FOUNDATION STAGE CURRICULUM

Reception Class children learn within the framework of the Foundation Stage, working towards Early Learning Goals. This prepares them for the challenges of the National Curriculum.

 

NATIONAL CURRICULUM

As you may already know each state school in Britain follows the same national guidelines as to what the children should learn. This is known as the National Curriculum. Our school bases its curriculum planning on this framework.

From the age of five children will study mathematics, English, science, history, geography, design and technology, information technology, religious education, music, art and physical education.

Teachers will spend most of the day teaching their own classes at a level appropriate to the children’s needs. There are occasions when the children will be taught between two classes and set according to ability. There are also occasions when a specialist teacher will teach other classes. We see this as an opportunity to use staff expertise effectively, thereby ensuring that the children receive the best we can offer.

LINKS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

In order to provide Excellence, Enjoyment and Enrichment for All, we provide a rich, balanced curriculum that makes appropriate links between areas of learning through the delivery of a creative, thematic based curriculum. The core subjects of Literacy, Numeracy and Science will continue to be taught, making links to the theme based work where appropriate, but otherwise being taught discretely in order to ensure the development of basic skills. The foundation subjects will be taught largely through theme work, but individually where necessary to ensure full coverage of the requirements of the National Curriculum.

There are some areas of the curriculum which do not fit neatly into one particular subject area e.g. road safety, personal and social skills, health education, drugs awareness etc.

Whilst some aspects will fit into science, maths and other areas, the National Curriculum allows 20% of the school year to be devoted to the school’s own needs.

The governors of the school have agreed that this 20% will include the following areas which are designed to build on and complement the National Curriculum.

1. The promotion of personal and social development.

2. All aspects of the risk management and road safety programmes.

3. Day trips and residential visits throughout the school.

5. The promotion of aspects of swimming and water safety not covered in the National Curriculum.

6. Drama productions during the course of the school year – class assemblies, major festivals etc.