Curriculum

 

Literacy, reading and writing

 

From reception, children are taught to write using the cursive script. Research shows that this is the best way to help your child develop their writing skills. By the end of Year 1 most children are confidently writing in joined up cursive writing.

 

Reading is achieved through phonetic awareness of words through a combination of letter sounds, letter blends and high frequency word lists.

 

Some parents have mentioned to us that this is unfamiliar to them. If you would like any assistance with this scheme of reading, please ask your child's teacher, who will be happy to help you in any way.

 

During Key Stage 1, we encourage our children to learn to speak confidently, increase their vocabulary and to listen to what others have to say. In conjunction to this, our children are beginning to read and write independently and with enthusiasm. We have a new and exciting teaching method, which we have found encourages children (boys and girls alike) to develop their writing confidence and ability to explore their own language, experiences and imagine, producing some outstanding work.

 

During Key Stage 2, our pupils learn to adapt their writing and speaking skills, relevant to a given situation, purpose or audience. They can interpret texts and explore the meanings behind them and begin to understand how the English language works. The pupils are encouraged to self analyse their work and critic others in a positive manner. This method of reviewing and improving work stands them in excellent stead for future secondary school work across all subjects.

 

Numeracy

 
During the reception year and Key Stage 1, children are developing their knowledge and understanding of numeracy and becoming confident with the basic skills of mathematics. Numeracy is taught through practical activities, explorations and use of practical, everyday situations. Mental calculation skills are developed as well as the shape and measurement aspects of numeracy, telling the time and solving real life situations.

 

During Key Stage 2 children are becoming more confident in the number system, calculations, measurements and mental calculation strategies. As with literacy, numeracy lessons are split according to the child's ability. This benefits all children equally as they are able to develop at their own pace, which at this stage of mathematical understanding is vital for a strong basis for future secondary school mathematical work.

 

Science

Our science lessons are based around the need to give our children a general understanding of the world around them. By practical exploration and investigation followed by discussion, children are encouraged to develop their understanding of science as well as the skills involved in planning, observing, investigating and questioning why. 

 

 

Year 1 have been learning about materials. This group has made a face with different types of  paper.

 

Geography, History, Design Technology, Art, PSHE

These subjects are taught within a termly topic subject. This allows the children to understand the subject within a topic of interest and relevance to them. By integrating the subjects, projects can be worked on using a variety of information and children are able to produce some excellent work covering more than one subject area. For more information on topics and subject relevance, please look at year work or speak to your child's teacher for more information.

 

 

ICT

ICT is used throughout the school in all subjects. From Reception classes to Year 6 classes, children are encouraged to use computers, interactive whiteboards and all forms of ICT to help develop learning.

 

Key Stage 2 children are all given unique passwords and access to the internet, under well supervised security systems.

 

 

PE

We believe that physical education is a very important part of our curriculum. The health and fitness of the children is paramount and helps with all areas of study, from fine motor skills (writing) to concentration.

Dance lessons are often linked to topic work or other relevant subject areas where possible. Gym and Games lessons are aimed at encouraging body movement and co-ordination. We also offer all of our Key Stage 1 children weekly swimming lessons for one term a year at Tides Leisure Centre. Swimming coaches are qualified instructors employed by Tides and are able to offer the very best swimming coaching available in the area.

 

 

Music

Children are given the opportunity to enjoy music from Reception. The main aim of our music lessons is to expose children to a wide range of music, including music from around the world as well as all forms of modern and olden music. Children are taught about various aspects of music and how to listen and understand the unique language it offers.

 

As well as the weekly class music lessons, we also offer after school clubs for guitar, recorder and choir.

 

RE

Religious Education is taught as a discrete subject, through assemblies, topic related or PHSE lessons. As well as more general moral issues, children are also taught about Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam. If you do not wish your child to any or all of these lessons or assemblies, please speak to your child's teacher.