Core Subjects are English, Mathematics and Science. Foundation Subjects are Information and Communication Technology, Design and Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art and Design, Physical Education and Religious Education.
Other skills and subjects are grouped under; Other subjects and Cross-Curricular Issues; Key Skills and Thinking Skills.
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English.
A high priority is given to the learning of English, which permeates all aspects of the curriculum. The Literacy Hour was introduced in September 1998. The Oxford Reading Tree scheme is used in the infant School together with a wide selection of other reading books. Great emphasis is placed on the use of phonics in combination with other methods in the teaching of reading.
There is a continuous development of skill in reading as children progress through the school, which results in the recognition of words in the early years to the comprehension of complicated material by many children at 11. Many children gradually learn to use books, fiction and non-fiction, by improving their powers of concentration, by learning how to find books on the library shelf, by learning how to use a contents page and index and by a continuing development of a full range of reading skills.
Learning to read and write goes hand in hand and most children, by the time they reach the end of Key Stage One, write stories and accounts in their own words. As they go on through the school, many children become accustomed to writing, which involves presenting a coherent argument, exploring different possibilities, drawing conclusions and making judgements. In the course of all their work they learn to spell the words they use, to employ acceptable forms of grammar and sentence construction and begin to develop styles of writing appropriate to the task in hand.
Maths.
A variety of techniques and resources are used in the teaching of mathematics. The National Numeracy Strategy Unit Plans and Collins Scheme are used throughout the school together with components from several other schemes. A great deal of mathematics also arises naturally from topic work. The National Numeracy Strategy has been in place since September 1999.
In mathematics, great emphasis is placed on understanding. Children learn to compute efficiently in the four arithmetic rules. Calculators are used where appropriate to the childs development and understanding. A gradual knowledge and understanding of the relationships of numbers is built up, including the speedy recall of the commonly used facts and knowledge of the different units of measurements. Children learn how to think and solve problems using the basic concepts of the number system and place value, spatial relationships, sets, symmetry and the proper use of mathematical language.
As they progress through the school the children learn how to observe and measure with increasing precision and to use with common sense the skills learnt. They learn to record, interpret and apply their mathematical skills in everyday life.
Science.
At Key Stage One much of the science will arise from observations made in the childs immediate environment and emphasis is placed on developing the skills of scientific investigation. As the child progresses into Key Stage 2 the skills of investigation are developed further. An increasing importance is placed on the learning of scientific knowledge related to the study of Life and Living Processes, Materials and their properties and Physical Processes.
History.
Children are helped to acquire a sense of historical chronology. They are given an introduction to other concepts such as cause and effect, the weight of evidence from different sources and the distinction between historical fact and fiction. They are encouraged to develop a reasoned evaluation of historical evidence.
Geography.
The children are given an understanding of their home area and the world in which they live. They are helped to become more aware of local features and of the formation and the characteristics of the earth beneath their feet. Included in this growing awareness is the use of observation. The children are given the opportunity to learn about routes, means of communication and mapping skills.
P.E.
Children benefit from a balanced programme of Physical Education. The aims are to promote an enjoyment of physical activity, an awareness of safe practice and to develop a positive attitude towards both success and failure. Physical education includes games, gymnastics, dance, swimming, athletics and outdoor pursuits. Games skills are developed progressively and the older children learn how to play a variety of games; football, netball, hockey, tennis, rounders, volleyball and badminton. Children within Key Stage 2 swim at the Aquavale pool in Aylesbury.
Religious Education.
The school is affiliated to the Church of England and the programme for Religious Education is based on the Bucks agreed syllabus. Parents are welcome to view this on request. A daily corporate act of worship takes place for all children but parents have the right to ask for their children to be withdrawn from this and from religious education if they so wish.
Music.
All the children take part in simple music making, singing and using percussion instruments. They are encouraged to develop an appreciation of music and are helped to learn simple music notation. Some of the children learn to play musical instruments such as the recorder. Further support for this area of the curriculum is provided by peripatetic music teachers who provide tuition in woodwind, strings, guitar and brass. |
