Activities offered in Lower School

Camps

Years 5 and 6 spend one week per year away from home with their class teachers and other members of staff. Year 5 usually stay in a residential centre for a week of organised activities during the autumn term. Year 6 usually camp at a youth hostel during the summer and do their own catering. These camps are an important and integral part of the school year and all children are expected to go. We want the children to experience something different from what they have during the rest of the year, either at home or at school. The week helps to develop both inter-dependence and self-reliance. Camp costs are kept to a minimum – on average a charge of £90-£100 per camp will be added to your tuition bill.

Ski Trips

Interested members of staff usually offer a ski trip for Years 5 and 6 during one of the holidays and you will be notified well in advance of the details of these.

Outings

Several outings are arranged by class teachers during the year. Visits to museums, galleries and various places of interest are linked to class projects whenever possible. The costs are generally included in your school fees. If, however, there is an additional charge, we will advise you before the trip.
Parents will be notified in advance of day trips which affect their children, including the precise nature of the trip; venues to be visited; mode of transport; and departure and arrival times. This information will be distributed to parents via In-Form and copies may be posted in classrooms. Occasionally teachers may also decide to take children off the school premises briefly during the school day. An example might be infant children visiting Golders Hill Park on a sunny day, or a nature ramble on the Heath Extension. These impromptu outings which take place during the school day will not be notified to parents in advance.
If you require more information about any particular trip, please feel free to speak to the class teacher or the Lower School Office. If you do not want your child to join the group for a notified trip or visit, please inform the school at least one day in advance. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you consent to your child going on the trip as outlined in the trip announcement. Similarly, if you do not wish your child to participate in the informal outings please let Meg know immediately (megb@kingalfred.org.uk).

Swimming

Swimming is provided as an activity for Years 2-4. It is part of the Games and PE programme. The children have swimming lessons for two terms out of three each year. They travel by coach or school minibus to a local pool and are given lessons by qualified instructors.

Kit List

Please ensure that children have the correct kit for PE and Games:
- Shorts
- T-shirt
- Plimsolls or training shoes
- Football boots or training shoes for football
- A track suit for outdoor games in winter
- Wellington boots
Years 2 and 3 go swimming as part of the curriculum and Years 4, 5 and 6 may choose swimming as a games activity. Please check your child’s timetable and make sure they have their swimming
costume, towel, goggles and bathing cap if they wear them.
It would be helpful if all clothes worn for school could be labelled with the child's name, but this is certainly recommended for PE and Games kit.