Our curriculum is delivered within the school's entitlement grid. The grid encompasses all the requirements of the National Curriculum (New National Curriculum September 2000) and is arranged in termly blocks. This arrangement ensures steady progression and continuity throughout Key Stages 1 and 2. Although our Key Stage 2 curriculum provides for the development in the same areas as that of Key Stage 1, it caters for the growth characteristics of the Key Stage 2 child. Within the structured framework consideration is given to the physical, mental, social and emotional development of each child's needs and maturity level. It is from this range of experiences that basic skills are developed.
Our curriculum provides for the development in the following areas:
The Foundation Stage (4 - 5 year olds) provides a teaching programme which promotes children's learning in:
Also in Religious Education:
If children are to realise their full potential the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing must be developed, together with their appreciation and enjoyment of all forms of literacy. Children are encouraged to communicate their ideas through speech, creative writing, poetry and prose. The school's literacy programme encourages children to read for meaning and enjoyment and emphasises the need to develop skills for reading both for pleasure and information.
A daily literacy hour is set according to the 1998 National Literacy Strategy.
Our aim is to ensure that each child gains a sound understanding of mathematical ideas and a proficiency in numeracy which involves confidence and competence with numbers and measures appropriate to the individual stage of development. They will also acquire an understanding of the number system, computational skills and the ability to solve problems in a variety of contexts. At the core of our teaching is the National Numeracy Strategy supported by a variety of other resources.
A daily Numeracy session is set according to the 1999 National Numeracy Strategy.
The science scheme is related to the themes contained in the school's curriculum entitlement framework. The themes are selected to encompass the requirements of the National Curriculum supported by QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority 1998) study units programmes.
Natural science is studied in the school's own wild garden, allocated areas around the school playing field and the 'Cherry Tree Garden'.
The history programme equips children with the skills which will enable them to understand the world they inhabit. The aim is to develop an understanding of relationship between past and present. Project related outings are undertaken, either locally on foot of further afield by coach.
The children will have the opportunity to study the local environment and compare it to other areas in the British Isles and other parts of the world. As they gain in maturity we encourage them to appreciate the variety of physical and human conditions found on earth and to learn how to conserve the world's resources.
The Physical Education scheme provides opportunities to develop skills in movement, dance, gymnastics, swimming, games and outdoor activities. Opportunities are given for children to participate in group situations so that they can gain experience of team work and competition.
We offer children a means of self expression through a variety of media as we aim to increase awareness of their own feelings, senses and surroundings. Art is linked to topic and thematic work in which the children have regular opportunities for drawing, painting and making models. Work is displayed with creativity and care to enhance and stimulate the school's learning environment.
We aim to give opportunities for such aspects of musical experience as singing, listening, appreciation, learning the rudiments of notation and creative music making. There are opportunities for children to learn the violin with the peripatetic music teacher and after school recorder classes.
Each teaching area has an Acorn computer and word processor, and two PCs. Pupils develop skills with the hardware and use a variety of programs to develop knowledge in and enhance the curriculum. All PCs are connected to the Internet which provides a wonderful resource of information for our pupils. PCs are networked within the school and are part of the Durham LEA Web site.
Design and Technology is a subject where children's capability in designing and making is developed through combining their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding.
Religious Education and Collective Worship, in which the local clergy share are conducted in accordance with the beliefs and practices of Christianity. Children also study other religions and faiths.
The Durham County Religious Syllabus is followed. Parents are reminded of their rights to withdraw their child from the daily corporate act of worship and Religious Education lessons.
National Curriculum subjects are supported by QCA study units.
Hamsteels promotes PSHE as part of a child's whole education that goes beyond National Curriculum and Religious Education. It starts, continues into and is strongly influenced by the home and parents, the community and environment in which the child lives. The personal, social and health aspects of a child's development and learning underpin all others, since they prepare each individual for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
It is the school's policy to integrate Sex Education into the curriculum as opportunities arise. The topic does not appear as a separate item on the timetable. Year 6 and Year 5 children receive sex information from the school nurse. Parents are informed when pupils are to receive sex education and are reminded of their right to withdraw their child from Sex Education lessons.