Dolphin School
Without a hint of selfimportance, pupils develop confidence in their own abilities. ISI 2022
Year 3 Onwards and Upwards...
As the children settle into the Upper School, consolidating and building on the firm foundations built in Lower School, the style of learning becomes more formal. Children work at their own desks which fosters independence, organisation and ownership of their work
Dolphin Production
English
English lessons include weekly reading comprehension practice This becomes more advanced as the children learn to engage with a wide range of texts on a deeper level There continues to be a focus on oracy, reading, writing, spelling and grammar each week Wider reading is encouraged through our libraries
Specialists
Children continue to have the security of their own inspiring class teachers, but they also benefit from the expertise of subject specialist teachers for Art, Drama, P.E. and Music, Spanish, Latin & Dance.
They enjoy two themed Design and Technology Days each year; inspired by a new skill, they design, create and evaluate
Children are grouped for Maths according to their conceptual understanding Groups work at or above the level expected for their age Some groups work at a more accelerated pace and go beyond the year group ’ s set content Coverage of all 11+ topics is provided within both groups for successful secondary school preparation and transfer
Year 6 take the most prominent roles in our much loved and highly acclaimed summer play They lead the school in a masterful display of acting, singing and dancing A professional backdrop and wild and wonderful costumes make for an unforgettable experience POST 11+
Reasoning Maths
Children have 30-45 minute lessons in Verbal Reasoning and in Non-Verbal Reasoning each week This is an examined 11+ subject They also have the opportunity to complete additional adaptive online work using the BOFA and ATOM platforms
Physical Education
Children enjoy two afternoons of sport a week Sports include Football, Netball, Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Rounders Cross Country is introduced for all pupils in the Autumn Term Dance and Gymnastics are included in the curriculum
Relationship Time
Our pupils continue to benefit from daily Relationship Time where they have an opportunity to discuss current issues, develop strategies which enable them to thrive relationally and personally, and to develop an understanding of the role of faith in daily life
A Guide to the Journey to 11+
FOR PARENTS
'GET READY' EVENT & SENIOR SCHOOLS FAIR
Every September a 'Get Ready' event is held for parents of pupils in Year 4 and above by the Senior Team on:
How do I choose a school for my child?
How does Dolphin prepare my child for 11+ (academically and pastorally) and what can parents do to support this?
How does the secondary state admissions system work?
11+ FOCUS
SENIOR TEAM MEETINGS & FEEDBACK
Throughout Year 5, members of the Senior Team meet all parents individually to discuss tailored secondary school options This gives parents an opportunity to share their hopes and preferences and is coupled with guidance given by our experienced Senior Team on the type of school that may suit their child personally, socially and academically In Year 6, further meetings are offered to discuss and finalise the schools parents wish to apply to for their child Regular feedback is given from teachers in parent/teacher evenings, reports and informal conversations
In Year 5, we discuss the 11+ process with the children so they know what lies ahead; this is done in a way which helps them feel prepared and emotionally resilient
Within English (Comprehension, Grammar and Writing) and Maths, there is increased focus on exam style questions Children are taught how to tackle exam questions and to consider mark schemes Working to time is developed, as is responding to online tests Pupils are exposed to content within their capability 11+ exam papers are used when children are ready
WELLBEING
In addition to a strong pastoral approach from all class teachers, Year 5 classes enjoy a series of positive, engaging ‘Power Thoughts’ sessions which equip pupils with strategies to manage ‘big emotions’ as they approach the last stage of prep school This supports their mental wellbeing and prepares them to deal with the pressure and challenges ahead
At the beginning of Year 6, children have a ‘Power Thoughts’ workshop on how to manage feelings of stress or worry and how to grow a positive mindset for the tests to come
MOCK INTERVIEWS
All pupils have a Mock Interview with a member of the Senior Team during the Autumn term of Year 6 They are encouraged to communicate their opinions, abilities and uniqueness Constructive verbal feedback is given to each child
