Our Classes
The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 / Guide to the Law 2000 states the statutory requirements for the curriculum.
"The curriculum is not simply a collection of subjects and experiences. In relation to the matters or subjects which it covers, it is required to be balanced and broadly based and must promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and society, and prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. Every maintained school must provide the National Curriculum, religious education, collective worship and sex education".
The key elements which comprise the basic curriculum are:-
• Religious Education for all pupils regardless of age
• Nine ‘Foundation Subjects’ for pupils 5-11. These are:- English, Mathematics,Science, Art, History, Music, Technology, Geography, Physical Education
• These include the core subjects:- English, Mathematics and Science, which help children in studying all the other subjects.
At the ages of 7 and 11 there will be an assessment of how children are progressing compared with the attainment targets.
English
To study the English language and literature in order to communicate effectively and intelligently and to be able to share their appreciation with others. The Linguistic area is concerned with the use of words in listening and reading, talking and writing. These activities help the individual to receive and process information, to enter the world of ideas, to make sense of his/her experience and to relate to others.
Mathematics
To develop pupils' experience and study of the abstract, concrete, spatial and numerical principles of the Universe and to help pupils to learn to apply these in real life situations and to benefit themselves and others. The mathematical area is concerned with familiarity with numbers and symbols and the ability to use them with confidence.
Science
The scientific area is concerned especially with observing, predicting and experimenting and it is our aim to develop in all children an interest in the wonders of the natural world in which we live, including the structure, growth and function of living things and to study the energies within God’s creation and the nature of his created matter.
Music
To help children enjoy listening to a wide range of music, be involved in making music and performing music either through musical instruments or their voice to a wide audience.
Geography
To study the characteristics of God’s creation, the distribution of its resources, the way individuals and societies relate to and change the environment and make use of the resources.
History
To develop each pupils interest in a study of the present in the context of the past; to arouse interest in the past; to help give all pupils a sense of identity to, and to develop understanding of, their own cultural roots and shared inheritances. To contribute to pupils' knowledge and understanding of other countries and cultures.
Physical Education and Games
The overriding aim is to develop control, co-ordination and mastery of the body and, therefore, we encourage pupils to learn to use their bodies, individually and in team situations, in order to keep fit, and co-ordinate body, mind and spirit.
At Key Stage Two the children will have the opportunity to take part in the following:-
Swimming, athletics, football, skittleball, rounders, short tennis, gymnastics and outdoor and adventurous activities.
On occasions, parents and visiting coaches are invited to assist the children in their games lessons.
Technology
To enable pupils to be inventive in designing practical solutions to problems and so to bring about change and improvements in existing situations.
To develop pupils use of technology associated with the handling of information; its storage, processing and transmission in a variety of forms by electronic means, and its use in controlling the operation of machines and other devices.
Art and Craft
To help pupils use a wide range of materials creatively and to encourage them to share in the joy of God’s creativity and to appreciate beauty, colours and design.
In All Subjects
To stimulate academic and practical understanding of God’s world and man’s response to it, in order to help pupils grow to Christian maturity. This will help them cope with a changing world, benefit others through their contribution and show them that education is not only for this life but also for the life to come.
Cross Curricular
As part of the National Curriculum, certain themes, skills and dimensions must be a part of your child’s curriculum entitlement. These include:-
• Equal opportunities – this is implicit within all teaching
• Environmental awareness – this will be covered through a number of topics
• Industrial and economic awareness. Children will be involved in separate units of study
which include:- studyof markets, carfes, publishing, farming etc.
Special Education Needs
Where a child shows a special educational need, the child will be supported initially by the class teacher. Where necessary, support will be sought from the various agencies (eg, Lancashire Schools’ Support Agency, Schools Educational Psychological Service, etc.).