Junior school: a time of limitless possibilities.
Years 3-4
How to JoinDurston Junior School
Where Daleks live in the library
The Durston Journey
Junior School is a buoyant and busy place with pupils taking greater responsibility and autonomy for their learning, supported by their teachers and in partnership with parents.
Years 3 and 4 are based in the Harvington building. Whilst Durston is set across three buildings, there is a clear progression of pupils’ attainment in all areas of the curriculum, carefully built on their previous learning. This ensures a seamless path throughout their journey at Durston House.
Lessons are taught primarily by the Form Teachers, with specialist teachers for French, Computer Science, Art, PSHME, Study Skills, PE and Games. Over the next two years pupils advance their skills and competencies across all areas of the curriculum, developing into capable, motivated and independent learners.
“Durston House has helped them to discover their talents, given them independence in a nurturing and caring environment and enabled them to develop good social, teamwork and study skills along the way.”
—Parent
There are extensive opportunities to become involved in all areas of school life from the exciting Activities Programme, becoming a Librarian, singing in the Junior Choir, representing the school in sports fixtures and performing in the annual Junior School Production. The pupils’ first exciting experience of a residential trip away takes place in Year 4 at PGL.
Junior School Stories
Celebrating Musical Diversity: Our First Co-Educational Spring Concert
At Durston House, we believe in celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity in every aspect of our community. Wednesday evening, marked a significant milestone in our journey as we proudly hosted our annual spring concert, the first since becoming co-educational. It was a spectacular evening filled with awe-inspiring performances and a… Read More
Nurturing Minds: Recap of Our Annual Wellbeing Week 2024
Last week, our school community embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth during our annual Wellbeing Week. With a commitment to nurturing the holistic development of our students, we dedicated this special time to fostering mental, emotional, and physical wellness. The week commenced with an uplifting opening assembly, where… Read More
Emerald City Magic: Year 3 and 4 Bring ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to Life!
Durston House School’s Year 3 and 4 pupils recently dazzled audiences with their spellbinding rendition of “The Wizard of Oz.” Transporting spectators to the magical land of Oz, the production was a true testament to the talent and dedication of our young performers. The stage came alive with vibrant costumes… Read More
Cross Country 2024
This term saw our annual Cross Country take place for pupils in Reception-Year 8; the day remained dry and was a success! Well done to pupils for completing the course and our parents who turned up to cheer them on! Miss Togher – Marketing Manager… Read More
Junior School French Workshop
Year 3 and 4 children relished the chance to enjoy a whole hour of French recently. Freshwater’s expertly delivered performances of Le Petit Chaperon Rouge (Little Red Riding Hood) and Jacques et Les Haricots Magiques (Jack and the Beanstalk) brought the language and stories alive. Audience participation kept the children… Read More
Trips Week 2023!
All pupils from Years 4 – 8 attend a residential trip, spending at least two nights away from home. Trips, inspired by the curriculum, help pupils discover much about themselves, their friends and the world around them, experiences that can go on to form some of the happiest school memories. Read More
“Carpe Diem…Seize the day!”
At Durston House, we seek every possible opportunity to reward pupils and to recognise their successes throughout the academic year. The final week of the summer term saw various events take place including Vertical House Picnics, Prize Giving and Final Assembly. An occasion for pupils, parents and staff to gather… Read More
Sports Day 2023 Roundup!
