Curriculum
Literacy
Literacy is at the heart of the curriculum. Children’s learning and progress in other subjects often depends
on the learning of key skills in speaking and listening,reading and writing. Each child is given experience of
literacy activities which are applied across the curriculum and which provide a rich source of stimulus
and motivation.Reading activities are provided at three levels:
Guided reading activities allow children to develop
reading strategies matched to their ability.
Shared texts provide opportunities for all children to share and discuss a variety of texts with the teaching staff, that they may not otherwiseexperience.
Individual reading activities are provided for all pupils and those in need of individual
support.Written activities are linked to selected texts and will be delivered in a variety of forms and
contexts. Where possible, this will be for a real purpose and audience and will encompass
other areas of learning.Children are taught phonics, spelling patterns and handwriting to support their writing and to
build accuracy and speed.
As children move through the school, there is a greater emphasis on planning, drafting,
revising, proof reading and the presentation of writing and pupils continue to develop
independent strategies for spelling and self-assessment.
Numeracy
Mathematics teaching follows the National Numeracy strategy where children experience a range and balance of work matched to their individual needs and abilities. Each year group follows a carefully planned programme of learning which cover all aspects of the national curriculum.
The foundations of mental calculation and recall of number facts are given a high priority. Children are encouraged to make mental jottings and use informal methods of recording, based on their mental strategies, before any standard methods of recording are introduced. In all year groups, pupils are encouraged to demonstrate and explain their thinking and carry out a variety of problem solving activities.
Teaching is geared towards enabling each pupil to develop within their capabilities; not only the mathematical skills and understanding required for later life, but also an enthusiasm and fascination for maths itself and an ability to learn how to solve problems. Appropriate connections are made between the different areas of maths and by embedding these skills in other subjects children are encouraged to see the relevance of their learning.
Science
Science is taught weekly with focused units of work planned to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum. These lessons take into account the key scientific ideas, which children should experience, and have an
emphasis on investigative work.
Children are encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
They are provided with a broad range of investigative experiences, which develop:
The process of whole or part investigation.
Different types of investigation.
Illustrative activities.
Process skills.
An understanding of scientific vocabulary
ICT
Pupils have access to a wide range of audio- visual equipment, which they use in a variety of contexts and for a
variety of reasons. The school has a fully resourced computer suite, which is used by all pupils.
All classrooms have interactive smartboards, laptops/PC’s, and audio equipment.
Units of work are planned to develop specific skills and children are encouraged to apply
these skills across the curriculum. Children will have experience of a wide range of
resources, including photography and relevant software to support specific curriculum areas
and individual learning abilities. They will have access to Email and the Internet under adult
supervision and in accordance with the school’s Internet Security Policy.
History
In history, work is planned to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum, while making appropriate links with other areas of the curriculum. The approach in this subject is through enquiry based learning, whereby children are given the opportunity to answer open- ended questions and meet the challenge of investigating the past. Out of school visits are an important aspect of providing the children with a wide variety of learning experiences
Geography
The teaching of geography follows the guidance of the National Curriculum. Class based activities and field -work develop skills, knowledge and an understanding of places and themes. Children learn about environmental issues both locally and connected to the wider world. When it is appropriate, links are made to other areas of the
curriculum such as report writing in literacy or measurement in bothscience and maths.
Children in Early years and Key Stage One are encouraged to develop their descriptive
vocabulary and their understanding of how places differ. To help develop their geographical
language, pupils are encouraged to take Barnaby Bear on holiday and explain how the place
visited is different to where they live.
Children in Key Stage Two will build on these early skills by studying a range of differently sized and developed places, both in this country and in the developing world. Enquiry based learning forms the basis of our teaching, with children being given the pportunity to answer open-ended questions and meet the challenge of investigating the
world and the environments in which people live.As part of their work in geography, children will take part in a variety of field trips, ranging from surveying the local village to studying a river from source to mouth.
Design & Technology
Pupils will be taught to develop their design and technology capability through combining their design and making skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make a range of products for a variety
of purposes. Pupils will be given opportunities to work with a range of components. Children’s designing
skills are drawn from personal experience and clarified through discussion and analysis of existing products. They are encouraged to select materials, tools and techniques and are taught how to use these safely.
Religious Education
As a Church of England Primary School, we ensure that religious education is taught each week in accordance with the Shropshire Agreed Syllabus. Lessons in RE are broadly Christian with opportunities to learn about other religions and cultures. Children are encouraged to develop their own beliefs and values. We value the links with St Mary’s Church where we celebrate all major Christian festivals.
Both the Archdeacon as Governor of the school, and Reverend Balkwill, Vicar of St Mary’s
Church, are regular visitors to school. We hope that all parents will allow their child to participate in religious education lessons and acts of worship, but parents do have the right to withdraw their child. This must be done in
consultation with the Head teacher.
The Arts
Opportunities are provided for pupils to express their individuality by exploring and developing imaginative and technical skills in order to communicate ideas visually, musically and physically. A variety of experiences across a range of cultures enable pupils to be challenged whilst ensuring that learning is enjoyable and stimulating.
As well as curricular opportunities, regular art and music events are planned to enhance children’s learning and allow sufficient time to develop projects in greater depth.
The art curriculum is broad and balanced with a mix of two and three-dimensional work. Pupils use a range of media and techniques with artefacts and work of other artists supporting their learning. All pupils have a sketchbook in which they experiment with the different elements of art and record from observation. The music curriculum has a suitable mix of opportunities for pupils to appreciate, compose and perform. The school has a good selection of instruments, which support the curriculum. All pupils have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument through The Shropshire Music Service, join the school recorder club and school choir.
Dance lessons are part of our PE curriculum for all pupils. These lessons include traditional, historical and creative dance experiences, where pupils are involved in improvising, selecting, exploring and refining their movements as part of the process of composition. The school runs a dance club.
Opportunities for drama are provided within literacy lessons but may also be planned as part of other areas of the curriculum. Younger children particularly, will be engaged in social and dramatic play within the classroom structured play areas. The use of well-chosen stories and poems, puppets and musical instruments will enhance this provision.
School productions and class led assemblies provide other opportunities for children to participate in the arts.
Physical Education
The school has excellent facilities with a well -resourced hall and extensive outdoor facilities. Physical activity is encouraged at all times during the day: A full range of sports and activities are planned within the curriculum and as part of our ‘house’ activities. Break times provide pupils with a vast selection of play equipment from which to choose and a wide variety of after school clubs enable children to pursue their favourite activities.
Links are made with local clubs, RAF Cosford and Idsall school. The school has achieved The Sports Council Active Mark Gold for its provision and commitment to promoting physical activity for all. We aim to ensure that all children
enjoy a range of physical activities and understand and appreciate the benefits of
physical exercise. Whilst promoting the physical aspect of the subject but we are equally concerned that
children should be taught the conventions of fair play, honest competition and good sporting behaviour. Children will be expected to listen and respond to instructions and adhere to safety regulations.
Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship
The individual welfare of each child is paramount to effective learning. A happy and positive child is far more likely to achieve success. We promote good manners, thoughtfulness and an awareness of the needs of others at all times. We expect all pupils to respect school property and take pride in their appearance. The school has a
positive discipline policy which is available on admission.
Although not a statutory requirement, PSHE and citizenship is part of the school curriculum. A clear programme operates from reception to Year 6 and involves a variety of activities and events.The school is part of the Schools for Health project and has achieved National Healthy Schools status.