11+Jargon
Explained
ISEB - Independent Schools Examinations Board
The ISEB allows pupils to sit one exam to different schools who subscribe to this service The exams are normally in English, Mathematics & Reasoning. They typically take place online at Dolphin School, and are planned to accommodate school application deadlines Some schools might still hold a further round of exams after the ISEB to filter their applicants. Almost every school hosts interviews in addition to ISEB exams. Parents are responsible for registering their children with the ISEB, selecting Dolphin School as the host exam centre This needs to be completed by September in Year 6
Consortium Schools & Sitting Multiple Exams
This is a similar set of exams to ISEB, where you sit one common exam for several schools Pupils may sit both ISEB and Consortium exams, as well as independent exams for other schools, depending on their choices We advise parents to consider this balance when selecting schools
Waiting Lists
Being on a waiting list doesn’t mean you do not have a place Each year, the waiting lists can change and move at a different pace. We recommend you keep in touch with your senior schools to ensure you know how the waiting list is progressing
Interviews - Group and Single
We spend time with pupils helping them develop their interview readiness, focusing on being themselves, but we do encourage children to have a grasp of local and international current affairs. We can recommend suitable newspapers and documentaries to follow Some schools hold only group interviews, and some only 1:1 interviews We recommend that pupils attend in their school uniform
Timeline
Exams & interviews tend to take place between October to February in Year 6 Many schools are moving their assessment timeline to before Christmas, with some results being given in the Autumn Term If two schools have a clash of dates, they should offer alternative days for you to choose
Taster Days
Many schools offer taster days before or after exams and offer letters We recommend you make full use of these days, but don’t let your child be swayed by the bells and whistles. You can always ask the Senior Team at Dolphin School for advice
HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD ACADEMICALLY FOR THE UPPER SCHOOL?
The core skills you can be supporting your child with at home are in reading and mental maths
Reading includes listening to your child read aloud daily, reading to your child and discussing a text together A positive reading culture at home, and an excitement about learning new vocabulary at every opportunity are also of great benefit In maths, by the time they reach Year 3, children are expected to have a secure knowledge and fast recall of: number bonds to 10, 20 and 100 doubles and halves to 20 the 2, 5 and 10 times tables, along with their division facts doubles and halves of 2 digit numbers
They should also have a developing knowledge of the 3 times table Extending their knowledge and recall of further times tables can also be beneficial if they are conceptually ready.
F A Q
HOW CAN I SUPPORT MY CHILD WITH HOMEWORK?
The homework your child is set will increase to 30 minutes a day in Year 3, 40 minutes in Year 4, 50 minutes in Year 5 and 60 minutes in Year 6. This regularly includes spelling practice, mental maths, memory verse, reading and adaptive online verbal & non-verbal reasoning later on. It is important that your child can develop their independence with homework as the tasks will reflect what has been covered in class that day or week Where possible, providing a quiet and tidy space for them to study will be beneficial While parents may like to check over the homework to ensure their child has completed the task to the best of their ability, there is no need to mark the work If necessary, parents may write a note to the teacher if anything was particularly challenging
WHEN SHOULD I START LOOKING AT SECONDARY SCHOOLS?
There is little need to start looking at schools until your child has completed Year 3 Each child develops at a different rate, and it is not always possible to predict which schools might suit your child three years before transfer Once your child is in Year 4, this would be a good time to begin your homework!
HOW MANY SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD I BE LOOKING AT?
There is no minimum or limit to the number of schools you should research It will depend on each family’s focus and circumstances. We would recommend starting wide to begin with so that you know exactly what options are available to you Then, by the start of Year 6, having a maximum of 4 or 5 contenders would be ideal
SHOULD I TAKE MY CHILD TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL OPEN DAYS?
