Our School Curriculum Areas
EnglishThe study of English develops the children's abilities to listen, speak, and read and write for a range of purposes. English is a core subject for all children in Key Stages 1 and 2 and is taught through the CLL (Communication, Language and Literacy) area of the Early Year Foundation Stage.
Literacy Hour
We teach literacy every day in KS1 and KS2. Children share books, are involved with grammar and phonic work, as well as group reading and independent language activities. Children in Foundation Stage follow the 'Letters and Sounds' phonic programme, as well as developing early literacy skills through a play based curriculum.
Speaking and Listening
We provide a wide range of activities designed to develop the children's speaking and listening skills. Children are encouraged to listen carefully to others, and to take turns when involved in group discussions. Opportunities for Drama also encourage them to speak clearly, fluently and confidently.
Reading
We use the Guided Book Band scheme in school to help us to structure our reading programme. We have a wide selection of books from different genres, both fiction and non-fiction. The children are encouraged to bring home books to share with you. We feel that it is crucial that children learn to enjoy books from an early age, and that they develop a real love of reading.
Writing
The children write for a variety of different purposes across the curriculum. For instance as well writing imaginative stories and poetry in Literacy lessons, they might write a recount in Geography and a report in Science. We provide a variety of special events in school, such as a 'Circus Day' or a visit from a children's author, which provide an exciting stimulus for written work.
Maths
All children in KS1 and KS2 are involved in a daily Maths lesson.
At the beginning of each lesson the children do mental maths activities such as times tables, number bonds, counting in steps and patterns and problem solving.
In the main part of the lesson there is 10 - 15 minutes of whole class teaching followed by consolidation of the main teaching objective in small groups.
Finally, the plenary does a quick round up of what has been taught, deals with any problems or misconceptions, or extends the topic into the next stage of learning.
As well as number, maths also includes problem solving, shape and measures, and handling data.
Children in the Foundation Stage learn about Mathematical concepts through practical activities, such as cooking and working in the sand or water trays. They also learn how to count, to recognise numbers and shapes and to use measures in real-life contexts.
Science
Science is a core subject and has a high profile in our school.
Science stimulates and excites children's curiosity about things in the world around them. Through practical investigations, direct observation and measurement and evaluation, this curiosity can be satisfied with scientific knowledge.
By using starting points such as a 'bring your bike to school day' or a visit to the science museum or a display of moving toys, children can work practically to cover many of the aspects of the National Curriculum for Science.
