The School Curriculum
| Particular attention is given to... | ...clear progression in mathematics, |
| including number, shape, measuring and data handling. | |
| ...developing children's confidence, | |
| creativity, independence and sense of | ...careful observation and measuring in science. |
| responsibility. | ..thorough teaching of reading skills |
| for enjoyment and understanding. |
Our school follows the National Curriculum which consists of:-
| English, | Geography, | P.E., | Mathematics, |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, | Technology, | Science, | Information Technology, |
| Design, | Art, | Music, |
In addition your child learns about:-
Christian Faith and Morality in a Catholic context.
The importance of concentration, application, group & team-work for effective and happy progress.
Safety, hygiene, healthy living, citizenship and Personal Relationships.
Presenting and valuing his/her own work.
Our school places a great deal of emphasis on the basics. Without a solid foundation in the areas of numeracy and literacy the pupils will not reach their full potential.
The arts are not neglected in our school. The arts are an essential part of human life. With this in mind we have at least one visit per term by a touring theatre or music group. These visits stimulate a good deal of interest and follow up work. Artistic activities form part of many areas of the curriculum.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education is much more than a taught subject i.e. a scheme of work or syllabus. The focus of our lives in school is the Gospel message and celebration of the Liturgy. Christ is at centre of all we do. Through religious education we try to develop a spiritual and moral set of values that will enable the children to grow and develop as responsible Christians. Prayer is an important part of our daily lives and we encourage the children to develop their own prayers in order that they build up a loving relationship with God our Father.
We use the, 'Here I Am`, religious education scheme.
ENGLISH
We encourage pupils to be confident and articulate using speech, writing and reading to the best of their ability so that they are able to communicate showing an awareness of the thoughts and feelings of others.
As part of their learning children will have opportunities for talking and listening to pupils, teachers, parents, and other adults in a variety of situations.
Children will acquire a style of writing which will show due regard for spelling, grammar and punctuation. There will be opportunities for children to publish their own work using a word processor.
Children's creativity and imagination will be encouraged and developed.
Children will develop and extend those reading skills and experiences which have been acquired prior to starting school so that they become skilled readers. The importance of reading for pleasure will be given special emphasis. As children progress through the school they will be expected to read widely for information.
The school follows the National Literacy Strategy.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics provides a means of communication through symbols, data, algebraic expressions, graphs and tables.
Practical work precedes the recording of results so that children can begin to understand the application of mathematics to real life situations.
The practical approach helps children to enjoy working with numbers. We therefore encourage children to play mathematical games, children make the most progress when they are successful and confident.
Number, algebra, measurement, shape and space form the basis for the maths curriculum. Children will be expected to solve problems and provide logical explanations for their solutions. This will enable children to apply relevant number bonds and develop mental agility.
Children will be taught to recognise and construct regular shapes in two and three dimensions. Children will be taught to present and interpret simple numerical data in either table or graph form.
The school follows the National Numeracy Strategy.
SCIENCE
We aim to provide a curriculum which encourages children to adopt a scientific approach to learning and to acquire the skills of observation, recording, forming hypotheses, testing, investigating and forming conclusions in their explorations of natural and man-made environments.
The children will be helped to understand that scientific experimentation is often a matter for co-operation within a team and for checking and taking forward an idea already worked at by others.
ART
Art enables children to express ideas, inner feelings or emotions through a range of media. Art enables children to become visually and aesthetically aware.
Through a systematic programme of work children will develop a perception of colour, line, shape, form, texture, tone and pattern.
Time will be given to the building up of critical and practical skills in order that an appreciation of art can take place.
Children will acquire the language of art as part of their artistic and linguistic development.
Art work will be used to supplement much of the work that takes place in other areas of the curriculum.
GEOGRAPHY
We aim to extend and develop the children's learning from their immediate environment to more distant places and peoples.
The children will present their learning using models, maps, pictures, globes, diagrams, graphs and writing.
The development of research skills is crucial.
HISTORY
A knowledge and understanding of the past can help children make sense of the present. History reinforces a sense of curiosity, the love of story and an appreciation of adventure and travel.
In order to discover their past the children will develop research skills and read widely. Chronological conventions form an important part of teaching history.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
We aim to give the children opportunities to store, process and present information by electronic means to enhance and extend their learning.
We fully intend to keep up-to-date with developments in this area.
MUSIC
Our lessons enable children to derive pleasure and fulfilment from music.
The children will learn and participate in singing a range of songs.
Children will have opportunities to compose their own music.
Children will be introduced to the works of major composers.
As children mature and become more skilled they should develop a growing awareness of the various elements of music including pitch, rhythm and harmony.
Children can receive tuition in the following instruments - violin, guitar, flute, clarinet and some brass instruments.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
P.E. includes games, athletics, outdoor activities, gymnastics, dance, and swimming.
The children in years 5 and 6 receive swimming lessons for part of the year.
It is expected that all children will change into red shorts and white T-shirt for P.E.
If a child is unable to do P.E. an explanatory letter should be sent to the school.
As a school we aim to provide a variety of sporting activities which promotes good health, co-operation, positive competition, enjoyment, sportsmanship and individual fulfillment.
Y6 pupils have had the opportunity to cycle 25 miles around Rutland water and along the Brampton Valley.
After school clubs include netball, football and cricket.
Y5 children go on an annual rugby taster afternoon.
Y5 and Y6 children take part in additional outdoor and adventurous activities during their residential visits.
The school is fortunate in having a large hall, extensive playing fields and equipment for sport.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Technology allows the imaginative and creative capabilities of children to flourish. In line with the National Curriculum requirements, children's designs are brought to life using a variety of materials including card, wood and manufactured construction kits.
SEX EDUCATION
The children's sex education is based on Christian principles. Sex education is geared to the child's stage of development. It does not concentrate solely on basic facts but allows the children to develop a growing awareness of themselves and their relationships with others.
In the 10+ age group we teach the children about the physiological changes in boys and girls at the onset of puberty, the anatomy of the male and female reproductive systems and the process of conception.
The Northamptonshire Area Health Authority advises and assists in the sex education provided. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from these lessons. A parents' evening is organised during the Spring term where more information is given concerning sex education.
HEALTH EDUCATION
We aim to give children an awareness of the need to care for their own bodies through diet, healthy personal habits and through an awareness of the causes of sickness and health. We also aim to teach them to apply the knowledge and skills of safety education at home, at play, on the roads as well as at school.