English
The three areas of English are:
a Speaking and listening
b Reading
c Writing (including spelling and handwriting).
The development of these skills is at the centre of much of our work across the curriculum and our work in English follows the requirements of the National Literacy hour.
A core reading scheme is used but the children are encouraged to widen their reading through sharing books with parents at home and with other adults and children at school.
In Year 1 children start to bring home simple spellings to learn on a weekly basis. This practice continues throughout the rest of the school.
As soon as they have the physical skill, usually in Year 1, the children are taught joined handwriting.
We have a small purpose-built reference library and children are taught the skills necessary to use this facility with confidence.
Maths
An understanding of the mathematical processes allied with a sound factual basis is an essential skill for modern life. The children are taught number facts in addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, including tables. They then use these facts to solve problems and investigate numbers.
They learn how to gather and present mathematical information and how to use the calculator and computer as tools.
A wide variety of mathematical topics are taught through which the children learn practical skills.
Mental arithmetic forms a part of teaching from the earliest years and parents are encouraged to help with this at home. We follow the requirements of the National Numeracy Hour.
Science
We have a systematic scheme of Science projects, which runs from Reception to Year 6. We give the children a firm foundation of factual information alongside investigative work. They are encouraged to pose questions, hypothesise and to test results.
They learn about life and living processes, materials and their properties and the physical world.
The main aim from the Foundation Class to Year 6 is to stimulate the interest and enthusiasm of your child for the world of science.
ICT
We believe that IT is a vital tool for teaching and learning across the curriculum. We aim to teach the children to use a computer confidently, to make judgements about its appropriate use; and become aware of the range of uses of IT.
All children have access to computers which run our core software and we have interactive whiteboards throughout the school.
The children learn about word processing, databases and spreadsheets, controlling a robot and exploring real or imagined situations with the computer. We are constantly endeavouring to keep abreast of new technology and have and have a rolling plan to upgrade facilities as often as finance will allow.
Design Technology
The children learn how to use a range of tools, how to create a design and how to evaluate it.
Design technology is an important part of the primary curriculum and is a cross-curricular subject. Children begin by looking at familiar things - every day objects, pictures, poems, stories. They use them in their own work and then learn to look critically at manufactured products.
Art
Children are encouraged to develop their creative abilities through the use of a variety of materials and are taught a range of skills. They also get the opportunity to look at pictures and sculptures in many styles by many artists both past and present, so that they learn to appreciate art as a means of expression.
Religious Education
Brington is a Church of England school so the spiritual development of each child is of central importance.
The children learn about Christianity but set in the context of a multicultural society which respects the beliefs of others.
We have close links with our local churches and also Ely Cathedral.
There is a collective act of worship in our Assembly each day and parents have the right to ask that their child be excused from attendance on such occasions. Provision for the supervision of your child during this time will be arranged should the need arise.
Please inform the Head, in writing, if you wish to exercise this right.
History and Geography
These are generally taught as part of a topic and include a geographic and historical study of the local area. Visits out of school form an integral part of these subjects.
Enquiry forms an important part of the pupil's work at the primary level. In our geographical studies we make use of our school, the village, the local area and school journeys.
Music
Brington has a thriving musical tradition. The children learn to sing, play instruments and compose.
Extra-curricular tuition is available for recorder, violin and cello and we are always looking for ways to extend the choice. All the children have the opportunity to listen to music in a variety of styles both live and recorded.
Physical Education
Physical exercise is an important part of the curriculum as it adds to both health and enjoyment. All children learn a range of skills in dance, gymnastics, games and swimming. Many take these skills on into formal sports such as netball, football and athletics.
School teams regularly take part in tournaments and matches against other local schools. Netball and Football coaching takes place weekly at an after school club.
Use is made by the school of Top Sport coaches and volunteer helpers who have a range of sporting qualifications.
With our own learner pool on site, it is rare for a child to leave Brington without being able to swim!
Play
Play is often underrated but we view it as an important part of our curriculum. Some children find it difficult to mix socially and play helps them to develop such skills. Younger children use water, sand, dressing up, construction materials and toys. Older children play with construction models and interact through board games such as chess.
Special Educational Needs and Child Protection
Brington School has developed a policy for dealing with child protection issues in relation to the children who attend the school.
The main elements of the policy relate to prevention through teaching and pastoral support for all children, particular support for children who have been abused, and procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse. Because of our day-to-day contact with children, school staff are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse.
We follow the procedures set out in the Cambridgeshire Child Protection Committee's Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children in Need in Cambridgeshire.
At Brington C.E. Primary School we are determined to meet the educational needs of all our pupils.
The school caters for the needs of all pupils with special educational needs with and without statements. All teachers plan, set and mark work which is appropriate and relevant to the individual needs of pupils. The school has adopted the five-staged model of special educational needs assessment and provision recommended by Cambridgeshire Local authority. The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is responsible for overseeing assessment and provision.
Pupils with special educational needs are encouraged to become increasingly independent and take responsibility within the school.
The school has an Inclusion Statement which forms part of all relevant policies.
Complaints
Parents should make contact with the school whenever there is anything which is causing anxiety, in order that problems can be dealt with quickly.
In the first instance you should contact your child?s Class Teacher. In the unlikely event that the Teacher or Head is unable to help, you may like to contact any of the School Governors, if you feel they may be of assistance.
There is an official complaints procedure laid down by Cambridgeshire County Council and all parents have right of access to this. Details can be obtained from the school or from the Education Department of Cambridgeshire County Council.
Further details about any of this information is available on request.
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The School is concerned that all children, regardless of gender, race or physical ability, develop to their full potential, by providing them with a range of opportunities.
Christian values are built into the ethos of the School, and links are fostered with the local churches and the diocese. We value the strong relationships we have built up between school, home and community.
