The Curriculum
English : Mathematics : Science
: ICT and Technology : PE
: Religious Education : Art
and Music
English
Speaking and Listening
We aim to develop to the full a child's ability to listen
attentively, speak clearly and freely to children and adults
and also to be confident in the ability to communicate.
(Callers to school may find the telephone answered by one
of our children). Imaginative play and drama are aids to
this development.
Reading
There is a structured and colour-coded reading programme
in operation in school to give variety and depth. Our core
schemes for reading are:-
- 1, 2, 3 and Away by Sheila McCullagh
- Ginn Reading 360
- Oxford Reading Tree
- Ginn Lighthouse
- Storyworld
- All Aboard
Children are encouraged to read for enjoyment and we have
a comprehensive library in operation.
Every child is encouraged to take home books to read and
share with parents. In a relaxed and secure atmosphere,
we hope that children read both for pleasure and information.
Writing
There is an emphasis for children to hold a writing tool
properly and have a clear, legible style of handwriting.Our
scheme is 'A Hand for Spelling'. We aim to help children
to communicate in written form in a variety of ways —
factually, descriptively, imaginatively and to write stories
and poems of increasing length and complexity.
Spelling, punctuation and grammar are developed from the
National Literacy Strategy and appropriate Schemes of Work
At some time during the school day, the children hear stories
and poems to promote a love of literature and assist with
the development of a child's vocabulary.
Mathematics
We strive to link the world of mathematics to the children’s
everyday world. By giving opportunities for practical activities,
discussions and structured play, the children attain the concepts
underlying basic computational processes. When this is achieved
they are encourage to commit number bonds and multiplication
facts to memory.
The children frequently use their knowledge to solve problems
of a practical nature.We have as a school embraced the National
Numeracy Framework and use commercially produced schemes which
are closely aligned to the National Curriculum.
Children progress through practical activities, workbooks,
work cards and textbooks, appropriate to their stage of development
and understanding. Ongoing assessment plays a regular part
of Maths work.
Science
Our scientific work is practically based. Whenever possible
it is related to other subjects. The skill of observation,
collation of facts, research, discussion and recording in
a meaningful way, are developed.
From the youngest children onwards, the children are encouraged
to look on their environment and treat it with care and respect.
Plants are grown and observed and weather details studied
and recorded.
ICT and Technology
Children are encouraged to think, design and make artefacts
for a variety of purposes. They are also encouraged to be
critical of the end product with a view to improvement at
their next attempt.
We have 12 Alphasmarts (portable word processors) used mainly
in KS1, and 9 laptop computers. Each class has at least two
computers, a teacher’s laptop and an interactive whiteboard.
Cooking/Food Technology is taught to encourage a wide variety
of skills.
PE
PE is an important part of children’s development.
All children are expected to participate to the extent of
their confidence and ability. Lessons include - gymnastic
movement, dramatic dance, country dancing, games skills football/netball
and swimming. The PTA runs a Saturday morning football club,
and netball or rounders mid week, an After school Swim Club,
Saturday swimming lessons and a newly introduced Holiday swim.
Physical education develops children’s control of their
bodies, communication and co-operation and a healthy attitude
to exercise.
We occasionally meet with other schools for friendly matches
and during the summer we may have a Sports Day or Activity
Day where both individual and team events take place, the
children being encouraged (rather than forced) to participate.The
swimming pool at school is used during the summer months and
all children swim on a daily basis if weather permits.
Religious Education
The school is a Church of England Foundation School. The
local ministers join us regularly to share school prayers
and the children make visits to the church both as a class,
for curriculum work and as a whole school to celebrate such
events as the End of Year Concert. The aim of RE lessons is
to present a moral approach to life.
An Assembly is held each day. This may be taken by the Headteacher,
members of the local clergy, other teachers or the children
themselves. Stories from the Bible, from other religions and
a variety of other sources are used, with discussions arising
from the children’s own comments and experiences. Hymns
and appropriate songs are included.The school uses the Buckinghamshire
Agreed Syllabus. This we hope will lead to a tolerance of,
and respect for, other religions and denominations.
Pupils may be excused wholly or partly from assembly or Religious
Instructions on the written request of parents.
Curriculum Map
There is a curriculum map for the school to ensure there
is no repetition of topics, and work is based on Government
Units of Work and commercially produced schemes.
A copy of this map is kept in the School Entrance. During
the school year each class undertakes a variety of half termly
topics, each based on the QCA schemes of work. These topics
can also be linked in with Numeracy and Literacy.
A maths topic, eg Symmetry, gives scope for investigation
of shapes as well as observations of the natural world and
much opportunity for Art/Craft/Stitchery. A History/Geography
topic (eg Greeks or Romans) allows the children to look at
the past and see where we have grown from. The interdependence
of all countries of the world is stressed. The children are
encouraged to be understanding, and tolerant, of the differences
between peoples and also aware of similarities.
Art and Music
These are for expanding and enhancing our learning, and for
pleasure.Through painting, sketching, printing, needlework
and modelling, children can experiment with a variety of materials,
and find satisfaction in creative achievement.A specialist
teacher comes in one day a week to teach music throughout
the school.Music is learned through singing, playing percussion
instruments, and listening to all kinds of music, which can
be interpreted in movement, or imaginative writing or just
enjoyed. Recorder tuition is offered to KS2 children as part
of the music curriculum.
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