St Peter's Primary School Curriculum

Foundation stage

In the Reception year children work to achieve the Early learning goals through the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

This curriculum covers:
· Personal and Social Education
· Language and Literacy
· Mathematics
· Creative Development
· Physical Development
· Knowledge and understanding of the world

In line with the requirements of the EYFS all areas are delivered in a cross-curricular way where child initiated, learning is encouraged. Many activities take place outside the classroom in the grounds of St. Peter’s including gardening, investigative topic work and Forest Skills where, children are encouraged to experience the environment around them in a safe and exciting way.

The requirements for English and Mathematics are delivered through the National Strategies. Both have been implemented in line with the National Curriculum. The school has implemented the National Curriculum in all subject areas and uses the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) schemes of work for most subjects. Foundation Stage/Reception children are taught the Foundation Stage curriculum.

Mathematics

Mathematics is taught on a daily basis and follows the structure and objectives outlined in the National Numeracy Strategy. We aim to ensure that all our pupils are confident with all aspects of Maths. Significant importance is placed on developing the ability to use Maths in every day situations. Children are taught to use and apply mental and practical strategies to solve problems that they may face in day-to-day life. We aim to make Maths as practical and as much fun as possible, using it in other areas of the curriculum as appropriate, especially in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

English

The Literacy framework has been organised to provide a whole school progression for the development of skills, knowledge and understanding. In daily lessons children are taught skills in reading and writing through a range of planned activities. Differentiated activities support the less able and extend the more able pupils. Skills and techniques are demonstrated and shared by the teacher through role modelling, shared class work, group and individual activities. Regular guided group work in reading and writing is led by the teacher or another adult in the classroom.

Speaking and listening skills are taught through circle time activities and developed across the curriculum. The school has a good range of fiction and non-fiction books both in the library and in each classroom.     

Science

The school policy emphasises that science is for all children. Essentially it is about exploring, investigating and discovering things to gain knowledge and understanding about the world we live in. Science is a core subject within the National Curriculum and consists of four attainment targets: investigating, plants and animals, materials and physical processes. The first of these is recognised as being particularly important and crucial to any scientific work. Therefore we aim to provide children with the skills needed to investigate and explore ideas independently.

The other areas are addressed through direct teaching, class discussion, using reference books and CD ROMs, handling artefacts and materials. As science is such a practical subject it is taught using a hands on approach wherever possible. Consequently we have built up a full range of equipment and resources for children to use. Whenever possible, particularly at Key Stage 1 (KS1) science is taught through topic time and activities make the subject more meaningful.
Design and Technology (DT)

All children are given the opportunity to solve problems and to design, make and evaluate products in accordance with the National Curriculum and the QCA. Children are taught to use different tools, techniques and materials throughout the school. DT is taught through termly topic work and covers a wide range of activities, designing and making models, using construction kits, textiles, food technology and woodwork.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Children are encouraged to develop the skills required to use ICT throughout the curriculum. We now have a computer suite where children have access to a wide range of software, including word processing, data handling, problem solving, e-mail and the Internet, with appropriate supervision. All classrooms now have smartboards, which promote the use of ICT across the curriculum. Good use is made of our digital camera in developing the ICT curriculum. All classrooms have a number of computers and printers, which are used to support teaching in many areas of the curriculum.
History

Children begin to learn about the past by finding out about everyday life through pictures, books, artefacts, and by talking to people. As their understanding develops, they investigate ways of life beyond living memory, and begin to gain a sense of chronology. Following the National Curriculum, and using a topic approach, the children learn about times and peoples as diverse as the Ancient Egyptians, the Victorians and what grandparents can remember. Visits to historical sites, buildings, and the use of museum artefacts are vital in bringing this important subject to life.

Geography

Geography begins by helping the children to develop an awareness of their own immediate surroundings, and finding out what it is like. Gradually, the children are introduced to the world that extends beyond their own locality, at the same time learning important skills such as map reading and knowing how to describe the landscape. Themes like 'rivers' and 'weather' are studied alongside contrasting places, both in Britain and abroad. Local field trips support and enhance this work.
Art and Design (Art)

Children are given the opportunity to study a variety of artists and their work. Looking at the work of artists, craft workers and designers helps them make artistic judgments about the nature, quality and usefulness of their creation. Children handle a wide range of tools and materials with increasing skill in order to express themselves as they develop their abilities in art and craft. They are encouraged to appreciate beauty in art and in nature, wherever it is found.

Music

Children take part in a range of musical experiences and activities, singing, playing instruments, composing and listening to music. The Music Express scheme forms a basis for class music lessons, alongside the National Curriculum. We have a very good range of percussion instruments, which all the children enjoy using. Specific tuition is provided for KS2 children on the recorder by school staff and peripatetic teachers visit the school to provide violin and guitar lessons, which are available at a reasonable charge. Concerts are held periodically allowing children to share their work in music.

Physical Education (PE)

Many physical activities are provided for the children to develop co-ordination and stamina as well as deriving enjoyment from games and physical movement. St Peter’s has a tarmac netball court and grass play areas are used seasonally for football, rounders and a running track. Children take part in a variety of outdoor and indoor games and all children get the opportunity to attend swimming sessions at a local leisure centre. There are football and netball after school clubs providing the children with an opportunity to play team sports against other schools.

Religious Education (RE)

RE forms an integral part of the school curriculum and is based on the agreed syllabus. There is a collective worship every day when religious and moral issues are discussed within a broadly Christian framework. Outside speakers sometimes visit the school to lead assemblies and/or to talk to the children in a class setting. Parents are entitled to withdraw their children from religious assemblies and activities upon written request.
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

The school provides a coherent and progressive scheme of work to encourage children to take increasing responsibility for themselves and their own actions. Children are taught to respect and value themselves and those around them. Other themes covered in PSHE include, hygiene, lifestyle, safety of self, others and the environment and growing up.

Any particular issues that may arise in the course of other schoolwork will be treated in that context, according to the age of the child. The process of human development and reproduction is discussed in Years 5 and 6, with the help of educational TV programmes. Prior to these lessons being taught, parents are notified and can withdraw their children from these sessions.

Sex Education

Governors at St Peter’s School have agreed that Sex Education should be taught at our school as part of our personal social and health curriculum. Material will be made available to parents to view on request and they have the right to withdraw their children if they wish.

Primary Languages (MFL)

Language learning at St. Peter’s provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for all our pupils. Our aim is to develop a positive attitude in our children to the learning of other languages. During their time at St. Peter’s all children will have the opportunity to learn French through songs, games and role play; particularly through KS2 where French is taught as part of the normal school curriculum.

Extra Curricular Activities

Ranges of clubs are held weekly to allow children to follow particular interests and develop skills.
Clubs include Football, Needlecraft, Recorders, Art, Dance and ICT. Where possible Cycling and Road Safety Training is offered to children in Year 5 and 6 and taught by experienced instructors.

Voluntary activities are an important part of school life and encourage involvement and commitment on the part of children, staff and parents. School trips are often subsidised by the 'Friends’ of School', helping to keep the cost of trips within the reach of all families. Year six children are offered a week’s residential trip during the summer term.
School Council

The School Council

The council consists of representatives elected from each class. They meet regularly and are involved in action plans for the school. This gives children a chance to be more involved with decision making in the schoo