School Curriculum

The National Curriculum provides the framework for teaching and learning at the school.  The following pages give brief details of our approach to the National Curriculum subjects.

Lessons in all subjects are planned using a variety of teaching styles.  Teachers make flexible use of whole-class, group and individual methods.  For the vast majority of their time, children are taught with the other members of their class.  The classes are organised as follows:

)         Reception

Key Stage 1  )         Year 1

                    )         Year 2

                    )         Year 3

Key Stage 2  )         Year 4

                    )         Year 5

)         Year 6

Time is allocated every day for teaching English and Mathematics (Literacy and Numeracy). Some of the other subjects are included in blocks of work called topics or themes.  These help children to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in several areas of the curriculum.  It is an enjoyable way of teaching and learning and is not constrained by boundaries between subjects which, for young children, can be rather artificial and confusing.  In Key Stage 1, for example, work on “Autumn” would include opportunities for Science (the natural world), Art and Religious Education (study of the festivals that occur at this time of year).  In Key Stage 2, a topic on “My Locality” would emphasize Geography and History.

Some homework is set.  For the youngest children, this is principally reading and spelling.  In the final years this increases in preparation for transfer to secondary education. A copy of the school’s homework policy is available from the school office.