Curriculum
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum in order to allow pupils to develop their individual talents. Our aim is to cater for the all-round development of each child, i.e. intellectual, physical, spiritual, moral and social development and to help each child achieve self-discipline and self-respect as well as respect for others in a secure environment of love and care.
The school follows the National Curriculum as laid down by the Secretary of State for Education at Key Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4. We believe establishing a broad curriculum is very important, and we offer a full range of subjects from the traditional core of Mathematics, English and Sciences (Chemistry, Biology and Physics at KS3/4), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), humanities (History, Geography and Religious Education), modern languages (Turkish from Yr3 and Spanish from Yr5), Physical Education and creative arts, such as Art, Design and Technology, Music and Drama. In KS1 and KS2, there is an emphasis on English and Mathematics to provide a secure foundation to the whole curriculum. Special attention is paid to developing Literacy, Numeracy and ICT across the curriculum.
Our aim is always to enable each individual pupil to achieve the very best that he/she is capable of, and to develop life skills that will support him/her both now and in the future.
English
Every aspect of the pupils’ work is influenced by the extent to which they use language with imagination and accuracy. Competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening is encouraged throughout the curriculum in order to enable the children to communicate appropriately and effectively.
The school follows the National Literacy Strategy and places great emphasis on developing literacy across the curriculum.
Reading
Apart from a generous timetable allocation for English, the school has also timetabled a separate reading session, every morning for 15 minutes, with a view to help each child to be able to read fluently and with understanding so that reading becomes a source of real pleasure and enjoyment.
A variety of schemes are used so that children can read widely from books at their own level of development. Children are encouraged at all stages to borrow books from the reading schemes and from the library. Each child’s progress is recorded in their Reading Monitoring Charts and each term there is a reward for the best reader.
Mathematics
It is of considerable importance to us that the children achieve an understanding of the mathematical processes and concepts and that they attain mathematical skills. This is presented in an interesting and enjoyable way, allowing the children to actively participate in the learning process, thus creating a sense of achievement and confidence. There is a strong emphasis on the development of mental arithmetic.
Science
Science and scientific ways of thinking help us all understand the world around us. Children are naturally curious and we encourage this by making lessons as ‘hands on’ as possible. We bring the enjoyment of science to life.
History
History fires our children’s interest about the past. They are able to see how the past has influenced the present. Learning is achieved by the use of chronological framework of significant events and people. Thus, pupils discover the diversity of human experience and gain a better understanding of themselves, both as individuals and as members of society.
Art and Design
Art and design stimulate creativity and imagination providing visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world. Our children explore the work of artists, craftspeople and designers, learning about the roles and functions of art, craft and design in contemporary life and in different times and cultures.
Music
Music and song are powerful and unique forms of communication that change the way we feel, speak and act. Our teaching promotes pupils’ ability to listen to and appreciate a wide variety of music, as well as to make judgements about musical quality.
Design and Technology
Through their study of present and past design and technology, its uses and effects, our children learn to consider and evaluate design and respond to need in order to improve quality. We equip them with the practical skills they require to implement their ideas.
Information and Communication Technology
Laptops and other technological aids are used throughout the school. ICT skills are taught as a discrete subject and as a means of supporting other areas of the curriculum. The children are encouraged to communicate ideas and information in a variety of forms, where appropriate, using equipment and computer software to enhance their learning. The school has wireless Internet network. Classrooms are also equipped with interactive boards.
Geography
Geography encourages children to find out about the natural and human worlds. They develop knowledge of people, places and environments in different and contrasting locations locally, nationally and abroad. Through their studies, our children develop an understanding of maps and a range of investigative and problem solving skills. This encourages them to think about their own place in the world and their responsibilities to other people and environments.
Religious Education
Through sharing in celebrations, learning about beliefs and cultures and hearing stories from a variety of traditions, our children explore the values and attitudes of the faith community, including Christianity, Islam and other main world religions represented in the United Kingdom
Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship
The development of our children’s self-esteem and emotional well being is an integral part of our school ethos. We help our children form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships, promote confidence and responsibility and encourage them to make the most of their abilities. We promote healthy lifestyles. We prepare pupils for a purposeful life in a multicultural, multi-faith society by instilling in them understanding of and respect for our cultures. We aim to prepare confident citizens who can contribute positively to the society.
Physical Education
Our children take part in a wide range of curricular and extra-curricular activities, including badminton, gymnastics, games, athletics and swimming. Such activities promote skilfulness, physical development and knowledge of the body in action. They also provide opportunities for our pupils to be creative, competitive and to face up to different challenges as individuals, in groups and as a member of a team.
