Classes are arranged in year groups whenever possible although sometimes it is necessary to have mixed age group classes.
Children of all ages are offered a broad and balanced curriculum in line with government guidelines. The curriculum covers language and literacy, mathematics, science, ICT, design technology, humanities, art, music, PE and religious education. Within the framework of this curriculum the staff also take into account multi-cultural education, equal opportunities, personal, social and health education, road safety and environmental education.
Through careful planning and record keeping the school ensures full coverage of all areas in the course of a year. A greater proportion of teaching time is devoted to English, mathematics and science.
Each class has a daily literacy and mathematics lesson which follow the national strategies. Some lessons or parts of lessons are taught on a whole class basis. Children also work in groups according to their ability, or in mixed ability groups when appropriate.
Teachers are continually assessing and recording each child’s progress so that appropriate work can be planned.
ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
Children are provided with regular opportunities to use computers in school. Our computers are connected to the Internet and children have supervised access.
The following rules apply:
We expect all children to be responsible for their own behaviour on the Internet. This includes materials they choose to access and language they use
Children using the World Wide Web are expected not to seek out deliberately offensive materials. Should any child encounter such materials accidentally they should report it immediately to a teacher
E-mail communications would only be under direct supervision of an adult
Children must ask permission before accessing the Internet
Children should not access other people’s files without permission
Computers should only be used for school work
No program files may be downloaded to the computer from the Internet
No programmes on disc or CD-ROM should be brought from home for use in school
Children not complying with these expectations will be warned and may be denied access to Internet resources.
Religious Education and Collective Worship
The school follows the principles laid down in the Bexley Agreed Syllabus for RE. Assemblies take place daily. Although these are broadly Christian we also try to reflect the multi-cultural nature of the school, and festivals of different cultures and religions are recognised and celebrated. Acts of collective worship take place at the end of assembly.
Pupils may be withdrawn from RE lessons and collective worship at their parents’ request. These pupils usually sit by the secretary’s office or are supervised in class by Learning Support Assistants.
Special Educational Needs
In each class there are children with widely differing abilities. Teachers take this into account when planning work so that the most able are stretched and those with difficulties are supported.
Where a child has a special educational need, class teachers work with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) to ensure appropriate programmes are drawn up. Mrs Pearson is the SENCo and she manages special needs provision throughout the school. The school also employs a part-time SEN teacher as well as a number of Learning Support Assistants who work alongside teachers to provide additional support for children.
We will always share our concerns with parents and encourage parents to work with us to support their child.
The school’s Policy for Special Educational Needs follows the government’s Code of Practice. Our policy has recently been up-dated to ensure all regulations are being met, and is available for inspection from the school office.
Gifted and Talented Pupils
The school has a policy and procedures for identifying gifted and talented pupils. Enrichment and extension activities are provided as necessary to ensure individual needs are being met.
Sport
We aim to enable pupils to plan and perform simple skills safely and show control in linking actions together, as a pre-requisite to more formal games, team sports, dance and gymnastics activities. We aim to enable pupils to develop an awareness of their physical capabilities and understand how to achieve health and physical fitness. We encourage them to work together co-operatively.
Sex and Relationship Education
Sex and Relationship Education is taught through the National Curriculum for Science and as part of the school’s wider curriculum for Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship. Although no specific education is given on sexual matters any questions asked by a child would be tactfully answered by the class teacher, in a manner suitable to young children.
Extra Curricular Activities
A wide range of activities are offered at lunchtimes including an indoor club, football training and use of the adventure trail. Additional club activities are organised by teachers at various times.
Violin lessons are offered to pupils in Year 2.
Participation in Short Visits to Local Venues.
From time to time your child will be given the opportunity to make visits to places of interest to support the work in the classroom. Some visits are local but where transport and/or an entrance fee is required parents are asked to make a contribution towards the cost of the trip. All visits are appropriately supervised by teachers and other adults. Parents are often invited to join us.
