The school has a Curriculum Policy which sets out how the curriculum is A copy is available on request.
Our academic programme follows the National Curriculum of core and foundation subjects. We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, social, creative, mental and physical development of all our pupils, to their highest level. This will provide a solid foundation on which Secondary education can be built.
The National Curriculum Core subjects: English; Mathematics; Science Foundation subjects; Information Communication Technology (ICT) History Geography Design Technology Music Art Physical Education (PE) In addition there must be a programme of Religious Education and a daily act of collective worship. The content of each subject is outlined in documents, which are available on request. Teachers plan activities and work appropriately for the age and ability of the children.
Curriculum organisation All our children are arranged in mixed ability classes. Children are often organised in ability groups within their class.
English Language is the key to successful learning. Our aim is that children express themselves to the best of their ability in the three areas of language development: Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. We focus closely on building these basic skills through a daily Literacy Hour.
Reading We vigorously promote the use and appreciation of books. Reading is taught systematically and carefully to all children to develop the confidence and skills they need with fluency and understanding. Children are encouraged to take books home. We have a Reading Diary for monitoring progress at home and school. Children who read regularly with their parents are most likely to make good progress.
Writing A clear style of joined handwriting is taught which encourages the best practice in writing and spelling. Children are encouraged to discuss ideas and communicate clearly with others, through working on a wide variety of themes and topics.
Mathematics Confidence, enjoyment and understanding are key features of our work in mathematics. Through daily Numeracy lessons, we aim to help each pupil to enjoy and appreciate the challenge and relevance of mathematics through practical activities and tasks. We emphasise the learning and mastery of basic number bonds and tables. These patterns form the basis of much of our investigation and problem solving work in Shape and Space, Number, Algebra, Data Handling and Mental Arithmetic.
Science Science is taught with an emphasis on investigation, observation, discussion, experimentation and recording. Science is seen as a way of gaining knowledge and understanding of the world around us and developing a scientific enquiring mind.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) We have an excellent ICT suite where the computers are networked from a main server and are all connected to the Internet. Each class has one ICT lesson in the computer suite each week. Also the computers are used for other areas of the curriculum and children may have other lessons such as English, Maths etc., in the computer suite. Most classes have a computer and also have use of laptops.
Design and Technology Technology encompasses many areas of the curriculum, especially Science, Maths, and Art. It is essential a practical subject where children may work co-operatively to explore designing, planning, making and evaluating products as well as to develop an awareness of the safe use and application of appropriate tools.
History and Geography They are incorporated in much of our topic study themes and may be taught in separate lessons. Children are encouraged to plan their work, developing and using research skills. Through studying a variety of documents, photographs, charts, books and artefacts, children investigate change and continuity over time. The local area features prominently in our studies and children consider ways in which we can protect our vulnerable environment.
Music All children are encouraged to appreciate many types of music through listening, singing and using musical instruments. The pupils have a music lesson, taken by a specialist teacher, once every fortnight.
Art Children are encouraged to use diverse techniques and materials in art and craft. We aim for them to develop their creative, appreciative and critical faculties while exploring those of recognised artists.
Physical Education (PE) There are indoor lessons using the hall and outdoor lessons using the playground and field. Physical skills are encouraged and developed through Games, Gymnastics, Dance, Athletics and Outdoor Adventurous Activities. Swimming is available to all children.
As PE is a compulsory part of the statutory school curriculum through out the year, appropriate kit must be provided. A covering note, (or, in the case of prolonged withdrawal, a medical certificate) is required in order to be excused from physical education.
Religious Education (RE) By law, RE is required as part of the curriculum and there must be provision for all pupils. We try to reflect a broadly Christian content whilst taking into consideration the teaching and practices of other main religious traditions represented in Britain. We believe that knowledge and understanding of all faiths help children to respect the rights of others to hold different beliefs. Our assemblies are broadly Christian with consideration given to moral and social development. We hold an assembly each day. This time together is very important in building and maintaining our school. Parents are often invited to attend Class Assemblies. Please note: Parents who wish their children to be excluded from RE and /or assembly should contact the headteacher.
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) includes all areas relevant to the child's physical, emotional, social and personal development. Topics such as personal safety, first aid, hygiene, nutrition, bullying, stranger danger and health issues are covered. Where relevant we enlist the advice and specialist support of outside agencies, including the Nurse, the Road Safety Team and Community Police.
Citizenship Citizenship gives pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in our school. It helps them to become informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens, aware of their duties and rights.
Sex Education Our curriculum helps children to make sense of the world in which they live and this includes human development relationships. Specifically, planned lessons to introduce and explain puberty are usually presented to the children in Years 5 and Years 6 by the class teachers in the summer term. Parents will be given prior notice of the material that includes a video, which may be viewed by parents, and a collection of appropriate books. Sex education may also be dealt with on a day to day basis in class as and when appropriate. Parents have a right to withdraw children from some aspects of this work on request to the Headteacher. A copy of the school Sex Education Policy is available. |