Throughout the last two weeks of June, Durston House hosted their three annual Sports Days. The Pre-Prep Sports Day went ahead in a similar fashion to previous years. In the morning, pupils took part in an ‘Octathalon’ event, which included Running, Jumping and Throwing activities. Having competed in these Field… Read More
Rocket Balloon Cars
The Junior School pupils recently embarked on an exciting STEM project, building a rocket balloon car. Their enthusiasm and curiosity drove them to explore the realms of aerodynamics, physics, and engineering. With meticulous attention to detail, they designed and assembled a car that utilized the power of a rocket balloon… Read More
STEM Week 2023
The Durston STEM Week 2023 was launched with a full school assembly with an exciting Science show designed to entertain a whole school from Reception to Year 8 pupils with spectacular science demonstrations and discussions to inspire pupils’ curiosity and imagination. With audience participation and exciting demonstrations, our visitor demonstrated… Read More
Year 3 visit London Zoo
After their exciting visit to the London Zoo, the Year 3 pupils are bursting with tales of the cute penguins, roaring lions, and cheeky monkeys. Their curious minds are filled with newfound knowledge about reptiles and exotic birds. The experience has deepened their love for animals… Read More
Junior School Art Fair 2023
One recent sunny June afternoon, the pupils in Years 3 and 4 were delighted to have the chance to share their artistic successes from this year with their friends and families. Highlights from Year 4 children included their stunning colourful prints inspired by the designs of William Morris, a Hammersmith… Read More
Junior School Science Morning
Whilst Middle & Upper School were away on Trips Week, Junior School visited the Science Department at Main School. Throughout the morning pupils learnt about acids and alkali’s, getting hands on with a fun practical!… Read More
Year 4 Outing to Epping Forest Field Study Centre
We were expecting heavy downpours but, in the end, they never materialised and a light drizzle was not enough to dampen the spirits of the Year 4s as they traversed Epping Forest in search of the source and tributaries to Debden Brook. They were investigating how the depth and width… Read More
Y3-Y5 Future Schools’ Fair 2023
On Thursday 18 May, we welcomed parents of children in Year 3 – Year 5 from both Durston House and Harvington Prep School to our Future Schools’ Fair for the second year running! It was a pleasure to welcome the following leading Independent Senior Schools from across London and beyond:… Read More
PSHME – Spring Term Round Up!
Junior School The Year 3’s started their Spring Term with Economic Wellbeing, looking into different aspects of money. They spent time analysing the value of money, why we spend, the importance of saving and what constitutes needs and wants. The latter part of the term was dedicated to understanding what… Read More
Year 4 Outing to Neasden Temple
The year 4 children spent a lovely morning at the Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden. They learnt that almost 5,00 tonnes of Italian and Bulgarian marble was shipped to India to be hand carved by over 1,500 skilled artisans, to make the Mandir. The children visited the… Read More
Durston House hosts its very first Wellbeing Week!
This year, Durston House hosted its very first Wellbeing Week. The week kicked off with an assembly that introduced what wellbeing actually was! Many pupils shared that they didn’t really know what ‘wellbeing’ meant, even if they had heard the word a lot! The week centred around the 5 Pillars… Read More
Junior School Production of ‘Hagbanes’ Doom
As the stage lights went up on Wednesday 22 March, the boys sang with Gusto and performed with an Oscar worthy style. For over an hour, the Junior School boys graced us with humour, songs and dancing; showing their hard-work from the term had paid off! There were stand out… Read More
Cross Country 2023
On Friday 24 March, our annual Cross Country took place. Unfortunately, the event was cut short, meaning Year 6, Year 7 and Year 8 couldn’t race as the weather was extremely wet, windy and soft underfoot. Nevertheless a huge congratulations to all of the runners and to Harvington Prep School… Read More
Y3 Outing to Pitzhanger Manor
Year 3 boys took the short walk from Longfield Road to the handsome, beautifully restored Pitzhanger Manor Art Gallery, setting for Matt Dixon’s ingenious and moving “A Sense of Wonder” exhibition. The art is based on robots – but these sweetly whimsical creations were not faceless, inhuman machines. Instead they… Read More
Maths in Junior School – Spring Term 2023
Times tables are a key foundation for boys entering Junior School. We encourage boys to be able to recall mentally the multiplication and division facts up to 12, as this will aid their Mathematics skills in all areas. This enables a secure understanding covering many topics within the Mathematics curriculum. Read More
Junior School French Workshop
Junior School boys delighted in a whole hour of French story telling last week. What’s more, the boys from Years 3 and 4 followed every word, engaged by the expert delivery of Rachel from the Freshwater Theatre Company. The two tales – Boucles D’Or et les Trois Ours (Goldilocks and… Read More
Year 3 outing to St Peter’s Church
