Mon Sep 6 2010

School Subjects

Literacy

We encourage children to use language throughout the curriculum and as a means of developing their imagination. Children are given the opportunity to use language in all areas of the curriculum and they are taught the importance of listening to others and of contributing their own ideas to a discussion. Within the school we use drama to enact, create and develop stories, prediction and the consequence of decision making decisions. Dramatic role – play and puppetry helps children to develop confidence, understanding and language skills, which can then be transferred to their writing.

 Reading

In reading we aim for the children to:

Ø      Read fluently and with understanding and enjoyment; and

Ø      Develop the skills of retrieving information for a variety of purposes.

Reading skills are developed within the literacy hour where children are systematically taught a range of reading strategies. Big books are used for whole class teaching to help children learn word patterns and read meaningful text such as instructions and recipes. During group sessions children are taught to read with understanding, learning how to predict and sequence a story.

 

We acknowledge the important role that parents play in helping their children to become readers. Children are able to take individual reading books home in addition to those used during group reading sessions.

 Writing

Children are encouraged to write form a variety of stimuli including stories and poems as well as classroom activities and personal experience. The teaching of phonics, spelling and handwriting helps pupils to become confident to write independently at an early age. We teach children fluent, legible handwriting and encourage them to write with confidence and understanding. We also teach children grammar and punctuation.

  Mathematics

In mathematics our aims are:

Ø      To enable children to experience mathematics in a creative form as a tool for problem solving;

Ø      To increase children’s confidence in using mathematics, in making decisions, in explaining, discussing and asking questions;

Ø      To develop children’s ability to organise, communicate and manipulate information and to predict and describe patterns;

Ø      To apply mathematical concepts, skills and knowledge to other areas of the curriculum.

 

Children within the school are taught to value and use both mental and written strategies when completing calculations. They are given a variety of opportunities to handle shapes and experience different types of movement and measurement. Children are given the opportunity to be responsible for selecting and organising their own mathematical equipment. Teachers plan a range of whole class, group and individual activities that allow all children to participate fully regardless of their ability.

 

Overall our scheme is in line with the National Numeracy Framework and meets the requirements of the National Curriculum. Children will have the opportunities to use:

  • Mental arithmetic
  • Paper and pencil calculations
  • Mathematical Language
  • I.C.T
  • Problem solving strategies
  • Practical apparatus
  • Traditional techniques such as the learning of multiplication tables
      
Science

We believe that the emphasis in science lies in questioning the world around us to learn about living things, materials and the physical processes of electricity, forces, light and sound. Children are encouraged to explore from first hand experience with a focus on ‘Why?’ and ‘What would happen if…?’

 

Children are given the opportunity to become involved in planning aspects of their work. They decide on the focus, set up the fair test, make predictions, collect evidence and come to conclusions. They ma devise personal experiments, be involved in group discussions or be part of a whole class investigation.

 

Information, Communication and Technology

We want our children to develop the skills to use IT equipment purposefully and with confidence to communicate ideas, to classify, access and obtain information, for example through a CD ROM, to give signals and commands.

 

We want our children to enjoy using computers and to become self – assured, competent and independent when they use the appropriate software to aid and enhance their learning across the curriculum. We are developing further understanding of the potential of computer applications and communication through the internet both in the computer suite and individual classrooms.

 Design and Technology

An initial emphasis is placed on making skills such as cutting, measuring, joining, folding, building and assembling. Children then begin to plan their work, often through a specific design task, before making it, in order to fully develop their ideas. This encourages discussion and helps children to evaluate their work and suggest how improvements could be made. During activities children are encouraged to be aware of health and safety issues at all times.

   Art

Creativity is highly valued within our school. Children are given the opportunity to express themselves and their experiences through a range of materials and techniques and to learn skills to develop artistic awareness of pattern, texture, colour and form. Children are introduced to the work of other artists and crafts people to support their own artistic development and enhance their appreciation of our cultural heritage.

 Music

We would like all our children to enjoy music and to take part in a variety of musical activities. There are opportunities to sing, arrange accompaniments and to compose and perform their own music. The children listen to music and play singing games and musical instruments in order to develop musical skills and concepts. We value the place that music has in our school life as we join together for special occasions and celebrations.

 History

Our aim is to arouse the children curiosity about the past, to provide them with the skills of historical enquiry they need to discover for themselves and to show them different ways in which they can communicate their findings. Our approach is designed to develop the children’s sense of chronology. Children in reception share folders about themselves, while in Year One they look at the old village school. Children in Year Two make their own classroom museum and research topics beyond living memory.

 Geography

We aim to develop children’s geographical knowledge, skills and understanding as well as an awareness of their environment and contrasting localities. Activities are based on direct first hand experiences which focus on the immediate locality of the school and go on to explore contrasting localities at home and overseas. We encourage children to take and investigative approach through fieldwork, map work and information technology in order that they make their own personal response to their environment.

 

Physical Education

Children enjoy a minimum of two lessons in the school hall each week as well as having opportunities to work outside when the weather allows. Children take part in movement and dance lessons responding to recorded music and taped programmes. Large climbing apparatus and a variety of small apparatus such as bats, balls, hoops, quoits and skipping ropes are used. Children are also introduced to simple competitive games such as hockey.

 Religious Education and Collective WorshipThe teaching of RE makes an important contribution to the spiritual, moral and cultural development of our children. It enables them to seek knowledge and understanding of religions, whilst encouraging respect for the rights of people to hold beliefs that may differ from their own. We aim to help children n their search to develop their own beliefs, values and perceptions, which give meaning to one life. We want our children to become aware of those aspects of the world which arouse feelings of mystery and awe, wonder and pleasure and sadness to respond to them through story, music, art, drama and poetry. 

Collective worship is such that pupils of any religion or none may comfortably be present and participate as appropriate. Our ‘Get Together’ is a time when we can celebrate our achievements and learn about the needs and beliefs of others.

 In accordance with the Education Reform Act (1998) parents have the right to withdraw their children form RE and collective worship. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or issues that you may have with the Head teacher. Personal, Health and Social Education (PSHE)

Our children learn about looking after themselves as well as studying the subjects of the National Curriculum. We help our children to be aware of themselves as individuals and to understand the importance of healthy eating and road safety. We stress the importance of belonging to a community and considering the needs of others.

  Sex Education

No formal sex education is offered within the school, but teachers will deal discreetly and sensitively with any questions as they arise. Children are encouraged to learn about themselves, their bodies, senses and feelings, emotions and relationships. They learn about their growth and development as well as the need for increasing self- responsibility.

 Curriculum Enrichment

We aim to broaden our curriculum with literature and the arts as well as links with the local community. We have a regular programme of visits, for example to the village to find out bout life in the past, as well as to the local woods to enrich our work about insects. We work closely with the junior school and local playgroups and regularly welcome visitors such as authors and artists, into our school.