We aim to help each child realise its maximum potential. (Please refer to Inclusion Policy).
The National Curriculum core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science. These together with the Foundation subjects, History, Geography, Music, Art, Physical Education, Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology and Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education, form a broad, balanced curriculum. Provision is made for Religious Education. French is taught in Year 5 and 6 and swimming in Year 4. Pupils will be assessed and tested at regular intervals through teacher assessment and recognised standardised tests.
National tests (SATs) will be taken during Year 2 and Year 6.
English
We build on the language experience and skills which the children possess on entry to school. The children are taught to listen with care and to speak confidently in order to express their ideas, thoughts and opinions. We provide a broad English curriculum, consisting of drama, speaking and listening, reading and writing. We teach objectives from the National Literacy Strategy which includes reading a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts, poetry and plays, and writing for a range of audiences in various genres. Spelling and handwriting are also important parts of the English curriculum.
Mathematics
Children are taught basic mathematical skills in an exciting and stimulating way making good use of ICT, games and practical activities. They are then able to solve real life problems and complete practical tasks confidently. The National Numeracy Strategy is the main scheme of work.
Science
Investigative work provides a large part of the science in school. Children are encouraged to learn by observation, questioning, testing and evaluating, enabling them to have a sound knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live.
I.C.T.
Information and Communication Technology is used to support many areas of the curriculum and to enable children to become independent learners. We have spent a considerable sum of money upgrading our ICT provision. Currently there are 30 PCs in our computer suite as well as an interactive whiteboard, plus there are PCs and whiteboards in every classroom. Our vast range of software has enabled teachers to provide exciting and stimulating lessons through the use of visual images on the interactive whiteboards. We teach children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information. We also use a variety of other ICT such as digital/digiblue cameras and video recorders. We also have a comprehensive sound and lighting system in the main school hall.
Geography
In Geography we encourage an enquiring approach to stimulate pupils’ interest in their surroundings in both local and world studies. The children study a variety of physical and human geography.
History
Children develop an awareness of the past through stories and historical sources from different cultures and periods. As the children progress through the school they will move from familiar situations to those more distant in time and place.
Physical Education
We teach children the benefits of participating in physical activity. Through working with their peers, interpersonal skills and valuable qualities of commitment, fairness and enthusiasm are developed. There is a school field which is used for games. The school participates in team events and area tournaments.
The children in Year 4 attend the International Pool for swimming tuition.
All children are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of sporting activities. Specialised coaches work with all age groups throughout the year. Games are played competitively against local school teams. Regular practises for these sports take place during lunchtimes or after school.
A range of sports equipment is made available for the children to use during some playtimes.
Art, Design and Technology
Children are encouraged to design and make items for real purposes and produce good quality work. They will be taught the skills to enable them to use a wide variety of tools and media. Creativity and natural talents are valued.
Religious Education
Religious Education is studied with regard to the Leeds syllabus. If you wish your child to be withdrawn from R.E. lessons, please see the Headteacher to make alternative arrangements.
Music
Our aim is that children should enjoy music, whether listening, composing or performing. There are opportunities for children to have weekly private instrumental tuition. Please see the Headteacher if you wish your child to participate in these lessons.
Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship
PSHCE is taught using the Leeds syllabus and covers a broad range of topics. The pupils will learn about relationships, emotions and feelings, how to keep safe, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, growing up, medicines and drugs. The school aims to provide a caring environment where pupils feel safe and valued.
Homework
Learning is a partnership between home and school and children. A leaflet showing areas of study for the year will be sent to parents to enable study to be completed at home. (See Homework sheets). We believe that a child’s education should be fun, varied, active and academic. Parents are encouraged to support the school with the academic learning but are in an ideal position to provide other numerous activities for the physical and creative development of their child. We would like our children to be able to enjoy being children during their primary school years.
Sex and Relationships
This is taught as part of Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship Education. The School Nurse will give a series of talks to Years 5 and 6. These talks will be done in single sex year groups. A consent form will be sent home to all parents beforehand. A teacher will be present at each session. The teaching will aim to be complementary and supportive to parents.
Organisation of Classes
As a 1.5 entry school, it is usual for there to be some flexibility for the organisation of teaching groups. In Key Stage 2 the children are placed in three parallel classes (three classes of Year 3 and 4 children and three classes of Year 5 and 6 children). Children are also taught in ability groups for Numeracy and Literacy in KS2.
Key stage one classes are organised differently each year depending on the number of children in each cohort. There are two Reception classes, but all children are taught in the same room. The class groups are primarily for registration and pastoral care. |