Elangeni spans National Curriculum Y3 to Y6 (Key Stage 2). Each class is named after its N.C. year and the initial of its teacher’s surname. All classes are of mixed ability and emphasis is placed on a firm foundation of basic skills.
click here for the Key Stage 2 curriculum grid
The school teaches a daily Mathematics Hour within the framework of the National Numeracy Strategy. Mathematics is taught so that the needs of each child may be met. In most year groups the children are set for this subject.The importance of investigative skills is recognised and a proportion of mathematics taught will be of this nature.Time is also given to computation, both mentally and mechanically, but understanding is always emphasised. Dr Challoner’s Grammar School organises an annual Mathematics Master Class to which our gifted and talented Y6 children are invited.
“English should develop pupils’ abilities to communicate effectively in speech and writing and to listen with understanding. It should also enable them to be enthusiastic, responsive and knowledgeable readers.” (NC General Requirements for English KS1-4 p2) In order to fulfil these National Curriculum requirements for English and to emphasise how important good language development is for effective learning, English is taught as a separate subject and is then further reinforced through other curriculum areas.The school follows the National Literacy Strategy. Regular monitoring of children’s achievements enables teachers to meet the needs of every child. Children’s skills and interests can be further encouraged through attendance of a lunch time LAMDA* group and an after-school drama group. *LAMDA—This is a group that meets to practise the speaking of poetry and prose; this practice culminates in a formal examination by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Science is taught at all ages for two hours each week. Wherever possible the emphasis is on investigation and practical work in order to develop the skills necessary to devise and conduct fair experiments and record findings. Visits to support the science curriculum are made to places such as Shortenills Environmental Centre and Mop End. As a Primary Partner to Dr Challoner’s Grammar School Science College status, our Y5 children are invited each year to a ‘Science Day’ at the school. Dr Challoner’s Grammar School also organises an annual ‘Rocket Day’ when they work at Elangeni with our Y5 children.
Design Technology, too, has a practical emphasis, the children being challenged to solve problems by generating designs and applying their technical skills to make them and test them. Focused practical tasks are also set to extend the children’s skills. Safety is a primary concern of staff in both of these subjects and pupils are taught how to use all tools and equipment safely. The school has a very well-equipped science and technology area which each class may use.
Information and Communication Technology is taught as a subject in its own right and as a tool across the curriculum. We have a fully-equipped ICT suite of 19 work stations and a scanner. We also have computers in every classroom which are networked to the main ICT Suite and each classroom has an interactive whiteboard.
Religious Education follows the Buckinghamshire agreed syllabus and is designed to contribute educationally to the development of pupils as individuals and members of society. Pupils will be taught about the rites and customs of some of the world’s major religions. Parents have the right under the 1993 Education Act to withdraw their children from R.E. and collective worship and should contact the Headteacher if they wish to exercise this right.
History and Geography are taught through topic work and also as separate subjects.As part of the N.C. requirements the children will study specific periods and themes in history, conduct a study of the locality, learn map-reading skills, and cover a range of physical and regional geography. Each year in the summer term, we have a whole school ‘Project Week’ where we focus on one country culminating in a display and sharing of work throughout the school. A number of educational visits are made to support the humanities curriculum including visits to St. Albans, Sulgrave Manor and the Imperial War Museum.
Physical Education is taught in mixed groups throughout the school for two hours each week. It encompasses gymnastics, personal fitness, dance and drama. During games lessons, ball skills, team activities and athletics are taught. Specific games covered include netball, football, cricket, rounders, pop lacrosse and rugby.The school teams have a full programme of friendly and league matches including tournaments. A table-tennis club is run during lunchtime. We are a primary partner to Dr Challoner’s High School and as such are involved in many additional sporting activities throughout the year. We hold an annual Sports Day to which parents are invited, followed by a family picnic lunch on the field. Children in Y5 make an annual visit to Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre. The School has been awarded Activemark Gold for sport.
Music is taught as a class lesson where emphasis is on participation and creativity and the music curriculum extends beyond the classroom. There is specialist tuition from peripatetic teachers of violin, recorder,’ cello, guitar, clarinet, flute and brass instruments. Elangeni has a School Choir, which meets weekly, and the Elangeni School Orchestra which is led by a specialist teacher. In Y5 and Y6 music is taught by a specialist teacher. Each year we participate in the Amersham Schools Music Festival. In Art and Craft children are given the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities. They are encouraged to use various media to explore colour, line, tone and texture. A dedicated Art and Craft room is available where small groups are able to cook and participate in pottery, art and needlework.
French is taught throughout the school for half an hour each week. The direct method is used to take advantage of the children’s willingness to participate unselfconsciously at this age. Songs, games and role play are used to reinforce learning.
Personal, Social and Health Education pervades the whole curriculum and is also taught as a subject in its own right. In addition to the teaching, we hold evenings for ‘Mothers and Daughters’ and ‘Fathers and Sons’ each year to help parents deal with questions their children may have. Parents may choose at which stage to bring their daughters along and are recommended to bring their sons along in Y6. Sex and Relationships Education is part of the PSHE programme and the science curriculum. Our school policy is available on our website.
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