The school aims to have a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. As primary schools have felt the pressure to focus on English and maths, we have tried to maintain this breadth.
We have a well-planned Curriculum Enrichment Programme of half termly activities that make school life interesting and fun. These include visits and visitors, year group productions, charity events, themed days, etc. Residential visits, by Year 4 to Hilltop Outdoor Activity Centre near Sheringham and Year 6 to Brancaster Millennium Activity Centre in North Norfolk, are important aspects of school life and we believe support in our aim to produce self-confident and resilient children. Our Year 5 children are involved in the activities of SkillForce, which leads to the prestigious ‘Junior Prince’s Award’.
Music is so important at Drayton Junior School. Currently nearly 30% of children undertake instrumental lessons, mainly during the school day. These are provided by the County Music Service and by other independent music teachers. This, combined with the expertise and enthusiasm of our music teacher, means we have a large choir and orchestra, a number of instrumental groups, a ukulele band, handbell group and steel drum band. Our Samba Band is well renowned and they have performed at a number of venues and events around the City. We take every opportunity for the children to perform and our annual summer concert is a highlight of the school year.
Music regularly features as part each year group’s annual production. These productions are eagerly anticipated by parents, and staff, and we see the children develop in self-confidence through these performances over the years.
Extra-curricular sport is also an important part of school life. We encourage all children to involve themselves in our sporting activities, which are organised by both school staff and outside organisations. Competitive sport is encouraged and we are proud of our reputation in the City of Norwich as arguably the leading school in athletics and football. Children compete individually and as part of school teams in many other ways as well. The school is part of the West Norwich and Dereham Sports Partnership and takes a full part in the activities and events they organise.
Life at Drayton Junior School is a mixture of a focussed school curriculum and additional enrichment activities that bring life to the school and provide memorable experiences for all. We want children to leave the school having had many opportunities to partake and excel, creating memories that enrich their lives.
