Since the National Curriculum was first introduced in 1998, it has undergone a number of changes. The most recent set of changes is known as Curriculum 2000. At our school we cover three Key Stages:
· Foundation Stage- for children aged 3 to 5 years, in nursery and Reception classes.
· Key Stage 1- for children aged 5-7 years, in Year 1 and 2 classes
· Key Stage 2- for children aged 7-11 years, in Year 3 and 4 classes
Foundation Stage
At Nettlestone we provide a warm and welcoming environment for children starting at school. Good communication between families and school helps to ensure a smooth transition, but also enables the teacher to learn about each child from the adult that knows them best. Information from pre-schools will also help to ensure continuity of experience in the Foundation Stage.
At this stage, young children are developing rapidly and the Foundation Stage hopes to maximise on this potential. Children vary greatly in their maturity in different areas of development and their learning and development will need to be carefully planned to take account of individual achievements and needs. Children may be engaged in some whole class activities, some individual learning opportunities, or playing co-operatively in small groups.
At Nettlestone we aim to nurture and build upon the natural energy, enthusiasm, curiosity and sense of humour of children. In the Foundation Stage, we offer a variety of play opportunities to include imaginative play, designing and constructing, investigating and exploring sand and water, creative activities and energetic play both inside and outside. Through these experiences children's language will be enriched and their understanding of the natural and built world will be extended; physical abilities and co-ordination will develop; and levels of concentration and persistence will be raised.
‘The teacher in the Reception class has a good understanding of how children of this age learn and he ensures that all activities provided are carefully set up to match individual learning needs’ Ofsted report January 2005
Key Stages 1 and 2
The school curriculum helps to develop enjoyment of, and commitment to, learning as a means of encouraging and stimulating the best possible progress and the highest attainment for all pupils. It builds on pupils' strengths, interests and experiences and develops their confidence in their capacity to learn and work independently and collaboratively. It equips them with the essential learning skills of literacy, numeracy, and information and communication technology, and helps to promote an enquiring mind and capacity to think rationally.
By providing rich and varied contexts for pupils to acquire, develop and apply a broad range of knowledge, understanding and skills, the curriculum enables pupils to think creatively and critically, to solve problems and to make a difference for the better. It gives them the opportunity to become creative, innovative, enterprising and capable of leadership to equip them for their future lives as workers and citizens. It also helps to develop their physical skills and encourage them to recognise the importance of pursuing a healthy lifestyle and keeping themselves and others safe.
The school curriculum also promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and, in particular, develops principles for distinguishing between right and wrong. It helps to develop their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their own and different beliefs and cultures, and how these influence individuals and societies. The school curriculum should pass on enduring values, develop pupils' integrity and autonomy and help them to be responsible and caring citizens capable of contributing to the development of a just society. It should promote equal opportunities and enable pupils to challenge discrimination and stereotyping. It helps to develop their awareness and understanding of, and respect for, the environments in which they live, and secure their commitment to sustainable development at a personal, local, national and global level. The school curriculum promotes pupils' self-esteem and emotional well-being and helps them to form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships, based on respect for themselves and for others, at home, school, work and in the community.
‘Teaching and learning are good overall.’ Ofsted Report January 2005
At Key Stages 1 and 2 the same subjects are studied. These are;
o Core subjects: English, Mathematics Science and Information and Communication Technology (I.C.T.),
o Foundation subjects: Art and Design, Design and Technology, Geography, History, Music, and Physical Education (PE)
o In addition all children must study religious education unless they have been withdrawn from lessons by their parents. Parents wishing to withdraw pupils from acts of worship and religious education are asked to contact the Headteacher. A room is provided for Pupils who wish to follow through acts of worship other than that provided by the School.
· Sex Education: It is our Policy to answer children’s questions regarding sex, both honestly and frankly while taking into consideration the level of maturity and understanding that the child has. Children in Year 4 are shown the BBC television programme entitled “Sex Education”. We have a VHS recording of the 3 programmes and are keen to loan it to parents prior to showing it to their children. If you would like to borrow it, please contact the School Secretary. The school’s Sex Education Policy is followed by all staff. As with all school policies, a copy is available for parents to see from the school secretary | 