Curriculum

The school updated our curriculum in September 2016. It follows the National Curriculum guidelines for all subjects, enhancing and broadening them wherever possible, and building on a child’s own knowledge in a way that he or she finds meaningful.

It is based upon the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). Our curriculum is exciting as all children are given the opportunity to influence what and how they learn at the beginning of every theme. We aim to offer every child the skills, concepts, knowledge and understanding that are appropriate to his or her level of ability and speed of working. The school has a theme based approach, allowing for good cross curricular links. Every year group has core texts at the heart of their learning.

English development is recognised as being the essential basis for all learning. As part of the overall English curriculum and in common with all other schools nationally, the school encompasses the National Curriculum Guidelines, to promote and teach good practice in reading, writing and speaking and listening. Literacy skills are taught across the curriculum and not just in English focused lessons.

Reading is taught carefully and systematically to all children in order that they develop the skills they will need to read with fluency and understanding. We use a letters and sounds scheme to encourage phonic knowledge. The school encourages reading for enjoyment and has a designated library area, which all children are able to access.

The school promotes a close liaison with parent/carers regarding children’s reading and encourages children to take books home. The school has also subscribed to Bug Club Books, which provides a virtual book bag with eBooks for every child in the school, this can be accessed through any internet point. A clear and legible style of handwriting is taught throughout the school to develop style and fluency.

In Maths, the National Curriculum identifies a number of attainment targets across a wide range of experience: number, measurement, shape and handling of data. A large part of mathematical work is based on practical experience, reinforced by more formal/basic skills. The school uses the Busy Ants scheme of work as a structure to its Maths curriculum. This is enhanced by a creative approach with using and applying as a focus. Homework is also enhanced by an online resource called MyMaths.co.uk.

In Science children participate in a range of scientific activities which build on and develop the skills and knowledge already acquired. These include recording, observation and selecting, and using appropriate apparatus and equipment.

Children are encouraged to apply scientific ideas to solve problems of a practical nature. In addition, the children are encouraged to undertake investigations or experiments of their own. Natural curiosity and interest in the world is fostered and individual points of interest developed. As in many other subjects, learning is encouraged to take place outdoors to enhance the children’s learning experiences.

Foundation Subjects: The school has resourced a programme of themes which ensure that requirements in areas such as History, Geography, Art and Design Technology are covered both in terms of subject content and work study skills. The New National Curriculum requires that a number of attainment targets and key skills are taught in each of the subjects. The Foundation Subjects play a big part in the school’s themes curriculum and offer a variety of exciting topics for the children to learn about and develop their skills and understanding. The school teaches French as its Modern Foreign Language.

Religious Education: The local authority has an agreed syllabus for Religious Education which was updated in 2016 and this is followed by the school. An assembly is held each day. The school also celebrates religious festivals throughout the year which reflect Christian culture and belief, whilst promoting an understanding and tolerance of other faiths. Parent/carers who wish their children to be withdrawn from Religious Education and assemblies should consult the Headteacher.

Computing: All classes are timetabled to have lessons in our modern, air-conditioned ICT suite, however the teaching of computing is integrated and cross-curricular. We are developing our developing our use of ICT for home work, as well as the use of technology such as IPads and all classes have a clever touch board to enhance learning. As previously stated we also promote the use of ICT for home learning. For those people who don’t have access to the internet at home we now offer use of our ICT suite. These activities develop confidence, cross curricular skills and a greater understanding of the role of computers in use today. We used Switched on Computing as our Computing scheme.

PE: The PE curriculum covers a whole range of gymnastic movement and sporting activities, even skiing was introduced to year 4 over the last two years. We use the Val Sabin scheme as a basis to our lessons. As part of the curriculum, Key Stage 2 children in Years 3, 4 and 5 have swimming lessons at The Ockendon School. Children gain awards for learning to swim, for various strokes and for distance. We work collaboratively with an external provider, Star Sports, which enhances our PE curriculum as well as sports clubs on offer. We are very proud of the fact that since last year we have increased the number of sports clubs on offer, and we even now have two gymnastics clubs.

Music: We use the Music Express scheme to teach Music. Apart from music as part of the National Curriculum, many children have the opportunity to play a musical instrument. Again, over the last two years we increased the variety of peripatetic lessons on offer. We have a singing group which takes part in local festivals and other events during the year. Peripatetic Teachers visit the school on a regular basis to teach individual children, and whenever possible the school subscribes to the Wider Opportunities Programme, giving whole class teaching of a musical instrument by external teachers.

Sex Education: This is an integral part of the curriculum and is dealt with as necessary and for the appropriate age and maturity of the child. A general approach is developed through the curriculum in topics such as animals, families and growth. The school has a policy for a more structured approach to sex education in Year 6. Parent/carers have the right to withdraw children from these lessons.

Please click on the links for the curriculum map for the IPC curriculum for the year your child is in.