School Curriculum continued

Science

Our aim here is to encourage children to recognise that science has an essential contribution to make, in many ways to our understanding of the world around us.

Science education should enable all pupils to develop an understanding of what science is and what it can do.

All pupils should understand the methods of scientific investigation and have the confidence to develop approaches based on their own hypotheses, not only to scientific issues but across all areas of the curriculum.

We encourage all children to recognise the impact of science and of technology upon their everyday lives, and that such studies develop so many of their own personal characteristics (curiosity, investigation, innovation, evaluation) necessary for tackling a variety of problem solving situations.

Children are encouraged to recognise that Health Education is an important dimension of health Science.

Religious Education

This is a statutory requirement for all children, and the curriculum at the school reflects much that is to be found in the Berkshire county policy. Our main aim, within R.E. is to help children to understand religious beliefs and practices, and to develop consideration for other children, and respect and concern for fairness and justice in society.

Sex Education

In keeping with the Education Act the following statement reflects the school policy within this curriculum area. "Education with regard to personal and social development will form an active part of the curriculum at Radstock School. Sexual matters will be covered with due regard to the age of the children concerned in a sensitive and reassuring way". A full copy of the Schools Policy on Sex Education is available from the School Office.

Pupils with Special Needs

Pupils with special educational needs at Radstock have always received appropriate attention from class teachers, support teachers and external agencies. In September 1995 the New Code of Practice became law in all Primary Schools. Fortunately because of our previous work with special needs the new act only required an update of systems already well established throughout the school.

In brief the new code;

• defines a special need as any reason a child may have that will affect their education.
• recognises that there are five stages of assessment and provision.
• ensures that parents are informed of reviews and progress.
• insists that all schools keep a register of pupils identified as having special needs.

In keeping with all schools Radstock has a policy which outlines our approach to special needs and parents are certainly welcome to contact the school office if they wish to peruse this document.