Key Stage 1 and 2

The National Curriculum sets out the most important knowledge and skills that every child has a right to learn.

These subjects are known as the "core" subjects and will have more time devoted to them than the others:  English, Mathematics, Science and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

The Primary Frameworks for Literacy and Mathematics are non-statutory Government schemes that set out what children should learn in reading and writing, and mathematics each term.

We aim to ensure that all children will be able to express and communicate their thoughts and opinions clearly.  Learning to read and fostering confident speakers and active listeners underpins all Literacy work.  Children are encouraged to develop an enthusiasm for reading and writing and accuracy in comprehension and spelling.  English has a high priority in the curriculum because it is the medium through which almost all learning takes place.

Mathematics is a key life skill.  We are ambitious for all our pupils to become skilled and confident in Mathematics.  There is a daily mathematics lesson, with opportunities to use mathematical skills in other curriculum areas.  We encourage children to use their mathematical skills in investigations and problem solving and wherever possible to make links to real life situations.

The following subjects are known as "foundation" subjects:  Design Technology (DT), History, Geography, Art & Design, Music, Physical Education (PE), Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship.  Religious Education and French are also taught.  Each subject area is guided by a policy document, regularly reviewed by staff and governors.

The school works within the framework of the National Curriculum but we integrate the separate subjects as much as possible to enable pupils to make links between areas of learning. Children learn best from experience and our curriculum is carefully planned to provide opportunities for investigation, problem solving and visits to places of educational merit, all based on a creative and integrated topic approach.

Common to our teaching is the positive encouragement of effort, work that will stretch but not frustrate, the recognition of achievement, and the development of individual children to help them achieve their full potential.