English

We aim to develop the essential skills to enable the children to communicate effectively in a variety of different ways. Listening and speaking attentively is encouraged and developed at every opportunity. A wide range of writing activities arising from the work the children are doing is encouraged. Emphasis is on writing for a purpose, for an audience and as often as possible from first hand experience.
The mechanics of language - are taught during the Literacy Hour on a daily basis focussing on the important skills of reading and writing. It also focuses on good oral work to enhance the children's understanding of language in both oral and written forms and of the way language can be used to communicate. To support the Literacy Hour structured reading materials are used, drawing on books from a variety of structured commercial sources. As the children's reading fluency improves they are increasingly encouraged to read a wide variety of books. An important aspect of this is the partnership that develops between school and home to encourage the children to form a daily reading habit. We aim to produce children who enjoy reading, where book week, and regular library periods are all used to develop this enjoyment.
Specific teaching time is also devoted to teaching other aspects of English such as drama and provide opportunities for extended periods of writing for a range of different purposes.

Mathematics

We aim to provide the children with a wide variety of opportunities to enable them to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and concepts to use mathematics effectively. The subject is taught for one hour on a daily basis following the structure outlined in the National Numeracy Strategy. An additional 30 minutes is allocated for problem solving, where children are shown how to apply their mathematics knowledge to a range of word problems set in different contexts. Emphasis is placed on developing a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts through extensive mental activities and the teaching and practice of appropriate skills, knowledge and attitudes. Opportunity is given to apply them through an investigative approach; use is made of practical materials. Progress is assessed through regular testing.
The children are grouped according to ability, determined by tests. There is movement between the sets during the year at specific times according to set criteria.
The school uses a variety of commercially produced materials. Each classroom is equipped with a range of mathematical resources. Wherever possible opportunities to exploit Mathematics in other areas of the curriculum are taken.

History, Geography, Science, Technology

These subjects form the core of our subject-focussed approach so that each subject is given sufficient emphasis. We aim to develop an understanding of these areas of the curriculum through direct observation, within the school, the local environment and through study trips. Opportunities will be provided for the children to carry out simple experiments, to investigate and test facts and assumptions about natural phenomena. The children are taught to develop their understanding and record information and findings in ways appropriate to their needs. There will, when relevant, be visits to the school by people or organisations to talk about their role in the environment.

Art

We aim to draw on and develop the direct experiences of the children by providing them with opportunities to explore the surrounding environment, recording their experiences in a wide range of different mediums. Opportunities are provided for all of the children to express their own feelings through creativity as well as expanding their knowledge of the world that surrounds them. We aim to create a stimulating and attractive learning environment around the school by displaying the children's work, encouraging them to take an interest and share one another's ideas and creativity.

Religious, Moral, Emotional and Social Education

The school is obliged to provide religious education, we hope that all aspects of school life and experiences contribute to this. The school follows the Council's Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education which is used as a basis for religious studies, exploring spiritual and moral ideas. We aim to develop each child's moral values and self-knowledge, help them to make choices as an individual, whilst having a respect for authority. Knowledge of Christianity and other religions is also developed through assemblies, visits and contact with the church. At times visitors representing faiths other than Christian talk to the children.
We will make arrangements for parents to exercise their statutory right of withdrawal of their children from Religious Education. The daily act of worship is of a broadly Christian character; worship may be organised for separate groups of pupils during the day.
The school is not affiliated to a particular religious denomination.

Modern Foreign Languages

We believe it is important to ensure that pupils experience as wide a range of opportunities as possible. When our children move on to secondary school we want them to be equipped to face the challenges of a wider curriculum. To support this, we give our children the opportunity to learn a modern foreign language - for the first time this year, our children will have the opportunity to learn either French or Spanish depending on the year group they are in.

We employ a qualified modern foreign language teachers from Toll Bar Business and Enterprise College to come and teach our children.

Physical Education

Our long term aim is to develop and prepare the children for an active and healthy adult life. To achieve our aims the children are provided with a variety of experiences which include:-

A variety of sports are taught to the children. They are taught skills to enable them to take part in both individual and team sports. One and a half hours is allocated to teaching P.E. each week.

Information Technology
 There is an I.T. Suite that contains 30 PC computers, they are all networked and connected to the Internet. In the event of classes being larger than 30 there are also laptops available. The grouping of computers allows IT skills to be taught to the whole class. Each class is timetabled to use the resource. There are also networked PC computers in each classroom. The use of computers is integrated into the whole curriculum, they are used to encourage the children to work co-operatively and explore the possibilities of new technology. Every child in the school has an e-mail address, and is able to communicate with school and their friends from home through the virtual desktop.

Every classroom has an interactive whiteboard as has the music room and the SEN room.

PSHCE

Through personal, social and health education and citizenship we aim to encourage the children to develop healthy attitudes and inform and encourage them to develop the attitudes needed to become independent and responsible members of society. The children are encouraged to play a positive role in contributing to the life of the school and the wider community. They are taught about rights and responsibilities and the importance of respecting the rights and opinions of others.
PSHCE is taught in a variety of ways, in some instances e.g. drug and sex education is specifically taught as a discreet subject. At other times PSHCE is introduced through other subjects such as teaching about the local environment in Geography where children are offered the opportunity to consider environmental issues.
Sex Education is taught when the children are in Year 6. The topic is incorporated into a coherent Health Education Programme that aims to tackle key areas of concern and sensitive issues without them becoming isolated or overemphasised. Parents are given the opportunity to view the materials and raise any questions. Issues of personal hygiene and care are addressed in Year 6 with the help of the school nurse. The children are addressed as a whole year group then split into male / female groups and have the opportunity to ask further questions.
There is also a measure of overlap between the programmes of study for RE and PSHCE.