The Curriculum In Detail

Please install Flash® and turn on Javascript.

Mathematics

Our teaching is based on the Numeracy Framework, mainly supported by the Abacus Evolve Maths scheme. This scheme is based around the structure of delivering a mental / oral starter, a main teaching activity, structured group work and a plenary.

Exploration and Investigation

Personal, Social and Health Education, Science, Design Technology, History and Geography are taught through topic work. A total of twelve topics are taught during Years 1 and 2. The topics are designed to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum and to meet the needs of children. We send home a "parent sheet" for each topic, which provides information about the core content of the topics which their children are investigating.

Information Communication Technology (ICT)

ICT is taught across the curriculum and as a discrete subject. Children work with laptops, tape recorders and programmable toys. Each class has a digital camera. Whiteboard technology is used in every classroom and appropriate software is used to enhance learning across the curriculum. We use pupil laptops for whole class and group work which enables us to be diverse and creative with our approaches to ICT.

Creative Arts

Music, Dance, Drama, Art and Craft work are all important aspects of learning for Infant age children. We encourage the development of skills, appreciation of the work of other artists and the expression of the children's own ideas and feelings.

Physical Education (PE)

We offer a well-balanced programme of physical activities focusing on dance, gymnastics and games skills. Children are encouraged to develop balance, poise and control, as well as skills, strength and flexibility. We offer a range of clubs run by staff and other external providers. Previous clubs have included multi-skills, football, netball and cricket.

RE

We aim to give children an understanding of the many religions in the world through our RE teaching. In Years 1 and 2, most work is based around the study of two main world religions – Christianity and Judaism. We teach children about  some of the customs and traditions found in different religions helping them gain understanding and a tolerance of the beliefs of others.  We also help the children to examine their own lives and their place in the wider community.
You have the right to withdraw your child from this subject but you may be required to set work for or possibly supervise your child during this time, in line with the school’s policy.  If you wish to withdraw your child from some or all of these lessons, please talk to the Head.

Collective worship

In line with the 1988 Education Act, we provide a time for collective worship every day. The Act also states that this should be broadly Christian in character. We draw on shared experiences, stories from other faiths and we offer children time for reflection. Our school Values are core to our school and we often explore issues related to them.
You have the right to withdraw your child from collective worship but in line with school policy, we will not be setting extra work during this time. If you wish to withdraw your child from some or all of these lessons, please talk to the Head.
We teach aspects of citizenship within Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Social & Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL).

Sex Education

Sex Education is not part of our curriculum, although if questions arise during our topic work, they are answered sensitively and carefully by class teachers.

English

We offer a huge variety of books for your children to read, including those from high quality reading schemes and a variety of ‘real books’.  We ask parents to share in the teaching of reading both at home and in school.  For Years 1 and 2, we have Book Time sessions running on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings 8.50-9.10am and we warmly invite you to spend these sessions reading with your child. A workshop will be offered to you before we introduce these sessions so that you can come along and find out how they work. Phonics is taught daily and children are taught in differentiated groups, to allow us to meet their needs successfully. There may be a weekly spelling list. Our English teaching for the most part is based on the Literacy Framework. We teach different genres of writing including poetry, non fiction and narrative writing and we endeavour to have interesting, dynamic learning experiences to suit all learning styles on offer to excite and enthuse our children about English.