TOPIC WORK

In recent years there has been increasing emphasis on how children learn and the quality of their learning. At Woodside School some subjects are taught through topic work. Our approach to topic work in Key Stage 1 is to integrate subject matter so that subjects such as History, Geography, Science, Personal and Social Education and Religious Education can be studied realistically as part of a wider body of knowledge. In Key Stage 2 all topic work is based around a single subject.

ART & CRAFT

Each department in the school has its own ‘wet’ area where most art and craft activities are carried out, but much of this work may also be done in the general activity area. At least one session per week is set aside for art and craft. The children are not only given time to express themselves in a purely artistic, independent manner, but are also taught the basic skills of colour mixing, composition, techniques with different media and the correct use of materials and equipment.

Pottery and model making are valuable aspects of children’s craftwork and a kiln is housed in a separate room where finished pottery can be fired.

Art and craft work is often linked with topic work or other subjects, seasonal activities, assembly or school entertainments. Semi-permanent displays are set up to give character and interest and to brighten up the school environment.

 MUSIC

Music is an important and extremely valuable part of school life and much of the atmosphere of a school is dependent on the strength of its musical tradition. We are very fortunate at Woodside in that we have been able to provide the children with a regular and extensive musical programme in past years and we have a close association with the County’s Music Centre and advisory staff.

Extra-curricular music activities are available in the form of a school choir that meets one lunch time each week. Instrumental tuition is available for individual children or small groups on a fee paying basis. The tuition currently on offer is violin, clarinet and flute. There is often a waiting list for instrumental tuition and parents should contact the school office for further details. Children who have learned to play an instrument in the past have often become very proficient musicians and been chosen to play in the Lee Valley Youth Orchestra.

P.E.

In the National Curriculum P.E. consists of a wide variety of activities. In Key Stage 1 it includes games, dance and gymnastic activities. In Key Stage 2 swimming, athletic activities and outdoor and adventurous activities are added. At Woodside School the children pursue all of these activities. The school has a well-equipped hall for gymnastic, games and dance activities, two hard play areas, two adventure play areas and a large field. Children take part in team games such as football, netball, cricket, rounders and athletics. Between one and two hours per week of curriculum time is spent on individual and team sports. There are also opportunities for the children to take part in a range of out of school clubs of a sporting nature (see "Clubs"). The staff of Woodside School do not hold specialised PE qualifications but have a large amount of experience in organising such activities.