The Maynard School Junior Department provides a thorough preparation for all aspects of the Main School educational programme (please see separate description). Since entry is highly selective there is no further qualifying test for transfer from the Junior Department to Main School, and Senior Heads of Department oversee the junior pupils' curriculum. Classes are housed in Traceyville, a separate specialist building for 7 - 10 year old girls; it has its own library and Assembly Hall, but pupils also enjoy the advantages of specialist Main School facilities for Art, Science, Computing and Physical Education.
The Junior Department is very much regarded as an integrated element of the whole school. Its pupils attend Main School Assembly (conducted by the Headmistress) once a week, and Sixth-formers give regular help both in the classroom and by running dinner break clubs. The benefit for seniors as well as juniors is considerable.
The atmosphere of Traceyville is purposeful but lively. Girls are trained in good study habits and are expected to work hard in academic areas, but there is also a strong emphasis on the development and enjoyment of musical skills, dramatic presentation and athletic prowess. The daily Assembly focuses pupils' spiritual development. Regular trips are organised, and visiting speakers bring their specialist interests into school. A wide range of club activities is on offer during the girls' dinner-break, from Junior Choir, Wind Band and Junior Orchestra to Chess and Computing. Form tutors and teachers work in close co-operation to ensure the girls' pastoral welfare, and parents are welcome to come in for discussion of their daughter's progress at the end of any school day.
Individual tuition is available as an extra in piano, stringed and wind instruments, percussion, singing and speech. The School is an official centre for examination in all the above, and pupils have the opportunity to compete in The Devon and Exeter Festival each Spring.
Visitors are welcome by appointment; prospectus available on request. The Maynard School has its own homepage on The World Wide Web. Its URL is http://www.zynet.co.uk/maynard/Welcome.htm
