ORGANISATION AND CURRICULUM
The main aim of the school is to provide the best possible education for each child within a caring community, and to help every child to realise their full potential. We seek to offer a wide and well balanced curriculum with special emphasis on English, Maths, Science, ICT and R.E. We continue to see achievement in literacy and numeracy as of prime concern for the children and we encourage a partnership between parent and school in this.
In delivering a broad curriculum the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, R.E., and ICT are given a high percentage of time. History, Geography, Technology, Music, P.E. and Art are taught as subjects but through using appropriate study units, based on the National Curriculum documents. Personal, Social & Health Education and Citizenship are also taught. Sex & Relationship education is part of PSHE.
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
Visits form an important part of school studies and greatly enrich the children's experience. We seek parental support in continuing these visits. We do ask for a contribution towards the costs of these visits.
We continue to update our resources and seek to improve the environment both within and around the school.
Copies of: 1. The Local Educational Authority policies for the curriculum of schools. 2. The school's curriculum documents. 3. The school's development plan. 4. Published Ofsted Report. 5. The school's policy for Special Educational Needs
are all available in school for inspection.
If any parent has any questions regarding the National Curriculum and their child's access to it please contact the Headteacher.
THE 'CORE' NATIONAL CURRICULUM SUBJECTS
The National Curriculum is followed throughout Key Stage 2 with a greater emphasis on individual subject curriculum areas than in Key Stage 1. English, Mathematics, Science and ICT comprise the core subjects of the National Curriculum. The legal requirement is that a greater percentage of the child's curriculum time will be spent on these subjects than on the foundation subjects.
ENGLISH
We follow the Borough Literacy Project which emphasises the following four components.
- Speaking and listening - this entails accessing the many facets of the spoken word and listening attentively in order to comprehend a broad range of instructions.
- Reading - a wide range of strategies are used to encourage children to read with meaning, enjoyment and understanding at the earliest possible opportunity. The reading material used ensures breadth and encourages interest.
- Writing - the children are given the opportunity to write for different purposes and audiences.
- Spelling and handwriting - weekly spellings are given and tested. Strategies to improve spelling are taught. Good quality of handwriting is seen as very important.
MATHEMATICS
We follow the Borough Mathematics Scheme (Improving Primary Mathematics). A key feature of this scheme is ensuring that all children reach minimum requirements.
SCIENCE
Through practical experiences the children will have access to the following units within the Science scheme of work:
- experimental and investigative
- life processes and living things
- materials and properties, and
- physical processes.
ICT
We have a purpose built ICT suite which enables all children to receive a full ICT curriculum. This curriculum follows the Borough guidelines. We are continually seeking to develop this area.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education is delivered through a scheme of work based on the Agreed Syllabus for the LEA. We seek through Religious Education to encourage each child to develop an understanding and acceptance of all individuals. Some PSHE is taught through R.E. Any parent wishing to withdraw their child from Religious Education must contact the Headteacher.
HOMEWORK POLICY
All children will be set homework on a regular basis, in accordance with a policy which has recently been agreed by the teaching staff. This homework will support work done by children in school and will also foster good habits in preparation for secondary school when children will be expected to complete a much greater amount. The support of parents is crucial if children are to complete their homework carefully and hand it in on time.
PUPIL'S PROGRESS
During each term there will be an opportunity for personal interviews to take place, by appointment, between parents and the class teacher. The interviews will allow time to discuss your child's social and academic progress. I hope that you will take the opportunity. A written school report is provided each academic year.
COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
An act of collective worship is undertaken every day. This is led by the Headteacher and other members of staff. This may take a variety of forms including a celebrity guest, children's achievements, whole school and year group accomplishments. Each year your child will be involved in a class assembly that you are welcome to attend.
SEX AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION POLICY
The school's Sex Education & Relationship is part of PSHE & Citizenship. The children also receive knowledge through the National Curriculum for Science.
If any parent would like any further information please contact the Headteacher.
Parents may, after consideration, withdraw their children from Sex & Relationship Education but not from science. You may discuss this with the Headteacher.
PASTORAL CARE
Each class teacher is of course, primarily responsible for the pastoral care of their pupils. However, it must be appreciated that it is not always possible for them to be immediately available to discuss matters or problems with parents, particularly when they are teaching. An appointment may be sought by phone or letter. |