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Curriculum
The Curriculum is divided into three stages; Foundation Stage (Nursery
and Reception), Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) and Key Stage 2 (years
3 to 6). National Curriculum guidelines and Qualifications and Curriculum
Authority schemes of work are followed as a basis of our curriculum.
Religious education is also taught at KS1 & 2 as well as French
in Y6. The planned curriculum is intended to develop the child's
knowledge, skills, experience, imagination and self-confidence.
They are encouraged to be independent in their learning, but also
to be part of the school community to which they can make their
own contribution. Teaching methods vary according to the child's
need, available resources and the learning objectives. We aim to
match work as closely as possible to the child's attainment level
while providing realistic challenges.
Foundation Stage
The curriculum for the Foundation Stage underpins
all future learning by supporting, fostering and promoting children's
learning development in six areas:- personal, social and emotional,
communication, language and literacy, mathematical, knowledge and
understanding of the world, physical and creative. Young children
will have a wide range of different experiences and a wide range
of interests and skills when they join our nursery or reception
class. They are given a well planned and resourced curriculum to
take their learning forward and many opportunities to succeed, in
an atmosphere of care and feeling valued. Parents are children's
first educators and we work closley with them in the foundation
years in order to have a positive impact on the child's development
and learning.
Key Stages 1 and 2
Mathematics
Mathematics is taught in classes daily and follows
the guidance set out in the National Numeracy Strategy. Mental arithmetic,
computational skills and problem solving are covered.
English
We seek to ensure
that all children are offered the opportunity to become:
- competent speakers
- active and sensitive listeners
- writers; able to respond to differing demands of purpose and
audience
- readers; who can use books for pleasure, information and instruction.
Structured schemes of work ensure continuity and progression, thereby
offering our pupils the ability to acquire the very necessary skills
and knowledge in this curriculumm area. Language, Literacy and Communication
is introduced to children at Foundation Stage and taught in all
Key Stage 1 and 2 classes for at least an hour a day.
Science
Science assists children to develop a more informed
understanding of the world around them. We emphasise the practical
nature of knowledge and aim to build on their natural curiosity,
encouraging them to observe, make predictions, form a hypothesis,
plan and carry out investigations and experiments. Our schemes of
work for science follow the programmes of study specified in the
National Curriculum.
Information and Communication Technology
(ICT)
The school has a purpose built computer suite to
which all children have access on a regular basis and computer skills
are taught throughout the school. The use of ICT is integral to
subjects across the curriculum. Laptop computers, interactive whiteboards,
roamers, digital cameras and projectors are also used to enhance
children's learning.
Design Technology
This subject stimulates original thinking and encourages
the children to be inventive in designing practical solutions to
problems. The children learn to work with a variety of materials
including wood, clay, textiles and food.
French
Children learn to speak French in Year 6. We have
formed a partnership with a local secondary school, which enables
one of their teachers to visit our school to take the weekly French
lesson. The aim is to encourage the children to enjoy learning another
language through a variety of oral activities, games and songs.
The teacher familiarises the children with some basic practical
vocabulary, as well as helping them study aspects of France.
Geography
The geography curriculum explores the relationship
between the Earth and its peoples, through the study of place, the
landscapes and the environment. We aim to widen the children's understanding
of thier own cultural roots and inheritance.
History
Our aim in teaching history is to give children
a deeper understanding of the present in the context of the past,
as well as increasing the knowledge and understanding of their own
cultural roots and inheritance
Art and Design
Children have the opportunity to develop self-expression,
imagination and creativity through practical exploration of methods,
skills, techniques and media. Pupils are also encouraged to develop
an understanding of different kinds of work by a variety of artists.
Music
We wish to foster a love for music through listening,
composing and performing, as well as appreciating different styles
and types of music. Through the expertise of our specialist music
teacher, all children have the opportunity to sing and play a range
of instruments. Individual music tuition is offered through Musicale.
We have recorder groups, a choir, an orchestra and put on musical
performances every year.
Physical Education
Children are taught a variety of games and associated
skills as well as aspects of dance, gymnastics and swimming in KS2.
Our full time sports coach ensures that the children receive more
than the average amount of time for physical education and high
quality learning experiences. The development of individual skills
and refining of ability form much of the content of P.E. lessons.
The importance of teamwork and co-operation are stressed as positive
goals set within the context of competition. There are many opportunities
for extra-curricular activities and each year a sports day is held,
which has a mixture of individual and team competitions.
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
and Citizenship
This area of the curriculum is concerned with giving
pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead
confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed, active,
responsible citizens. The school is working towards the National
Healthy Schools standards award.
Religious Education and Collective Worship
The school follows the Hertfordshire Agreed Sylabus
for RE which invites children to think about life, its purpose and
the values that should guide us. The historical and cultural backgrounds
of the major world faiths are studied. Collective worship takes
place daily. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from
R.E. lessons, and collective worship, but we hope that all children
will be able to take part. Where parents choose to withdraw their
child we will ensure that appropriate alternative activities are
set.
Sex and Relationship Education
Sex and Relationship Education is taught as part
of PSHE or science in a structured and sensitive way. Parents have
a right to withdraw their child from non-statutory lessons if they
wish.
Homework
Homework makes a positive contribution to a child's
learning and is an integral part of the work of the school. We ask
parents to work in partnership with us to ensure that homework is
carried out conscientiously and under the best possible conditions.
Specific homework details can be found on our Homework
Page.
Extra Curricular Activities
Extra curricular activities are very important to
the ethos of the school. The activities are offered by teachers,
parents and our full time sports coach and part time music specialist.
We run a variety of clubs and teams, such as art, badminton, dance,
drama, computers, cricket, recorders, football, orchestra and choir.
Children take part in residential and non-residential educational
visits, school productions, concerts and class assemblies during
the year.
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