Assessment

Pupils in our Reception Class begin their learning from the Foundation Stage, leading into the National Curriculum as they progress.

A Baseline Assessment takes place for each child, shortly after entering Reception Class.

From Year 1, pupils will be taught in the National Curriculum Key Stages 1 or 2.

Key Stage One:Ages 5 to 7

Key Stage Two:Ages 8 to 11

Key Stage Assessments will take place at the end of Key Stages 1 and 2, and combined with these tests will be continuous assessment by the class teacher.

This assessment will enable you and us to see what your child has achieved and to help in planning the next stages of their learning to try and ensure continuity.  The results will also be useful when your child moves to secondary school or should you as a family move to a new area to live.

English

The basic skills of language development are speaking, listening, reading and writing.  As these skills are mastered, so a child is able to apply them to a wider range of tasks in other areas of the curriculum.

Literacy Strategy

Throughout the school the National Literacy Strategy has been implemented with the literacy hour.  A flexible approach has enabled us to incorporate many elements of existing good practice in the school.

Reading

'Oxford Reading Tree' and '1,2,3 and Away' form the core of our reading scheme, and as children progress these are supplemented by a range of books from class and school library.  Naturally, you are encouraged to support your child`s development at home by reading and sharing books in a positive way.

Writing, Grammar & Comprehension

These are taught through a range of teacher led activities and where appropriate are supported through the use of LCP support materials plus the published scheme 'English Alive' from Year 2 onwards.

Speaking and Listening is also a key area of development throughout the school.

Mathematics

The National Numeracy Strategy has been implemented throughout the school.  Monitoring is currently taking place by all teachers to ensure the maintenance of existing high standards of attainment by pupils.

The New Abacus scheme is used to support Key Stage 1 teaching and as it becomes available is being implemented at Key Stage 2. Cambridge Maths and other supplementary resources are also used.

Science

Science is taught through a process of thematic, topic-based work relating to the attainment targets and programmes of study within the National Curriculum guidelines.  Much of the learning is based on first-hand experience for the pupils and followed through with the application of the acquired knowledge, skills and understanding to new areas of development, drawing on a range of other subjects as appropriate.

I.C.T.

The school has a significant range of I.C.T. hardware and software.  Our computer suite facilitates whole class access to a fully networked system of twenty computers with "Windows 2000" software and access via broadband to the Internet. Other equipment available includes a library based PC with internet access, a scanner, digital camera, multi-media projector plus laser and colour printers.

Most recently, we have acquired interactive whiteboards plus projectors for development as classroom based teaching aids.

History, Geography, Art, Music, P.E. and D & T.

These remaining foundation subjects are structured within the requirements of the National Curriculum and are regularly reviewed and developed within the priorities incorporated in the schools Development Plan, subject to economic feasibility.

Music

As well as class music lessons, children from Year 4 upwards are given the opportunity to learn the recorder during lunch breaks and/or after school.  Those from Year 4 are able, if considered suitable, to learn the violin, and children in Years 5 and 6 may learn the flute or the clarinet, but must provide their own instruments.  A Brass tuition group is also now established as is classical guitar which proves to be a very popular instrument.  Places in these groups are limited however.   

Pupils in KS2 classes may also be considered for the school choir which meets after school.

Religious Education & Assemblies

Religious education comprises a daily school assembly and classroom based religious instruction in accordance with the County Agreed Syllabus.  Parents who wish their children to be wholly or partly excused from attendance at religious worship or instruction in school are asked to make their wishes known to the Headteacher.

Parents do have the right to withdraw their children from assemblies and R.E. but we would hope that our way of working avoids such action.  We are always happy to discuss any concerns on this matter.