Curriculum
The Curriculum
The term 'Curriculum' refers to the learning experiences provided by the School.
Our school curriculum is planned to meet the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum and the North Yorkshire County Council Framework using QCA schemes of work as a basis for planning. The information below is based upon a current curriculum but will be updated to reflect the revised curriculum in the next academic year. At the bottom of the page are links to the National Curriculum documents for 2014 onwards.
The aim, over a year, is to give each child a balanced and broad curriculum in relation to all subjects.
Educational visits are undertaken wherever first-hand experience will benefit the children in their types of studies. They are considered to be very important educational tools.
Children are taught in classes, small groups or individually, according to their needs, within the framework of the National Curriculum for twenty-four and three-quarter hours per week, excluding morning and lunch time breaks.
A variety of teaching styles are used in school, based on good practice. We are always seeking to innovate where appropriate, to maintain high standards and provide the best in primary school practice.
We recognise that teaching staff must constantly reflect upon whether their teaching methods match the needs of the children and the changes in economic, social and cultural climate.
MATHEMATICS
We provide a structured daily mathematics lesson for pupils of primary age. Staff use a range of teaching strategies including whole class and guided groups with oral and mental work featuring strongly in each lesson.
Children are expected to regularly practice at home to achieve their recall facts which are used and applied in maths lessons.
ENGLISH
In English we unite the important skills of reading and writing. We also actively promote high quality speaking and listening and all children are encouraged to become good speakers and listeners.
Through a variety of strategies in children are given opportunities to develop self-confidence and fluency when speaking to a variety of audiences. They are taught to listen to the opinions and experiences of others.
When children first start school they are introduced to skills that will prepare them for reading and build on their existing skills, both listening and visual. Books from a number of reading schemes are used, and children are encouraged to take books home regularly.
Teaching a child to read is a partnership shared between home and school. A great emphasis is placed upon reading and the enjoyment children gain from books. Through shared and guided reading children are given a rich experience of a wide range of challenging texts. We aim for each child to be an independent, enthusiastic and reflective reader.
Writing is a skill required in all areas of the curriculum. Presentation is very important, and each child is encouraged to develop a legible and neat style of handwriting as they mature.
SCIENCE
In science the emphasis is placed on developing an enquiring mind and children are encouraged to ask questions and find answers. Much work is done practically and through investigations where children are involved in exploring, observing, measuring, recording results and drawing conclusions. Research from secondary sources is also an important aspect of Science, particularly in Key Stage 2. Children use books, ICT resources and the internet to gain knowledge in different areas.
GEOGRAPHY
Children will study the physical, human and environmental aspects of Geography. These themes will be studied by looking at their local environment, contrasting localities in the United Kingdom and in other areas of the world. Fieldwork is undertaken including residential visits from Year 3.
HISTORY
Children are taught about important events, people and developments in the past from ancient civilisations to modern times. Artefacts, visits and ICT resources are used to support this.
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
French is taught weekly to children in Years 3 – 6 by a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
ART
Artwork is based on both imagination and observation. Children use a variety of materials, media and tools to express their ideas and feelings about the world. They are taught to appreciate, evaluate and to make judgements about art, craft and design from different times and cultures and to make practical decisions about how to develop their own artwork.
MUSIC
Our aim is for children to experience the excitement and joy of performing music in various ways, including singing and playing an instrument. We encourage them to share their developing expertise with parents and friends, both in school and the Community.
They will all be given opportunities to:
- Acquire a basic knowledge of the elements of music in such things as rhythm, melody and harmony
- Read music to varying degrees
- Listen to many different kinds of music
- Make simple judgements about the music they hear or play based on their growing knowledge
- Respond to music using their knowledge and skills to improve their own performance
- Perform in school concerts and music festivals
From Year 2 recorder tuition is available in school and through the peripatetic music service children can learn to play guitar, violin, woodwind, cello, drums, keyboard, brass and vocal training. We have a thriving school orchestra where children play a variety of instruments.
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Through ICT children learn to use a computer with confidence, skill and enjoyment. They develop skills in data handling, word processing, graphics, control and monitoring. Use of the Internet is also invaluable, not just in ICT but across the curriculum. Children are taught how to use the Internet and e-mail safely and sensibly, they have access to multi-media resources.
Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard, which allows for ICT to be used in all areas of the curriculum. Laptops connected to the school’s own network allow children to use and develop their ICT skills anywhere in school.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Children will be given tasks in which they are required to design and make a variety of items. They will develop knowledge of tools and techniques and practice skills through specific tasks. They are encouraged to evaluate their own work and that of others.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
We endeavour to provide a rich environment and children will be encouraged to develop physical competence, to value the benefits of participating in a physical activity and to develop an appreciation of skilful and creative performances in all areas. PE should also contribute to the establishment of self-esteem and the development of interpersonal skills as members of a team. The areas of activity covered will be athletics, dance, games, gymnastics, swimming and outdoor adventurous activities. In addition specialist teachers work in school as part of the School Sports Coordinator Partnership. Children also have the opportunity to take part in inter school sports tournaments during Key Stage 2.
We hold an annual sports day. During the autumn terms Years 4/5/6 swim weekly at Catterick Pool. Children work towards nationally recognised certificates and personal survival awards. A voluntary contribution contributes towards tuition, entrance and travel.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Emphasis is placed on the development of a caring attitude towards others in the School, in the local community and in the world in which we live. These attitudes are fostered throughout the School at all times extending into Personal, Social, Health, and Citizenship Education (which is taught across the curriculum). The main faiths studied are Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Regular collective worship of a broadly Christian character takes place in school.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from these assemblies, but must inform the School in writing.
Links to The National Curriculum
Art
Computing
https://www.computingatschool.org.uk/data/uploads/primary_national_curriculum_-_computing.pdf
English
Maths
PE
Music
Science
Modern Foreign Languages
RE - North Yorkshire RE Syllabus