused teaching.
These sessions may include:
- pre teaching of upcoming learning
- consolidation of previous learning
- focused practice of important skills or concepts
By working in smaller groups, pupils are able to build confidence, develop effective learning strategies and experience success at their own pace. Our aim is that every child feels supported, valued and able to achieve their full potential.
At present, maths and English club provision is offered in:
- English for pupils in Years 2 to 6
- Mathematics for pupils in Years 2 to 6
Maths and English club participation is reviewed termly.
How are pupils selected?
Places in both extension provision and maths and English club provision are allocated carefully and fairly. Decisions are informed by:
- previous end of year test scores
- previous end of year teacher assessment
- teachers’ professional judgement about a pupil’s readiness to access and benefit from the programme
We are committed to ensuring transparency and equity in how places are allocated.
Why do these programmes matter?
These programmes are designed not only to benefit the pupils who attend them, but also to strengthen learning more widely across the school.
Through additional challenge and targeted support, we aim to help pupils deepen their understanding, secure important skills and increase confidence in their learning.
Our commitment
We work hard, within the staffing capacity available, to open up these opportunities to as many pupils as possible. Our aim is always to ensure that every child has the support and challenge they need to thrive.
