Two boys explore science gadgets in class.

Upper School – (Years 3-6)

Upper School is an exciting and transformative chapter in each child’s education, filled with opportunities for growth, discovery, and achievement.

This crucial stage builds on the foundations laid in earlier years while preparing pupils for the transition to senior school. We pride ourselves on having excellent relationships with the brilliant senior schools in which our children move on to. Guided by the school’s core values of resilience, compassion, enthusiasm, tolerance and integrity, children are encouraged to embrace challenges, celebrate individuality and strive for personal excellence in all areas of school life.

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Academic

Academically, the curriculum is broad and stimulating, designed to inspire a love of learning and critical thinking. Pupils engage in dynamic lessons that spark curiosity, from hands-on science experiments to thought-provoking literary analysis. Small class sizes and tailored teaching ensure that every child is supported and challenged at their own level.

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Outdoor Learning

Beyond the classroom, the Upper School offers a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities, from sports and music to drama and outdoor learning. These activities build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills while fostering resilience and perseverance. Pupils also enjoy the Life Skills programme, equipping them with practical abilities, a problem-solving mindset and the emotional intelligence to thrive in a fast-paced world.

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Community

Underpinning this journey are Barfield’s nurturing pastoral care and values-driven ethos. Pupils are taught to respect themselves and others, show kindness in their actions, and remain curious about the world. These principles not only shape their character but also create a supportive, inclusive community where every child feels valued.

By the time pupils leave the Upper School, they are confident, well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace the opportunities of senior school with enthusiasm and the skills to succeed.

The Barfield Upper School journey is not just about academic excellence; it’s about developing the whole child, instilling values, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

Child mid-air in long jump at sports event

Sports & Physical Activities

From competitive team sports like rugby, football, and netball to individual pursuits such as cross-country running, swimming and gymnastics, pupils enjoy opportunities to develop teamwork, discipline, and physical health. Regular fixtures against other schools instill resilience and sportsmanship, while more recreational clubs, such as yoga or climbing, allow children to explore alternative physical challenges that are suitable for them.

Creative Arts

For the creatively inclined, the school offers art, DT, music, and drama as part of our curriculum as well as after school activities. Pupils can take part in additional choir, instrumental ensembles, and theatrical productions, cultivating confidence and self-expression. We also celebrate our musicians with the opportunity to perform in assemblies and in specific Concerts; whilst Art clubs encourage experimentation with various media, fostering curiosity and a sense of accomplishment.

Boy painting on paper with colorful spots.

STEM & Problem-Solving

Play-based learning places the child at the center of their own learning process. Children have the freedom to choose activities and explore topics that interest them.

Outdoor Learning & Adventure

Barfield’s expansive grounds provide the perfect setting for outdoor adventures, bushcraft, and environmental and sustainability lessons. Pupils explore nature, learn sustainability practices, and develop respect for the environment while enjoying the freedom of the outdoors. Within these lessons pupils have the opportunity to develop practical skills linked to being outdoors including first aid, fire management den building and crafts.

Life Skills & Enrichment

The Life Skills programme extends our curriculum offering to include the teaching of practical abilities such as cooking, sewing, current affairs and financial budgeting in a fun, interactive environment. These activities complement academic learning while instilling resilience and independence. A key component of our Life Skills Programme is the English Speaking Board exams whereby pupils in Year 5 develop their public speaking skills enabling them to gain a qualification following a speaking exam. This has provide vital in helping prepare our pupils for their Senior School interviews the following year.

Line of kids outside in school uniforms.

Barfield provides many varied opportunities for our pupils to take leadership roles throughout the school.

To develop the skills for later life, pupils are presented with a specific job description for which they write a letter of application for the role outlining their specific strengths.

This is followed up by individual or group interviews in which they develop their communication and presentation skills. Our older, Year 6 pupils love taking on responsibility for not only their houses by for specific curriculum areas. The roles they can apply for include: Head Boy and Head Girl, Heads of Houses, Sports Captains, Chairman and Secretary of Pupil Parliament, Performing Arts Ambassadors, Science Technicians, Digital Learning Monitors, Librarians