CURRICULUM

The “success” of a school is dependant upon the achievements of the children and the quality of relationships between pupils, teachers, parents/carers, governors and the wider community. A child’s self-perception is moulded by the messages received from peers, parents/carers, staff and other adults. We believe close co-operation between home and school is essential so that parents feel welcome, are involved in the life of the school and are encouraged to help in their child’s education. Knowing there is a partnership between home and school gives the child a sense of well being and security.

When children feel good about themselves, they are happy and enjoy learning. The staff give positive reinforcement of the child’s efforts, build on their strengths, support their weaknesses and value their ideas and opinions in order to enhance their self-esteem and develop their sense of worth, so encouraging an attitude of “I can do it!”

The school is organised into seven classes and the children are transferred from class to class according to their age, ability and maturity. The children are taught as a class, in a group and individually depending upon the activity and their individual needs.

Children with additional needs are given appropriate differentiated individual or group work and will receive extra support.

Children in the Nursery and Reception classes are working within the Foundation Stage Curriculum. Year 1, and Year 2 are working in Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum and those in Year 3 and Year 4 will continue through Key Stage 2. Years 5 and 6 of Key Stage 2 will be completed in Middle School. Some children will be working beyond their own stage.

Each day the children are taught English and Mathematics through the Literacy and Numeracy Hour.

Classes are also taught using a combination of Topic and subject approach covering the appropriate programmes of study and attainment targets for the National Curriculum.

Children are encouraged to think for themselves and to develop the ability to work both independently and co-operatively.

The children are given the opportunity to talk about their feelings and behaviour in order to acquire a sense of self-discipline and a responsibility for their own actions, thus creating a community where there is mutual respect for all members and a proper concern for the environment.

THE FOUNDATION STAGE

The Foundation Stage is the first stage of the National Curriculum focusing on the distinct needs of children aged 3 years to the end of the reception year in Primary School.

We aim to nurture and build upon the natural energy, enthusiasm, curiosity and sense of humour of children. in the Foundation Stage, we offer a variety of play opportunities to include imaginitive play, designing and constructing, investigating and exploring sand and water, creative activities and energetic play, both inside and outside. Through these experiences children's language will be enriched and their understanding of the natural and built world will be extended; physical abilities and co-ordination will develop; and levels of concentration and persistence will be raised.

Play is well planned, observed and recorded to ensure progression. Within this structure some activities will be lead by adults, but children will also have the opportunities to develop their own ideas and solve problems independently. Careful planning encourages opportunities that stimulate children's interests and imagination.

We hope to give children confidence to become competent, enthusiastic learners. We hope to achieve this by providing an environment to be self motivated in their learning, to persist in problem solving and to learn from their mistakes. We place a high priority on social development and children are encouraged to feel part of the school and the wider community.