In November, Year 3 had the opportunity to visit St Peter’s Church as part of their T.P.R. (Theology, Philosophy & Religion) topic on Christianity. We were met at the church by Father David and Father Adam who welcomed us in and guided us towards the pews. The boys are familiar… Read More
Christmas Jumper Day & Christmas Bazaars 2022
On Friday 9 December, we kicked off our festive, charity fundraising by holding a Mufti-Day. Staff and pupils wore their best festive jumpers, raising money for our two chosen charities; Water Aid and Ealing Soup Kitchen! Following the success of previous Christmas… Read More
Music, Autumn Term 2022 Round Up
Pre-Prep (Reception – Year 2) In Pre-Prep, children learnt a number of carols and songs for their Christmas Production of ‘The Magical Christmas Tree’, they enjoyed singing with their full heart and happy smiles during performances. They also performed in the Harvest Assembly, with gusto and a great diction!… Read More
Year 3 outing to The British Museum
Year 3 have been learning about the Ancient Egyptians this term and so visiting the British Museum recently was an excellent opportunity for all the boys to put their learning into context and of course, learn more about this fascinating civilization. The boys took part in an Ancient Egyptian artefact… Read More
Junior School Festive Learning Walk
Last Tuesday, Junior School opened its doors to parents for a learning walk, with an appropriate festive twist of mince pies being served! This was the perfect opportunity for parents to see all the wonderful work their children have been working on since the start of Autumn Term! Children were… Read More
PSHME, Autumn Term 2022 Round Up
Junior School PSHME The Year 3 boys started their term exploring Emotional Wellbeing. They learnt about different feelings and emotions people experience; ways of expressing feelings and emotions; the impact of different life changes and strategies for dealing with grief and getting help, advice and support. The 2nd half of… Read More
PE & Games, Autumn Term 2022 Round Up
It has been an extremely busy term for the PE and Games department, with boys competing in various competitions and matches with other schools, and internally. Durston House has been involved in Football, Cross Country, Indoor Athletics and even some Rugby in preparation for the Spring Term. Throughout the Autumn… Read More
Durston House celebrates Anti-Bullying Week 2022 – Reach Out
Here at Durston House we believe that every individual counts. Being our true authentic selves and appreciating the differences within each and every one of us lies at the heart of everything we do. We’re a diverse community of families and staff, where all are welcomed, a placed where people… Read More
Art in Junior School
Year 4 has been learning about the life and work of American artist, Jackson Pollock. Boys were mesmerised by his Abstract Expressionist pieces created in his unique style of Action Painting. Pollock’s work is non-representational, meaning it didn’t look like anything. Instead, he tried to show emotions, like happiness or anger,… Read More
Junior School Science, Autumn Term 2022
At Durston House Junior School, the boys cover various topics in their curriculum. The Year 4 Autumn 1 term sees the boys learning about ‘Sound’ and the Year 3 Autumn 1 term covers ‘Health Eating’. Over the Autumn term, many experiments took place which allowed boys to use their investigative… Read More
Year 4 Outing to Ealing Synagogue
As part of their T.P.R. topic (Theology, Philosophy & Religion) on Judaism, Year 4 visited Ealing Synagogue to find out more about the religion and study the layout and features of this important place of worship. Rabbi Vogel met us at the synagogue and was our… Read More
Exploring Black History Month through Literature at Durston House
Our School Librarian Mr White has actively sourced a range of literature to support and promote Black History Month across the Pre-Prep, Junior School and Middle & Upper School. A combination of books were purchased that highlight the events and people who shape recent and more distant black history. Mr… Read More
Final Assembly, Summer Term 2022
“Work hard, be kind and amazing things will happen.”Conan O’ Brien Today, our Final Assembly took place at Haven Green Church. Led by Mr Stock, pupils, parents and staff came together to honour each other’s achievements this year, from the STEM Week Science Fair winners, to… Read More
Prize Day 2022 Round-up!
At Durston House, we seek every possible opportunity to reward pupils and to recognise their successes throughout the academic year. This week our annual prize giving ceremonies took place, which were the perfect end to a busy term. An occasion for pupils, parents and staff to gather & celebrate the… Read More
STEM Week 2022!
Boys threw themselves whole-heartedly into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Week. Throughout the week, boys across the school had the opportunity to learn about the engineering world. We welcomed a variety of current parents to our Career Talks; where they delivered workshops surrounding their field of work; from forensic… Read More
Junior School Science – Summer Term 20222
At Durston House Junior School, the boys cover various topics in their curriculum. The Year 4 Summer term sees the boys learning about ‘Habitats’ and the Year 3 Summer term covers ‘Light and Shadows’. Over the Summer term, many experiments took place which allowed boys to use their investigative skills… Read More
Junior School Sports Day 2022!
