CURRICULUM POLICY
The
curriculum is the totality of pupils’ learning experiences. At
Pupils
in the nursery classes attend school for a minimum of sixteen and a half hours a week (five
mornings) and may opt for one or more afternoons if their parents wish. Pupils
in Lower Kindergarten (aged 4 on September 1 at the start of the academic year)
to Transition classes (aged 6 on September 1 at the start of the academic year)
attend full time from 0840 – 1500 Monday to Friday and
We ensure the children have a range of learning experiences that challenge, stimulate and promote thinking and learning.
The aims of the curriculum are:
- To promote high standards in reading, writing, speaking, listening and mathematics
- To allow children to develop a knowledge of themselves in time and space
- To enable children to acquire knowledge and skills in science
- To enable children to be confident in the use of ICT
- To promote spiritual development
- To promote physical and mental development and an awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle
- To enable children to be aware of the importance of and participate in the Arts and culture
- To enable pupils to develop moral sensibility through carefully taught values
- To develop the personal and social skills of each child
- To provide equality of access and the opportunity for all pupils to make progress
- To prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life
- To prepare pupils for entrance examinations to selective secondary schools.
The curriculum is planned to provide continuity and progression. It is designed to promote an enjoyment of learning and a commitment to learning and achieving.
In the Nursery and Lower Kindergarten classes the curriculum dictated by the requirements of EYFS.
Areas experienced by pupils at appropriate stages in their development include:
English (reading , writing, speaking & listening)
Mathematics
Science
ICT
History
Geography
Physical education & sports (including gymnastics, dance, athletics, cross country, football, cricket, netball, swimming, - hockey, tennis, badminton (optional)
PHSCE
French (Years 2-5), German & Spanish (Year 6)
Art
Music
Through
the provision of rich and varied activities, we aim to
· encourage the best possible progress and the
highest attainment for all pupils
· enable pupils to make connections across
different areas of learning
· help pupils to think creatively and solve
problems
· develop pupils’ capacity to learn and work
independently and collaboratively
· enable pupils to respond positively to
opportunities, challenge and responsibility
· enable pupils to acquire and develop a broad range of knowledge,
skills and understanding
The
organisation of the curriculum
· The curriculum is taught through discrete
subjects and linked “topic” areas where relevant
· Units of work are planned collaboratively by
teachers of parallel classes or by specialist teachers in subjects not taught
by class teachers.
· The children are taught in mixed ability classes
for most subjects although provision is made for some setting for older pupils
and for smaller groups according to need throughout.
· Some practical activities such as practical,
science, DT, senior art & ICT are usually delivered to half class groups.
ROLES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Head
teacher has the responsibility for the leadership of the curriculum and
delegates responsibility to key staff:
· The Director of Studies coordinates the work of
the subject coordinators and ensures that the curriculum has progression and
appropriate coverage.
· Subject Coordinators are responsible for monitoring
planning in their subject.
· Class teachers and specialist teachers ensure
that the curriculum is taught and that the aims are achieved for their class.
They plan collaboratively to ensure parity across the year group.
· The Head ensures that the progress of each pupil
is tracked.
· The Governors monitor the success of the school
through the termly Head teacher’s report.