Bolton Junior (Boys)

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What it's like

This is the junior school to Bolton School's Boys Division, to which almost all boys progress; the two are part of the same foundation, together with the girls' schools. Often known as Park Road, the school has an urban setting, a mile west of Bolton's town centre and very accessible (close to the M61 and M6). It is situated within the main campus and benefits from its facilities, including sports pitches, swimming pool and arts centre. Its own building has recently undergone a major refurbishment and has fine facilities including a new library, an IT suite, gymnasium and sports field. The school is academically selective and provides many opportunities for boys to develop their talents inside and outside the classroom. Music plays a large part in the life of the school and all boys are taught more than one instrument. It is strong in sport and its football teams are especially successful. There are residential visits to Patterdale Hall the school's own outdoor pursuits centre in the Lake District.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 7-11, 200 day boys. Entrance: Main entry age 7. Entrance is academically selective: own entry examination and report from previous school; some boys may be interviewed. 2 classes throughout (of approx 25). No special skills or religious requirements.

Scholarships & bursaries

No scholarships or bursaries. Typical extras, £134 a term for lunches.

Parents

Over 60% live within 30 miles.

Head & staff

Head: Stephen Whittaker, in post since 2008. Educated at Chester University (education). Previously Headteacher at St Peter's CE Primary School, Chorley, Deputy Head at St John's CE Methodist Primary School, Brinscall, and taught at St James's CE Primary School, Lower Darwen. Teaching staff: 10 full-time, 2 part-time. Annual turnover 0%. Average age 45.

Exam results

Pupils take the entrance exam for the associated senior school at age 11.

Pupils' destinations

99% of pupils go on to Bolton School Boys' Division; all must pass entrance exam.

Curriculum

All National Curriculum subjects taught. Specialist subject teachers introduced at age 8 or 9 for some subjects, age 10 for all. PSHE is integral to pupils' education; aim is to encourage pupils to value themselves, relationships, society and the environment; topics include feelings, affirmation, caring, friendship, cooperation, conflict resolution, problem solving and changes. Special provision: Pupils with SEN, who have passed the entrance exam, are helped by targeted teacher support. Languages: French taught from age 7. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. ICT suite; boys encouraged to use computers from age 7.

The arts

All pupils learn a musical instrument (recorder, and small group courses in violin, woodwind, brass and percussion); instrumental exams may be taken. Musical groups include 2 choirs, guitar, percussion, wind, string and recorder groups. All pupils involved in school drama productions (Bugsy Malone recently). ADT taught in a purpose-built room, including a kiln, by a specialist teacher. Number of concerts and drama productions annually; all involved in carol service and junior school concert (featuring choirs, small groups and any outstanding individual performers); 2-day music festival judged by a visiting adjudicator.

Sports & activities

Compulsory sports: football, cricket, rugby, swimming, gymnastics, cross-country running, basketball and athletics. Optional: badminton, tennis. All sports facilities on site, including gymnasium and sports pitch; also access to senior school's swimming pool, sports hall and sports pitches. Various school teams in football (3 teams in U11 and U10), cricket, cross-country running, tennis, swimming, athletics and chess, as well as quiz competitions, so every boy will represent the school at some time. Some 40 football fixtures per season against local and independent schools; many trophies including AJIS cup (North-West's top independent schools) and Bolton News cup for local junior schools. Also British biathlon champions; swimming and chess teams regularly feature at national level. Activities: Cub pack, active at district level and go on regular camps. Outdoor pursuits (at Patterdale Hall). Up to 30 clubs and activities, including art, badminton, chess, strings group, guitar, windband, computers, cricket, football, mathematics, science, running.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn. Houses: Competitive houses. School monitors selected by staff. Religion: Christian. No compulsory attendance at religious worship. Social: Regular activities with other schools in the same foundation eg music swimming, athletics. Ski trip every other year. Meals cafeteria-style and compulsory; pupils not expected to bring their own food to school. Most pupils travel to school by car or by school coach (22 routes). Some supervision available before and after school.

Discipline

School belief that all children benefit from positive and constructive discipline. Aim is to promote self esteem, reward good behaviour and motivate children to choose positive behaviours; achieved through rewards and sanctions system. Where a pupil failed to produce homework on time, there would be one-to-one discussion and the homework completed during free time; in any case of stealing, there would be contact with parents, detention in school or possible suspension, dependent on the details and full investigation.

Association of former pupils

Run by Stuart Chell, Old Boltonians' Liaision Officer c/o the school.

Former pupils

Sir Ian McKellen, Ralf Little (actors); Sir Harry Kroto (Nobel laureate, chemistry); Mark Radcliffe (radio presenter); Nigel Short (chess player); Roger Draper (CEO Lawn Tennis Association).