The Curriculum
This school caters for children from age 7 to 11. This corresponds to the National Curriculum Key Stage 2, years three to six inclusive.
The National Curriculum forms the basis of the education pupils receive. Mathematics, English, Science and Information Communication Technology form the core, with History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education and Technology. Religious Education is also taught although it is not part of the National Curriculum. Copies of policies are available for inspection upon request.
Mathematics: This is much more than arithmetic. Pupils are taught about shape and space, data handling, measures and problem solving. We are following the guidelines for the Numeracy Framework. Maths is taught for at least one hour every day.
English: Reading and writing are very important and are given a high priority. Speaking and listening skills are developed alongside traditional aspects of English such as handwriting, spelling and punctuation. The Literacy Framework is followed each morning. The development of reading skills and of extended writing is often continued into the afternoon.
Science: We teach four aspects of science. They are Life and Living Processes, the Earth and the Environment, Materials and Energy and its Effects. At the same time pupils are encouraged to extend their skills of scientific investigation.
Information, Communication, Technology (ICT): We have an impressive 15 station computer suite and computers in every classroom. We use the computers to enhance and extend our curriculum studies.
History: During the four years at this school each pupil will study several history topics, such as The Invaders, Ancient Greeks, Ancient Egypt, The Tudors, Local History, The Victorians or Britain Since 1930 At the same time the pupils will develop the ability to describe and explain aspects of historical change and the ability to acquire evidence from historical sources and to form judgements about their reliability and value.
Geography: We teach five aspects of Geography. These are, skills such as map reading; the study of places and themes i.e. the local area, the home region, another area in the UK, a country from the European Community and a developing country; physical geography; human geography and environmental geography.
Art: Not only are pupils encouraged to express themselves through painting and drawing, but also through the use of other media such as collage, textiles and clay. Pupils are also introduced to the work of some major artists.
Music :Pupils will be encouraged to compose and play their own music. Some will be able to learn to play the violin and others a brass instrument. The pupils are also introduced to the work of major composers.
P.E. We encourage the pupils to take part in team games and athletics. Most pupils swim once a week for one and a half terms each year and have the opportunity to gain a certificate under the County Swimming Scheme. We teach dance and adventurous outdoor activities.
Technology: This is involved in the generation of a design, putting the design into practice and making a finished product or artefact. Finally the work is evaluated by the pupil.
Religious Education: Our teaching is in line with the Durham Agreed Syllabus. We aim to give the pupils an opportunity to learn about Christianity. Children will have studied at least two other world religions by the end of Key Stage 2. Please note that pupils may be withdrawn from Religious Education and Collective worship. Parents who would like to arrange for this to happen should contact the headteacher.
Special Needs Education: On entry to the school all children are screened in order to identify those with special needs. The special needs teacher, the special needs assistant and the class teacher co-operate to develop the programmes of study for those with learning difficulties. The progress of each child is monitored regularly. Parents are informed when children are placed on the special needs register. The Deputy Headteacher is the co-ordinator for the special needs and any questions regarding such provision should be addressed to Ms Hall.
Parents are invited to regular meetings to produce individual Education Plans for their children.
Sex Education: This is not a subject in itself on the curriculum. However, many aspects of it occur naturally throughout the year, particularly in Natural Science.
The school nurse will, with parental permission, talks to the year five and six pupils about puberty. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from any sex education lessons.
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