Curriculum

Curriculum

 

We strive to ensure high achievement and a happy educational experience for every child.

 

Our vision for our pupils is

Developing independence and responsibility

Inspiring high achievement for all

Learning to contribute to the community

Knowing how to stay safe and healthy

Enjoying life and learning

Showing care and tolerance of others

We believe the fostering of positive relationships between all involved (pupils, parents, staff and governors) is essential to enable each child to achieve the above, irrespective of race, culture, gender or individual needs.

 

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

We aim to help pupils to:-

• develop lively, enquiring minds, the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves to tasks, and physical skills;
• acquire knowledge and skills relevant to life in a rapidly changing world
• use language and number skills effectively;
• appreciate and understand religions and moral values and show tolerance for other races, religions and ways of life;
• understand the world in which they live, and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations;
• appreciate human achievements and aspirations;

 

Implicit in our view of the curriculum is the fact that we believe everything that goes on within the school, whether inside or outside the classroom, forms part of the curriculum. A summary of our curriculum follows, for further information click on the heading:

 

English: We follow the National Curriculum for English. Synthetic phonics are taught systematically in Early Years and Key Stage 1 using the Read Write Inc. scheme. Additionally, children progress through the banded reading books in the book band library during Early Years and Key Stage 1. Then, soon after starting Key Stage 2, pupils begin choosing from a range of high quality and stimulating texts. Reading comprehension skills are taught weekly during a dedicated comprehension lesson, often based on an age-appropriate quality texts. Writing skills are taught systematically using a range of resources and stimulus covering a multitude of genres across the curriculum. Handwriting is taught using the Nelson handwriting scheme. Grammar, punctuation and spelling is taught daily within every English lesson.  

Mathematics: We follow the National Curriculum for mathematics. Teachers prepare mathematics lessons using a range of resources following the whole school calculation policy. Pupils complete weekly homework activities using Schofield and Sims mental arithmetic books. Problem-solving strategies are taught and practised weekly during dedicated problem-solving lessons. 

Science: We follow the National Curriculum for science. 

Religious Education: RE lessons are based on SACRE, the locally-agreed syllabus.

MFL: Children learn French throughout KS2.

History: Pupils explore, discover and investigate developments from British, European and World History, following our own personalised schemes of work.

Geography: Pupils develop knowledge, skill and understanding related to people, places and environments at different scales in the UK and overseas, following our own personalised schemes of work.

Computing: Computing lessons are based on the Switched On Computing scheme.

Physical Education: PE lessons in gymnastics, dance, games and athletics are based on the Val Sabin schemes of work. Swimming is taught by specialist teachers at The Ockendon Academy.

PSHE: The school uses the PSHE Association curriculum along with additional Channel 4 material to support sex and relationships education.  Alongside we will be using Yasmin and Tom for interactive resources.  This is a spiralling curriculum which is repeated through each year group.

Music: We follow the Charanga Scheme of work for year groups 1 to 4. These lessons are based on: listening and appraising; Musical Activities - creating and exploring; singing and performing. Years 5 and 6 have a steel pans lessons delivered by Thurrock Music Services.

Art: In Art the children explore the history of artists and a range of mediums. Pupils learn about visual, tactile expression and communication. 

Design and Technology:  Pupils lessons combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, functions and industry.