We recommend that, where available, parents do the initial visits without their children in order to determine if the school is an option or not. Open Days are held in person and/or online, depending upon the schools' preferences. These usually take place in the Autumn Term
UPPER SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY
Using iPads, Google Classroom and our Chromebooks, technology plays a vital role in the academic and creative development of our Upper School pupils We use a range of online resources to support progress in Maths, English, Non-verbal and Verbal reasoning. These adaptive websites provide pupils and their teachers with a personalised and real-time understanding of progress and where to apply 1:1 support in the classroom
Outside of the core subjects, children enjoy CAD, music technology, podcasting, 3D printing and other innovative activities to support their wider development in a safe environment
WHAT ABOUT 10+?
The 10+ entry process has been created by a selection of senior schools with the main aim being to attract those from state schools The idea is that children move from their state primary school at the end of Year 5 in order to gain experience of an independent school a year earlier than their peers. 10+ moves are not recommended as there are various drawbacks and so our curriculum is not geared for this. Instead, we support 11+ transition, believing that this is the best juncture when children are academically and emotionally ready for transition to secondary school. We believe in children finishing well The longer we have children, the longer we can guide and support, and the more ready they are to leave, fully equipped for the future
WHAT ABOUT 13+?
Although the majority of pupils move on at age 11 to full secondary schools, certain senior schools begin their intake at Year 9 (for pupils aged 13) Some families choose to send their children to a prep school for two years after Year 6 where they will likely study for the 13+ Common Entrance Exams at the end of Year 8. 11+ preparation at Dolphin will prepare pupils for their next step into Year 7, wherever it may be, including prep schools that go on to age 13
FAQ
Co-curricular
Dolphin School offers over 25 weekly clubs for pupils, supporting a range of developmental areas, from drama, sports and fittness, languages (inc bilingual French), music and art based clubs
Clubs at Dolphin are hand-picked to allow pupils to further extend their skills in chosen areas of speciality, offer additional well-being support and give pupils opportunities to widen their skills and knowledge.
Clubs take place before school, at lunch and after school.
Children wishing to complete their homework at school can do so through After School Care which is reasonably priced and supervised using our own staff
WHAT IF I MISS AN OPEN DAY?
If you have missed an Open Day for an independent secondary school, we would recommend you contact their Admissions Department and arrange a separate visit. There is a possibility you may be able to have a group or individual tour and perhaps also meet the Head on this occasion. If you are looking at state schools, it is important to take a note of the Open Day dates well in advance as they do not tend to offer additional visits
WHERE DO PUPILS GO AFTER DOLPHIN?
We send our Dolphins to a range of schools (state and independent, single-sex and co-ed, London day and flexi, weekly or full boarding). Please refer to the back of this booklet for our 2020 - 2023 Leavers' Destinations and offers list Our 2024 results will be published in the Summer Term 2024.
SHOULD I BE TUTORING MY CHILD?
We do not recommend tutoring for tutoring’s sake. Unless there is a need for a child to have support with a key area, we say, ‘Avoid tutoring!’ Children have a busy week of learning In our many conversations with secondary schools, they tell us that they are not interested in ‘the tutored child’ They wish to see raw potential If your child would need tutoring to get into an academically selective school, the chances are that the school is not suited to them When tutoring your child to pass an entrance exam for an academically selective school, consider - will my child continue to need to be tutored throughout their secondary education in order to keep up with the school’s academic expectations? If so, is it worth it?
We prepare our children with practice papers so that they are familiar with the format they will encounter in 11+ tests
FAQ FAQ
Dolphin
by numbers
32
Average number of practice
11+ papers completed by the end of Year 6
160
Hours studying English per year in the Upper School.
1650
Average number of house points collected per pupil in the Upper School.
54
Number of Senior Schools with which Dolphin has links.
40
4
Percentage of pupils being offered scholarships for Senior Schools.
Houses: Liddell, Wesley, Lewis, Aylward
100
Percentage of parents felt that the school equips their child with the team working, collaborative and research skills they need in later life. (ISI)
381
13
Average number of handshakes in the upper school per year
Average number of Maths exercise books filled in a Dolphin career.
