How we organise our Curriculum
The curriculum is organised to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum and our school aims.
Core subjects, Maths, English and Science form the basic curriculum. Technology, History, Geography, Music, IT, Art, Drama and Physical Education provide a broad balance. Religious Education and cross curricular subjects e.g. citizenship and skills also form an important part of the children's learning.
We aim to provide an active, child-based learning environment to enable every child to fulfil their potential academically, socially and morally, in order to prepare them for their place in society, at work and in their leisure time.
Literacy The National Literacy Strategy is used in all classes.
Listening & Talking The basis of communication is speech and from the early years, time is devoted to helping children express themselves fluently. As the child matures, encouragement is given to comments and opinions on matters relating to school and the wider world. The skill of being able to listen attentively is stressed. Correct usage of language will be encouraged.
Reading The importance of reading skills cannot be over stated. Our approach to reading includes a variety of strategies including basic knowledge of phonics. All pupils are encouraged to take books home for study work and reading practice. You are requested to hear your child read aloud every day. Younger children should be read to every day. Discussion of the story should occur with children of all ages. Questions "why?" and "how?" are very important as are questions about a particular author's style or subject matter. The school has a central library and all pupils are able to borrow books to take home. We are fortunate in having parents to help run this part of our school.
Written Work Pupils are taught to write in a creative and expressive way. Functional writing is developed in written reports, diaries and note making. Correct grammar and spelling techniques are taught. From the age of 8 pupils are expected to develop a clear joined handwriting style. Older pupils of 8 plus are encouraged to provide a good quality writing instrument. All pupils use a word processor during their programme of study.
Numeracy The National Numeracy Strategy is used in all classes. Numeracy involves the development of numeracy skills, investigative skills and understanding of geometric structure and construction. Children develop conceptual thinking skills and logical thinking. They learn number bonds and patterns (to add up, take away and learn their tables). They learn to apply their knowledge and to develop a positive attitude to the subject. Children are encouraged to use calculators and computer programs where appropriate.
Science and Technology Children learn skills and processes of observations, recording analysis, experimenting and extended thinking. Technology and IT allows problem solving which overlaps with Art and Craft. Health is included in Science and Sex Education is taught with these subjects.
As well as specific teaching spaces for technology and cooking (food technology) the school has an environmental area and nature pond. The school is also situated within easy access of the Avon Estuary and beaches allowing the pupils first hand experience of a wide variety of habitats.
ICT Children have access to computers with Broadband Internet Link. We have 13 computers which are all networked. Parents are requested to sign a form regarding access to the Internet. Computer skills are taught and computer programs are used to enhance the learning in other curriculum areas.
Humanities
History, Geography and RE are often taught thematically.
(Refer to the Rolling Programme for Themes)
Religious Education RE is taught by class teachers and follows the guidelines drawn up by Devon. Parents are reminded of their statutory right to withdraw their child from RE and Collective Acts of Worship. Assemblies are held every day. We visit St. Andrew's Church at least once a term in order to celebrate the major church festivals.
Music We are in the fortunate position of being able to employ a specialist music teacher for 1 morning a week. Funds for his come largely from the Church House Trust fund. All children benefit from this input.
In music the children experiment with voices, instruments and composition and become familiar with a variety of forms of music. More advanced instrumental tuition can be arranged. Parents have to cover the cost of any tuition. Details can be provided by the Headteacher.
Physical Education/Games The school has extensive facilities for a wide range of physical activities. Each child takes part in the following - Gymnastics - Small games activities - Swimming (summer) - Ttennis - Athletics - Dance - Drama. Variety of team games including - Netball - Hockey - Rounders - Cricket - Football
Special Educational Needs (SEN) All children may experience a Special Educational Need during their school life. This may not necessarily be an academic need but could be physical or emotional as well. It is our aim to identify such needs as early as possible and, in partnership with parents, to meet them from our resources or by drawing on agencies out side the school. Children with SEN are entitled to as full a participation as possible in the National Curriculum and we make provision for this to happen.
Swimming Facilities Aveton Gifford Primary School is very fortunate to have its own purpose built heated swimming pool with changing rooms on the school premises.
All the children have the opportunity to use the pool, both during school lessons and after school with the school swimming club.
The infants swim every day during the summer and all children are usually able to swim by the summer holidays.
All members of staff and parents who supervise must undergo regular life saving training. We arrange this on an annual basis.
For an annual fee, a key may be obtained to allow access to the pool during the summer evenings, weekends and the summer holidays. Details of membership can be obtained from the school.
There is an emergency telephone at the pool side.
Home - School Agreement This was drawn up as a result of consultation between parents, children, staff and governors. Parents & children are invited to sign a copy of this agreement on a yearly basis. The 'Golden Rules' that are part of this agreement are on display in the school entrance.
Documents and Regulations The school holds documents and regulations related to the National Curriculum, Education Acts and School Policies.
If you wish to see these, please contact the Administrative Officer, Mrs Tina Roberto. |