THE CURRICULUM
The National Curriculum lays down that children shall be taught the Core Subjects - Maths, English, I.C.T. and Science and the Foundation Subjects - History, Geography, Design and Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education. The Literacy and Numeracy Strategies are taught throughout the school. In years 4, 5 and 6 Literacy and Numeracy are taught in sets to enable teaching to be in ability groups. Most subjects are taught as separate lessons but wherever possible they are linked to a termly year group topic (see Topic Plan). Religious Education is taught in accordance with the LEA Agreed Syllabus – Mystery and Meaning. This syllabus is designed to provide an understanding of Christianity and other world religions.
We believe that attitudes to work are as important as the basic skills taught. We have Schemes of Work for all curriculum areas and designated staff to co-ordinate the subject. A broadly Christian act of collective worship, which can incorporate singing and general caring themes, is carried out daily and we have a Scheme of Work in operation. Outside speakers from the community e.g. Police, Church, regularly visit school and talk with the children.
Our aim is that children should leave primary school with creative and enquiring minds and the ability to persevere in any task they undertake, so that they are able to make steady and continual progress at their own level. Copies of the Governors’ School Curriculum Policy Document may be viewed in the office. There is a clear policy within the school for children who have Special Educational Needs. The school has a policy for Gifted and Talented Pupils. All school curriculum and lesson plans are differentiated to take into account the wide range of abilities in the class including the more able child. This can be obtained from the school office. The school has assessment procedures for all aspects of the National Curriculum. Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) will be carried out at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 according to National Requirements.
Provision is made in the Education reform Act 1988 for a formal complaints procedure. A copy of the complaints procedure and policy can be obtained from the office by anyone wishing to make a complaint about the curriculum, Religious Education or Collective Worship. Parents wishing to withdraw their children from all or part of the religious education programme or collective worship should contact the Headteacher. Pupils who are withdrawn remain supervised in a classroom.
SPORT AND P.E.
All pupils take part in P.E. & Games throughout the school. Activities may include swimming, gymnastics, dance/movement, games skills and orienteering in older year groups. A P.E. Subject Leader oversees the organisation of the subject. Both KS1 & KS2 pupils have access to indoor gym apparatus and games takes place mainly outside. The pupils benefit from a large playing field at the rear of the school. The school has 3 halls, which can be used for the other physical activities. Year 3 pupils have swimming lessons at a local swimming pool. It is hoped that all swimmers increase their water confidence and most will be able to swim 25m (National Curriculum).
All staff have regular in service training for P.E. and make use of the TOPS sport initiative organised by South Gloucestershire Council.
Parents help with a netball club and football training and matches. The school takes advantage of any outside professional offer of training/courses in any area of sport, which would benefit the pupils. The school works in close partnership with the Grange School under the South Gloucestershire School Sport Co-ordinator Programme and their newly acquired Sports College status.
THE ARTS
Every opportunity is given to pupils to provide a range of cultural experiences. Some pupils visit museums and art galleries. Visiting theatre companies and South Gloucestershire live musical groups perform annually in school and there are close links formed with local secondary schools to develop this area of the curriculum. There are opportunities for children to take part in drama activities, which are sometimes linked with the daily act of Christian Worship and Christmas celebrations. The school has close links with Hanham High School, which has recently gained Specialist School Status for Performing Arts.
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
Children visit places of interest in connection with their school work. We believe that such visits help to bring subjects to life and lead to the production of interesting and lively work. |
