Overview

We follow the National Curriculum which is divided into the following phases at primary level:

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 3 to 5 years

Key stage 1 (KS1) 5 to 7 years

Key stage 2 (KS2) 7 to 11 years

The core subjects are:

Maths, Literacy and Science

The foundation subjects are:

Geography, History, PE, Music, RE, Art, Design & Technology, ICT, Foreign Language (French), PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education)

In the EYFS the 7 areas of learning are covered throughout the week, usually in 1/2 termly themes. 

In KS1 and 2 the foundation subjects are taught in a cross curricular way through themes and topics enabling children to make links in their learning. Elements of maths, literacy and science are taught within the topic where relevant, but otherwise are taught as stand alone subjects.

To cover the requirements of the National Curriculum we have a 2 year cycle of topics and themes. This is reviewed when necessary to keep our curriculum interesting, vibrant and, where possible, for the interests of the children:

CYCLE A click here

CYCLE B click here

Educational Visits

Taking children on trips adds an extra dynamic to learning in a social as well as academic sense.Trips for different age ranges have included: various museums, the zoo, the seaside, living history projects in the forest, the cathedral as well as using the village as a resource for local study.

Outdoor Learning

We consider that opportunities to learn outside are an essential element of the curriculum. We have dedicated, secure outdoor areas for all classes and are in the process of enhancing them further. In addition to school areas we have an allotment and constant access to Rowley Wood, which is a 5 minute walk through the fields.

Supporting Learning 

If you have any questions about our curriculum, please contact your child's class teacher or our Headteacher

English

The key skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening open up a world of learning in school and in the wider lives of our children. We believe children who are read to and then read them themselves develop a richer vocabulary and understanding of language which, in turn allows them to become effective writers in a range of styles. Most importantly, we want to engender a love of and enthusiasm for language and develop the natural talents and inclinations our children have.

Our English teaching is based on a range of approaches that we adapt to suit the needs of our children. Below are examples of some of the programmes we use at different ages and stages:

 Babcock Spelling

 Letters and Sounds, Jolly Phonics, Phonics Play (phonics schemes & materials)

 Oxford Reading Tree (reading scheme)

 Jelly and Bean (reading scheme)

 Project X (reading)

 Read Theory (computer-based reading programme)

 

 

Maths

We believe that all children are mathematicians and need the support to develop arithmetic fluency skills to apply to reasoning and problem solving in maths, with confidence.

To that end we are developing a Maths Mastery approach which develops the 3 key elements of maths:-

            - Fluency in numbers

            - Reasoning skills

            - Problem solving skills

To see our Mastery Strategy, click here

 

Sciences

Through science we aim to engender a sense of awe and wonder about the world we are part of and our interaction with it. We do this by learning about key aspects of biology, chemistry and physics in a thematic way and through topics that children can relate to. Wherever possible we make science a ‘hands on’ experience where children learn by investigation and questioning.

Geography

Our Geography curriculum aims to inspire a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people, that will remain with our children for the rest of their lives. We equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with an understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.

The 'Big Ideas': Throughout the geography curriculum human and physical features, settlements and interactions with our local and global environment will be common areas of exploration, enabling children to make progress in both their geographical skills and knowledge. Geographical enquiry helps children to learn about their immediate surroundings, the broader world and how the environment can affect their lives and determine decision-making. Through their study, children will  learn about responsible citizenship.

History

PE

In Physical Education we aim to develop a sense of physical confidence, health awareness and personal achievement, both individually and as part of a team. Over the time at our school, we give opportunities to develop specific skills, teamwork, develop an understanding of strategy, welcome competition and learn how physical activity contributes to a healthy mind and body.

Through regular lessons children learn a wide range of specific skills and have the opportunity to take some of these further in extra-curricular activities and events organised in the area such as tournaments and competitions. Children are encouraged to celebrate all successes and support each other in being the ‘best they can be’ from their starting point.

Swimming - click link

Music

In music we aim to give our children a range of creative experiences that allow them to explore and appreciate music from different cultures, traditions and eras. Through listening, singing, composing and then performing we hope children will enjoy sharing the skills they develop and begin to understand the impact that music can have emotionally and spiritually.

At our school, music is a key element, both through the curriculum lessons and in the wider opportunities we offer. These can include listening to professional musicians, singing in a choir or learning an instrument, performing in school and further afield such as in local events in the village and wider community-for example The cathedral or concert hall.

Art

Our Art and Design curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with knowledge and skills to create and experiment with a range of media in their art work.  We feel that all our children should explore and discuss art work from different periods and cultures and in a range of styles.

The 'Big Ideas': Throughout the Art and Design curriculum- creativity, expression, and appreciation will be common areas of exploration, enabling children to make progress in both their skills and knowledge.

 

DT

Our Design and Technology curriculum aims to give the children the freedom to express their creativity through exploring, designing and making with a range of materials and techniques. In doing this, the children look at the work of a variety of designers, past and present. We will encourage them to be creative problem-solvers and to apply their skills and also become critical thinkers through evaluating their designs and products and those of others.

The Big Ideas: Throughout the Design and Technology curriculum we foster imagination, innovation, problem-solving, risk taking, collaboration and evaluation.

MFL

Modern Foreign Languages and Cultural Learning is a key strength of our school. The Governors are committed to supporting the headteacher and other staff to maintain our current Linguarmarque status and seek opportunities for our pupils to continue to develop their language skills and develop a wider and deeper understanding of a range of cultures from around the world.

We aim to start teaching French from year 1&2 where possible, as we believe early learning through songs and games helps to build confidence and begin to develop an ear for language.

Once in KS2 our pupils learn through a carefully prepared curriculum based on themes such as Au camp d’aventure (At the adventure camp) and Je suis super-heros. There is opportunity to speak, write sing and act out scenes in French using everyday French and topic specific vocabulary as necessary.

Our parents have even joined us in a French lesson to see what we can do!

 

Click HERE for the French Curriculum Overview

 

French Curriculum Overview 2018-2019

French Curriculum Overview 2017-2018

PSHE

In PSHE we aim to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes needed for our children keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepare for life and work in a modern world. We believe that a well-delivered PSHE programme has an impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Our PSHE curriculum includes the development of key skills and personal qualities such as resilience, self-esteem, risk-management, team-working and critical thinking. These are set in the context of learning grouped into three core themes:

    · Health and Well-being

    · Relationships

    · Living in the Wider World (including economic wellbeing and aspects of careers education).

 

RE

ICT

In ICT and Computing we aim to we equip children to participate in a rapidly changing world, where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology.

It is our intention to enable children to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information to support their learning whilst developing the knowledge and skills to be discriminating and remain safe whilst online.