School Curriculum

Wednesday, 23 June 2010 10:09

Class Organisation

Our school has a three-form entry. However in 2012-13 we have four classes in our Foundation Stage.

There are ten classes of single age groups. The teacher for each class is responsible for the children's work and progress, although the children may at times be working with other teachers in other teaching areas.

Please see the Quick Links tab for our Curriculum Overviews.

The Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage is for children aged 4-5.  The children will follow seven areas of learning which are taught through a cross-curricular approach.  The foundations for future learning are laid at this stage of the children's development.  The seven areas are split into three Prime Areas and four Specific Areas.  The Prime Areas of learning are: Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.  The Specific Areas of learning are: Literacy, Maths, Expressive Arts and Design and Understanding the World.

Much of the work is experienced through practical activities and children will communicate their ideas both orally and on paper.

Key Stage 1 - Years 1 and 2

At Key Stage 1 all schools have to teach the National Curriculum subjects. These are: English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Design & Technology, History, Geography (Humanities), Art & Design, Music, Physical Education. We also teach Religious Education as well as Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship.  ICT is taught in its own right as well as across all the other subjects. We often choose to teach these subjects through a topic or themed approach.

We teach these subjects through a topic or themed approach which makes the learning fun and relevant to the children.

We incorporate visits, performances and events to enrich the children's experience.  We often use the school grounds as an outdoor classroom.

Phonics and Reading

We follow Letters and Sounds: Principles and Practice of high Quality Phonics. This is supported by other resources such as Jolly Phonics, Education City and other additional resources as appropriate.

We us high quality reading books which enable the children to progress in a targeted and structured way. The main schemes in place are Oxford Reading Tree and Read, Write, Inc. However, we also recognise the value of reading for enjoyment and reading a broad range of books.

School Worship and Religious Education

We follow the Essex Agreed Syllabus which reflects the fact that religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, while taking into account the teachings and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain: Islam, Hinduism, Juaism, Buddhism, Sikhism.

A daily act of worship is held in school and parents are invited to join special assemblies from tijme to time.  Parents who wish their children to be withdrawn from Religious Education, inlcuidng Christmas celebrations should contact the Headteacher.

Sex Education

We aim to teach Sexual Relationships Education through our PSHE Curriculum. Children are encouraged to think about relationships and the emotional physical changes of growing up. Children’s questions are answered as they arise, as appropriate to their stage of development.

Physical Education and Sport

At Key Stage 1, pupils follow three main areas of activity: Games (including simple competitive team games), Gymnastic activity and Dance. We use the indoor and outdoor environments where appropriate. Our Adventure Playground supports the development of pupil co-operation and general confidence in physical activities.