English (Reading)
We aim to help children read fluently with understanding, enjoyment, feeling and discrimination. High priority is given to basic skills of literacy through an organised sequence of planned language activities, following the National Literacy Strategy, which includes phonic skills, word recognition and the use of picture and context clues.
The children will gain increased independence in selecting and using books and other printed materials as sources of information and enjoyment, and learn to reflect critically on the text. The school is stocked with a wide range of reading material including reading scheme books, a well stocked reference library, and language extension material.
The children are continually encouraged to look at books, read them and take them home to share with you. Each child will have a reading record booklet which informs you and us of their progress.
English (Writing)
Children have the opportunity to write in different contexts and experiment with written forms as well as word play.
They are encouraged to revise and redraft in discussion with the teacher, paying attention to meaning and clarity as well as punctuation, spelling and grammar.
Emphasis is placed upon good clear handwriting and careful presentation of work.
Spelling is taught through progressive activities which will encourage investigations of words and word patterns, committing these to memory.
Children learn to use dictionaries and thesauruses.
English (Speaking & Listening)
Children, while working in a variety of situations develop their ability to ask questions, explain and present ideas, give and understand instructions, plan and discuss, tell stories and join in collaborative work.
Mathematics
We aim to help pupils understand the application of mathematical ideas and apply computation skills with speed and accuracy.
Progression within mathematical activities follows the National Numeracy Strategy, ensuring that basic maths skills are developed and used to the highest level of which each pupil is capable.
A range of graded tasks are used involving practical and investigational work, and problem solving, developed and extended through real life situations and direct experience.
Science
We aim to equip each child with the necessary skills to observe, investigate, question and to appreciate the world in which he / she lives.
An understanding of scientific principles is arrived at through first hand practical experiences and theories tested in a logical and scientific manner.
The school is equipped with all resources required to cover all areas of the National Curriculum syllabus. We hope also to foster responsible attitudes towards the environment and all living things.
Design and Technology
Pupils are taught appropriate knowledge and skills in order to succeed when they design and make good quality products from a range of materials and components. They will organise, plan and make their products, evaluate and test them, suggesting modifications and improvements.
Food Technology is enhanced by the use of our kitchen area which has been designed with all the equipment at the children's own height.
ICT curriculum
We use a range of software including word processors, databases, spreadsheets, mathematics/ number, art/graphics and logo/control packages.
We aim for pupils to use computers with confidence and make sensible decisions on when and how to use information technology to enhance their work.
Religious Education
The Religious Education teaching consists of structured activities including direct teaching of Christian faith and tradition.
Through linking R.E. to all areas of the curriculum the children will understanding that religion has practical applications to everyday life.
Through teaching, reflection and discussion they should develop maturity in their thinking, and the ability to analyse their own and others beliefs.
All children, whether or not they have a background of religious faith, should come to recognise that Christianity can give guidance and motivation in understanding ourselves, relationships, ethical considerations and the deeper questions of life.
We aim that children's spiritual roots are deepened and strengthened whilst they learn to understand, respect and appreciate the faith and tradition of others.
Assembly and Collective Worship
Children attend an assembly daily. This collective worship promotes spiritual, moral, cultural and social development, as well as reflecting the values and ethos of the school as a community.
Design and Art
We aim to develop visual perception by providing opportunities and resources to enable children to produce work originating from their observations, interpretations, imagination and fantasy.
They are given access to a wide range of materials, tools and techniques for drawing, painting, fabric work and printing. The school has a kiln. Clay work adds another dimension to 3D work and tactile experience.
All children learn to appreciate Art from different times and cultures through well chosen pictures, prints and books.
Geography
All knowledge and skills relating to geography are achieved through exploration of the immediate environment, as well as contrasting environments visited as part of their field work, or discovered during holidays and from books, pictures and films. Direct experience will also be used as the main element while studying weather, landscape features and human geography.
Music
Children have the opportunity to create, perform and respond positively to music. Children are encouraged to use music along with dance and other expressive arts as a means of communication and self expression. We teach musical notation and we provide the option of small group tuition on the recorder and violin.
History
We aim to promote enthusiasm for exploring the past. Children will develop a range of historical skills, posing and answering questions, analysing and evaluating information and sources of different kinds. For this purpose we use a variety of historical artefacts and draw on documents and people's view of life in the past as well as using the local environment and visits to historical places and museums to increase the children's experiences.
Physical Education
There is a structured sequence of activities in gymnastics, games and dance which challenges children physically and intellectually and which enables them all to progress to their full capacity. Through well designed tasks, children are taught to plan an activity, to perform it successfully and to evaluate that performance.
P.E. activities take place both in the hall and using the school grounds and also when visiting outdoor adventure centres. During Key Stage 2, the children participate in a course of swimming tuition. A change of suitable clothing should always be worn for PE
Sport
The school provides opportunities for children to participate in a number of sporting activities, both in and outside, school session times. These include swimming, netball, football, indoor hockey, rounders, kwik cricket and athletic events.
When the opportunity arises, we participate in competitive sports against other schools.
We hold an annual sports afternoon which consists of whole school team games and competitive track events. We aim during sports to encourage the development of team spirit, leadership, and other personal qualities.
Personal, Social and Sex Education and Citizenship
We encourage the children to consider others and to achieve confidence in themselves and their abilities, and to prepare to play an active role as citizens. Qualities of perseverance, concentration, self-reliance and the ability to think for themselves are developed. We aim to promote awareness of their own health, well-being, safety and value, and for the children to leave our school with happy memories of their time there.
Since all life comes from God, All Saints Primary School incorporates in its general curriculum, at a level appropriate to the growing child at various stages of development, appropriate teaching on matters of human love and relationships as embodied in human reproduction.
Teaching Organisation
The classes are organised on a single age group basis whenever possible. Ale staff use different teaching strategies and organisation (e.g. whole class, group or individual for different purposes) depending on the knowledge, skills or understanding to be taught.
Assessment and Records
Achievement is recorded against National Curriculum Attainment Target Level Descriptions in a class record file. Assessment helps the teacher to identify the next steps in the child's learning and provide parents with information on progress.
Reports are issued once a year towards the end of the summer term.
Curriculum Enhancement
At least once a year all children are offered the opportunity to enhance their experiences through a day visit. In Year 5 & 6, a three day residential may be offered. Visitors are also invited regularly to school to enhance the curriculum.
The school as a Community
We actively encourage the children to feel a valuable part of the whole school community. At dinner time the children are together with others of different ages, enabling them to get to know each other well and to help each other.
At 'Well Done' assembly, held once a week, work from each age group is shared and we celebrate the effort involved in producing the work as well as the attainment reached.
Homework
Children will be given regular homework. Clear instructions will be given.
These might include such activities as reading, language work, preparing work for topics, spelling and number activities including mental mathematics. | 