End of Year Production
The end of year production is the culmination of many weeks hard work for our pupils Year 6 take on the mantle of the lead roles, with each year group also performing in the play. Previous productions include Aladdin, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book and Into the Woods.
Our productions are seminal moments for our Year 6 leavers, taking on many challenges and new skills during rehearsals
As a strong community school, we invite parents to help with set building, costume design and make-up
POST 11+
Enriching
Opportunities
Leadership Roles
Year 6 become Captains, responsible for specific areas of the school They develop their leadership roles within the school community, modelling school values to the younger pupils as mentors. They produce and present charity presentations for the school so pupils can vote on a charity to support for the year
WW1 Experience
When residential visits are permitted, two nights are spent in the Dorset countryside taking part in an immersive World War 1 experience. It is an unforgettable time of adventure, physical challenge, teamwork and bonding as Year 6 approach the end of their journey together
Dolphin Production
Year 6 take the most prominent roles in our much loved and highly acclaimed summer play They lead the school in a polished display of acting, singing and dancing
A professional backdrop and wild and wonderful costumes make for an unforgettable experience.
Life of Christ
In the Summer Term of Year 6, open air performances permitting, children have a profound group experience on the Wintershall Estate as they perform the 'Life of Christ' with professional actors to an audience of thousands This is a once in a lifetime experience and children learn parts of the gospel by heart to draw upon forever.
Leavers' Ass
The Dolphin journey culminates with each child being uniquely celebrated as we recall their strengths and the highlights of their journey with us. Each child is awarded a cup for a character strength or skill.
Dolphin Apprentice
In the Summer Term of Year 6, children undertake an Enterprise Project in order to learn and develop entrepreneurial skills This also builds on their teamwork, communication, creative thinking and problem solving skills
Residential Trips
Residential trips provide opportunities for children to enjoy time outdoors in the countryside
Each trip aims to develop their teamwork and leadership skills as well as fostering independence, resilience and a sense of wonder
When group travel is permitted, our pupils venture out on the following trips:
Year 4 - Carroty Wood (Outward bound)
Year 5 - Viney Hill (Camping)
Year 6 - Hooke Court (WW1 Experience)
Dolphin School
2022
Alleyn's School
Bedales Prep, Dunhurst
Broomwood Hall
Charterhouse School
Dulwich College
Emanuel School
Epsom College
Ewell Castle School
Francis Holland School
Fulham Senior School
Hall School Wimbledon
Hazlegrove School*
Ibstock Place
James Allen's Girls' School
Kew House School
Lancing College
Northcote Lodge
Northwood Senior
Royal Russell School*
St John’s Leatherhead
Sherbourne Girls
Streatham & Clapham High*
Sydenham High School
Thames Christian School
Thomas’s Battersea Square
Thomas's Clapham
Trinity School
Whitgift School
Woldingham School*
Winchester College
*Schools where scholarships were offered
2023
Alleyn's School*
Broomwood Hall
Emanuel School*
Francis Holland School
Fulham Boys School
Grey Coat Hospital
James Allen's Girls' School
Kew House School
King's College School
London Park School
Marymount School
More House*
Radnor House
Streatham & Clapham High
Thames Christian School*
Trinity School*
Woldingham School
2024
ACS Cobham
Alleyn's School*
Box Hill School*
Caterham School*
Dubai English Speaking College
Dulwich College*
Dunottar School
Emanuel School*
Epsom College
Ewell Castle School*
Ibstock Place
Jumeirah College
Kew House School
King's College School*
Kingston Grammar School
Lancing School
Nord Anglia School
Streatham & Clapham High*
Royal Grammar School Guildford
Dubai
LEAVERS' DESTINATIONS AND OFFERS cover
Pupils share a moment of joy as they discover the awe and wonder of our magnificent world
Royal Russell School
St James Boys’ School*
St John’s Leatherhead*
Thames Christian School*
The Hall, Wimbledon
Thomas’ Clapham
Trinity School
Woldingham School
Westminster School