Grade 4 – 7 constitutes the senior section of the school. Our
boys learn though a whole range of strategies that focus on literacy and
numeracy, but explore the world through a wide variety of learning strategies
geared to cater for all as individuals, be they more visual, auditory or
kinaesthetic learners. Boys are encouraged to participate in hands-on learning
with their peers and discovery learning is one of our favourite ways to make
sense of our surroundings. Experiential learning and the use of technology also
form a big part of how boys gear themselves to be part of the community and be
prepared for the future. Boys are encouraged to make use of all the resources
at school to engage with the learning process, and we are fortunate to have
internet-enabled computer labs, Macbook stations, ipad and ipod- touch banks,
Promethean interactive whiteboards and in-class voting devices to facilitate an
enriching blend of the new with all the positive aspects of a traditional
learning environment. Each class has its own class teacher, with classes no
larger than twenty boys in each, and in their Grade 7 year the boys are taught
by specialist subject teachers. Pastoral care and an integrated approach to
learning allow for child-centred teaching, something to which teachers at The
Ridge are dedicated.

Problem solving and creative thinking are encouraged in all areas of
learning. Our Grade 6’s enjoy a very happy second term learning The Game of
Life where life skills are taught and real life situations experienced. This
follows through into the Grade 7 year when the boys are introduced to the
business project where they develop entrepreneurial skills and where they
develop leadership skills as part of the Headmaster’s leadership programme.
Similar life-experience games take place in Grade 4 and 5.

The curriculum is frequently refreshed with new and topical material. Boys are
encouraged to share through co-operative learning, make social connections and
develop their personal resilience and people skills as part of the process of
learning. Boys are guided to see the joy of learning together and are purposely
exposed to different religions, perspectives and cultures. In addition to
standard academic subjects, boys also enjoy dance, drama, art, lateral
thinking, public speaking and study skills to blend with an enriching cultural
curriculum and rigorous sports calendar. All of this is done with solid Ridge
values as the constant. We want boys to learn to know, learn to do, learn to
be, learn to live together and learn that learning is for life.