Brookland Junior School is a non-denominational community junior school for girls and boys between the ages of 7 and 11, maintained by the London Borough of Barnet. We are situated on the northern edge of Hampstead Garden Suburb in a residential area. Most pupils attend Brookland Infant School on the same site. The two schools have strong links to ensure that our children’s emotional, social and educational development progresses smoothly from 4-11. We have four-year groups, with 3 classes of 30 in each year.
The children benefit from a spacious, green setting that is screened from houses and roads. There are a large field and two playgrounds. We have excellent facilities and a small covered and heated swimming pool (April-October). Children achieve and progress very well and benefit from and enjoy a wide range of learning opportunities, enhanced by a variety of exciting events, activities, and clubs. We have the advantage of children who share traditions from many cultures and countries. We value and celebrate our similarities and differences. Brookland is a very caring community where each individual is respected and valued.
Our staff and our children have a passion for learning and the school takes pride in the very wide range of events, creative and practical lessons, and challenging curriculum we offer. Please see our weekly newsletters on the school website to see just how action-packed a typical week is at Brookland Junior. Our community of parents, governors, staff, and children works together to enable every child to be the best they can be, both in their personal and academic development, and to continually adapt and improve our wonderful school. We have many connections with other local schools, organizations, and bodies which further enriches our learning. The ongoing professional development of all our staff is a major strength of our school which we achieve through mentoring, coaching programs, in-house training, external training, and a love of teaching and learning. We encourage our children to think about their learning and their school, to take responsibility for its success and happiness, for example through our Whole School Meetings, School Council, Peer mediation, buddy system and to make a difference to the world beyond our school through events such as our mini-market run by the children.
There is an excellent co-operation between the Junior School and Infant & Nursery School. We share the same site and the same Governing Body. The Head Teachers and staff of both schools work closely together and meet regularly to ensure a smooth transition between the two schools for those children moving up into Year 3. Younger and older children often share activities, such as putting on school productions for each other. Having a joint Governing Body means that governors can view the bigger educational picture and make certain that the policy and practices of both schools are consistent.
All children are treated with respect and given responsibilities and this is reflected in the pride they have for their school community. There is a School Council, membership rotating each term, whose suggestions are reported and acted upon, enabling the children to make a real contribution to the school. There is also an Eco Group looking at ways to help reduce waste. There are Peer Mediators who work in the playground to help children resolve differences and disputes. Also, Junior Road Safety Officers are supporting the children with their understanding of road safety.
At Brookland Junior School we aim to develop each child’s full potential and to celebrate all aspects of achievement. To that end we aim:
- To provide a supportive and happy learning environment where all children can achieve their best.
- To develop fully children’s abilities and talents within the framework of a broad and challenging curriculum.
- To develop an inclusive culture that meets individual needs and provides equality for all members of our community.
- To encourage children to respect and value other members of the school and to interact positively with the wider community.
- To provide a safe and secure environment that includes a clear framework for appropriate behavior.
- To foster spiritual and moral values and a sense of responsibility for the community and the environment.
- To develop enquiring minds and the ability to question and discuss rationally.
- To enable children to develop an aesthetic awareness and to provide opportunities for creativity.
- To create an awareness of the need for a healthy lifestyle.
- To work in partnership with all members of the school and wider communities.
- To value the contribution of all members of staff and to support their professional development.
