Curriculum

In order to achieve the aims of the school, a curriculum is provided which is broad and balanced and which develops the children's knowledge, skills and understanding through learning programmes and experiences appropriate to their learning abilities, irrespective of their gender, ethnic or social background or special educational needs.  Challenges will be offered to enable the highest standards of personal achievement.

In English units of work will include reading, spelling, punctuation, grammar and writing in a variety of different forms, sometimes using other subjects to show how the skill can be applied. 

The Mathematics curriculum includes regular oral and mental work, followed by the teaching of different strategies for solving problems, and children are given the opportunity to explain how they would solve a problem. Pupils will be given clear instructions and questioned to ascertain their understanding; they may also spend time working together in groups or in pairs.  There is a great emphasis on oral and mental work.

Information and Communication Technology has increased in importance with the rapid development in this field. A large investment has been made by the school to equip each class with the necessary hardware and software to enable children to exploit this to aid their learning. Each class has an interactive whiteboard and we have two sets of eight lap tops which can be used in the classrooms using our wireless connection. A school web site has also been established.

Science continues to be taught and is assessed at the end of both Key Stages.

Years 3 and 4 are taught French and Years 5 and 6 are taught German. 

Sex education has been included within the Health Education policy. In years 3 and 4, reproduction is discussed in general terms, within the Science curriculum. In Year 5 personal hygiene is studied and in Year 6 human reproduction is studied and videos are watched and discussed with the assistance of the Health Sister.  

The school promotes an understanding of the moral values that underpin society. These include respect for the law and an understanding of the values promoted by the major world religions.

The children are taught about the impact of human activity on the environment, and about the part they can play in minimising harmful effects and promoting positive attitudes in others. Conservation is discussed and each class has an area of the courtyard to look after. We recycle as much as possible, i.e. paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, tins and clothes.  

Parents have a right to withdraw their children from Religious Education, Collective Worship and Sex Education. If children are withdrawn from any of these they will be sent to another classroom with relevant work to complete unaided.

I always have an open door for parents who wish to discuss with me any worries or concerns about their children. It is important that the school knows of any difficulties that your child may be experiencing so that allowances can be made and problems investigated.

We hold two Open Evenings a year, in the Autumn and Spring terms. This gives parents an opportunity to see their child's work, to discuss their child's progress, and to find out what individual targets have been set and how they can assist their child in achieving their goals.  We will celebrate their strengths and work together to address weaknesses.