Last Monday Junior School pupils enjoyed a fun and activity filled afternoon! The day consisted of track events where boys competed to qualify for the afternoon track finals. All track events were timed, with the fastest six making it into the final. Boys then had a choice between a short… Read More
Year 3 Outing to Southall Gurdwara
As part of their T.P.R. Sikhism topic, Year 3 have an opportunity to visit the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Southall. This is a beautiful, purpose-built Gurdwara in the heart of the Sikh community in west London. We are fortunate enough to live local to this landmark building, enabling… Read More
TPR in Junior School, Summer Term
This term, Y4 study the Hindu religion as part of the T.P.R. topic. We are fortunate that our boys come from a diverse and multicultural heritage, which they are more than happy to share during T.P.R. studies. The boys learn about the importance of worship: at home, in the… Read More
Year 3 Visit to London Zoo!
On a bright sunny day, all the Y3 boys had their rucksack filled with snacks, lunch, drinks and of course, sunblock. They were ready to embark on an adventure around the London Zoo. Upon arrival, boys were split into two groups which explored the zoo from either end. Each group… Read More
Y4 visit to PGL – Trips Week 2022!
Rolling suitcases and chatty children down Longfield Walk indicated that it was finally the day of the Year 4 PGL trip! The bright sunshine and buoyant mood was palpable, with all boys brimming with excitement to wave goodbye to parents and head to Marchants Hill PGL. ‘Challenge by choice,’ is… Read More
Y5 History Trip to York – Trips Week 2022!
Year 5 spent their Trips Week exploring the ancient city of York and the surrounding area, deepening their knowledge and understanding of the history they are studying in the classroom. Whilst in York, the boys enjoyed stepping back to the time of the Norman Conquest with a visit to Clifford’s… Read More
Junior School Summer Arts Fair
Year 4, under the expert and encouraging eye of Mrs Hryschuk (Head of Art), showed off their striking creations using print and collage; their water colour interpretations of Monet’s bridge at Giverny formed an uplifting backdrop to our talented musicians. Year 3 boys highlighted the mood of summer and nature… Read More
Year 4 visit to London Wetlands Centre
The Y4 boys ventured to the London Wetlands Centre in Barnes which is a protected nature reserve. This trip forms part of Durston’s Summer Term on Habitats. Boys were split into two groups covering most of the wetlands from East to West. Upon walking, there was… Read More
Junior School Production of Robin Hood
A special production of Robin Hood was brought to life by the Junior School boys at the end of Spring term. In this classic struggle of good versus evil, Robin is – of course – the hero of the hour, as he fights for good against the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham and… Read More
Junior School Maths, Summer Term
Swiftly moving into the Summer Term, Mathematics in Junior School is sizzling. Year 3 continue to acquire skills for mastering decimals, which develops knowledge and understanding to aid the concepts of pounds and pence when learning about money and 12-hour/24-hour digital clock too. They have used decimal sliding lines to… Read More
Junior School Art, Spring Term
Last term, the Year 4 boys immensely enjoyed investigating printmaking, an artistic process that involves transferring images from a matrix onto another surface, such as paper or textile. Traditional printmaking techniques include woodcut, etching, engraving, and lithography, while modern artists have expanded available techniques to include screen-printing. The boys began… Read More
French in Junior School, Spring Term
Last term, the Year 3 and 4 boys explored different ways of cultivating their knowledge of French language and culture. Spoken French was given a dramatic twist at the beginning of term, with a wonderful live performance of Le Petit Chaperon Rouge (Little Red Riding Hood ) and Jacques et… Read More
Durston House and Harvington Prep to merge
We are delighted to announce that Durston House and Harvington Preparatory School in Ealing are to merge, creating a new and exceptional co-educational offer for West London families. As close neighbours, the schools already share deep roots within the local community, and have in common a time-honoured commitment to delivering… Read More
Science Round Up – Autumn Term 2021
Science Round Up – Autumn Term 2021 It has been another busy term in the Sciences Middle and Upper School. Back in September, Year 5 were introduced to the Science labs with an introductory course on Safety as part of the Science curriculum. This… Read More
English Storytelling
As part of Year 3’s English lessons, pupils take part in drama activities to retell stories. This benefits their learning in a multitude of ways, ranging from team work and confidence when speaking in front of others, to organising narrative and understanding story structure – as well as having fun!… Read More
Computer Science @ Junior School
As part of Year 3’s English lessons, pupils take part in drama activities to retell stories. This benefits their learning in a multitude of ways, ranging from team work and confidence when speaking in front of others, to organising narrative and understanding story structure – as well as… Read More
Maths Department – First Week Back
As part of Year 3’s English lessons, pupils take part in drama activities to retell stories. This benefits their learning in a multitude of ways, ranging from team work and confidence when speaking in front of others, to organising narrative and understanding story structure – as well as… Read More