The National Curriculum consists of the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, RE and the Foundation Subjects of Design Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art and PE as well as Citzenship

Language

Language is central to the whole of the curriculum.  The National Curriculum divides language into areas of:

 

• Speaking and listening
• Reading
• Spelling
• Handwriting
• Written expression

Activities designed to develop the children’s speaking and listening skills are vital, both before and during the time they are learning to read and write.

Throughout the school a guided book band scheme is used.  We have home reading books which the children bring home to share with you.  As the children come into school when they are four, it is important that they learn to enjoy books and become confident with them.  As their confidence and fluency grows the children become familiar with study skills and finding out information for themselves.

In Key Stage 1 the children, as well as learning to read, begin to use non-fiction books to retrieve information – this skill is extended in Key Stage 2.

Literacy  Hour

Every school now teaches a Literacy hour each day.  Children share text, are involved with grammar and phonic work, as well as group reading and independent language activities. Homework activities are a regular part of Literacy, including reading practice and learning given spellings.

Writing

As well as learning to write themselves, they are able to utilise word processing programmes on the computer and acquire different kinds of writing for different purposes, eg science, reporting experiences and writing imaginatively.

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Maths

The school implements the National Numeracy Strategy and the children are involved in a daily maths lesson, which lasts for approximately an hour.

At the beginning of each maths lesson
the children do mental maths activities
to stimulate their mathematical brains!  They practise tables, number bonds and other relevant maths.

In the main lesson there is a ten/fifteen minute introduction where the children are taught the objectives, followed by individual or group practice on these skills.

Finally, the plenary does a quick round up of what has been taught or may move on to the next stage.
Not only do the children study number, but maths also includes problem solving, shape, measures, handling data and more.

There will be some maths homework, which is sometimes more practice of what they have been doing in class or practising number bonds or tables through games, a worksheet or even just exercising ‘their brains.

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Science

Science is a core subject and has a high profile in our school.  Our KS2 SATs results reflect the dedication of our Science Manager, who also runs a Science Club.  This year our KS2 pass rate was 100%!!

Many of the projects are scientifically based.  Through experimenting and problem solving the children become independent thinkers and learn to work together, sharing and learning to accept the ideas of the other children.

By using starting points such as ‘a bike day’ or a visit to the science museum or a display of moving toys, children can observe, experiment and cover their objectives from the National Curriculum.

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Information Communication Technology

ICT has become increasingly prominent in school.  As well as computers in each classroom, our pupils have the opportunity to use networked computers in the computer suite.  This enables more children to learn ICT skills on a more regular basis. Interactive Whiteboards were installed in 2007.

 

Religious Education

The Warwickshire Syllabus is followed for Religious Education, Christianity forms the largest area of study but other faiths are studied to equip pupils to live in a multi ethnic society.

Collective Worship
A daily act of worship takes place each day usually in the main Hall. Once a week a class act of Collective Worship takes place. All members of staff lead Collective Worship and each Friday certificates and awards are presented to celebrate achievements. Regular visitors take part in Collective Worship including the Vicar and the members of the Church Music Group. Any parent has the right to withdraw their child from RE and Collective Worship. Before exercising that right the Headteacher would urge that parents discuss with her the full implications of withdrawal from this important aspect of the curriculum. Alternative arrangements will be made for pupils who are withdrawn.  

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Design and Technology

Children need to learn the basic skills involved in designing and using their own inventions.  Technology is apparent in all areas of the curriculum as well as in its own right.

History and Geography

The foundation subject of Geography includes work on the immediate locality as well as other countries. Physical skills in map-making are developed.

The history curriculum is based on knowing about famous characters in history, learning about artefacts and studying six core areas for Key Stage 2 eg Romans and World War 2.

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PE / Movement / Drama



These areas provide opportunities for children to develop skills of co-operation, imagination and independence.

Games skills are taught to Key Stage 2 children, with team games of football, netball, hockey and athletics.  The Anker Valley Partnership provides many extra sports and games and come to school to give expert tuition.  The children also go to Polesworth International Language College to take part in inter-school sports.

Music



When your children reach Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 they get the opportunity to play a musical instrument.  At present the children are learning flute, clarinet, guitar and steel pans.  Lessons are weekly and are paid for termly or weekly by arrangement with the office.  The music teachers are recommended by the Warwickshire Local Authority.

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