It is important as far as possible that the process of learning and discovery at all levels of education should be exciting and exhilarating. Happy pupils working in a pleasant environment are most likely to realise their full potential. This is nowhere so obvious than in the early years of schooling where a good start is so vital, helping to lay the foundations for building on in later years. Our Nursery has been purposefully planned to ensure that the children have full opportunity to experience a rich variety of practical activities. This practical approach is continued into Reception and throughout school, providing a firm foundation on which skills and knowledge can grow.
 
All children at school experience a topic based approach to the curriculum. The topics undertaken by each class are planned on either subject or cross-curricular themes incorporating the attainment targets of the National Curriculum subjects.
English
The use of English is seen to be of paramount importance, and the basis of sound progress in all areas of work. From the earliest stages starting in the Nursery, children are encouraged to read and to listen, and to express themselves clearly, using the spoken and the written word.
The children are taught to read with understanding, using several reading schemes including Reading 360, All Aboard and Story Chest. These are matched to the children and their needs. The children are encouraged to take books home, and parents are asked to listen to their children reading at home.
Mathematics
The Abacus Maths Scheme is the basis for our Maths work. This is a comprehensive scheme of workbooks, workcards and text books. The scheme is supplemented with practical and investigative work. Children work both independently and in groups, with whole class teaching when applicable. The skills mastered enable children to use maths in topic work, the environment, and a variety of other practical ways within the curriculum.
Science
Science is organised around planned project and topic work, with an emphasis on practical application. We encourage pupils to try things out, notice how things work, form their own theories and record their conclusions.
Information Technology
Each classroom has its own computer, and the school also has a Computer Suite where all pupils are given hands on experience. The computers are a valuable teaching tool and children use them to aid understanding, the acquisition of knowledge and also to enhance the quality of their work e.g., using the machine as a word processor, data handling etc.
Physical Education (PE) / Games / Swimming
All children are expected to join in PE and games unless they are excluded on health grounds. The activities offered give the children opportunities to develop their own physical skills and group skills as well as self-confidence and a positive attitude to personal hygiene. Each pupil will require PE clothing, T-shirt and shorts/leotard and a pair of pumps. Children in Years 3,4,5 and 6 will also require winter games wear i.e., jogging bottoms and a sweat shirt/jumper.
The fourth and fifth year children have weekly swimming lessons at Fearnville Baths and will need to bring their own towel and costume/swimming trunks.
Children cannot be excused Swimming or PE unless a letter from the parent is received giving reasons.
History and Geography
History and Geography topics are structured to incorporate the attainment targets of the National Curriculum. This allows for focused subject teaching and also cross-curricular teaching.
Music and Art
The expressive and creative arts are integrated into topic work as well as being subject taught when appropriate.
Religious Education
We aim to educate pupils in their own religion and that of others, so that they have some understanding of the major world religions. There is collective worship at school that is broadly Christian, and stresses the importance of care, respect and understanding. Parents who wish to withdraw their children from collective worship may do so by informing, in writing, the Head Teacher.
Citizenship, Health and Sex Education
Health and Sex Education are important areas of the curriculum, helping to equip children with the skills to make happy, responsible and successful adults. We aim to enable children to make informed choices and decisions and to build their self-esteem.
Parents who wish to withdraw their children from Sex Education may do so by informing, in writing, the Head Teacher.
Special Needs Provision
If a child has difficulties at school we can with parents consent call on the Education Psychology Service. They provide an individual assessment of the pupil and, if necessary, a planned programme of support. For some children there is a written statement of need and where appropriate, extra teaching provision.
If children are under stress at home or at school, their progress may suffer. Our concern is for the children and their welfare, and we hope that if parents are worried about their child they will contact us. We are always ready to discuss any problems in complete confidence.
Extra Curricular After School Clubs
Our teachers give freely of their own time to run after school clubs for children, and we feel very proud of this at Grange Farm. The range of activities offered varies depending on the specialist interests of individual staff. At present we have
Football Club, Choir, Art Club and Rugby Club. |