Foundation Stage
Children are taught following the Foundation Stage Curriculum. They work in Literacy, Numeracy, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Creative and Physical areas. In addition they are introduced to the French language. Phonics is taught using the synthetic approach and reading through group and individual sessions using a number of reading schemes. Activities are 40% child initiated and 60% directed choice with a free day each Fridays for children’s own investigations and play. Frequent visits and topic days involving parents enhances the curriculum.
English
In Key Stage 1 and 2 the school follows the National Literacy Strategy children are taught in ability sets in Key Stage 2 whilst in Key Stage 1 groups in class will reflect ability. Reading is taught through individual, group and guided sessions using schemes in Key Stage 1 and free-readers and class reader in Key Stage2. In addition to the literacy lessons opportunities are planned for extended writing sessions and writing in other subjects such as History and geography topic. Spellings are taught with regular weekly tests in each class. Drama is planned for throughout the school as other speaking and listening activities. We provide theatre trips for all year groups. In September 2007 we adopted the new framework for literacy
Mathematics
In both key stages we follow the National Numeracy Strategy with additional work on measurement developed in science and geography lesson. Number bonds and tables are encouraged through chalky bond, 33 and 55 clubs. Problem solving is planned and apparent in all classes. In September 2007 we adopted the new framework for literacy numeracy
Science
In Key Stage 1 Science is taught in smaller year groups with extra staffing and follows the Q.C.A. topics with the addition of basic skills in measurement. There are experimental investigations which enhance the topics. Field work (for example looking at habitats) is essential. In Key stage 2 Science is class-based and increasingly more experimental in approach. A two year rolling programme allows for each Q.C.A. topic to be covered. In years 5 and 6 children have been encouraged to work in groups on open-ended investigations such as analysising soil samples for signs of life, designing hot air balloons and flying machines and moving objects safely.
History and Geography Topics
These are generally taught through Q.C.A. topics and on a two year rolling cycle in mixed ability and in some cases, mixed age, classes. In addition we include some topics which we have found useful, (Hot and Cold in Key Stage 1) In both Key Stages opportunities for extended writing are used. Historical re-enactors are employed each year to assist learning. Educational visits are general associated to humanity topics. World day enhances world geography topics and field work in all years is undertaken in the locale and further afield.
R.E.
In both Key Stages children follow the Dudley Agreed syllabus and topic rolls. In addition we add our own topics which we have found useful. Visits to Churches, mosques and Gurdwaras are frequent. Visitors from various faiths are invited to assist our learning. World days and Celebration topics allow us to celebrate multiculturalism and these will involve parents from our community.
Art and Design
Technology We follow the Q.C.A. topics and again enhance them with our own. The whole school works with a wide variety of materials and techniques. All children will study the work of famous artists. A recent art focus week allowed us to combine Key stages and classes within Key Stages to explore the work modern artists.
Music
In Key Stage 1 music involves singing lessons and Knowledge, Understanding and Appreciation lessons. Children sing in classes and as a Key Stage for numerous events. In Key Stage 2 music lesson are supported through the Musical Express scheme and learn notation, composition, performance and appreciation. We have a choir and band and take part in joint choral events as well as our own presentations. Peripatetic teachers from Dudley Performing Arts take individual and group instrument tuition.
P.E. and Games
In both Key Stages we follow the Dudley model scheme and in addition bring in experts to assist the learning in specific sports. All classes have at least 2 hours P.E. a week and hall time is prioritised for Key Stage 1.
M.F.L.
French is taught in all Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 classes. A rolling programme of support from the Specialist College has enabled this. In Years 5 or 6 we are able to teach either French or Spanish and are supported by a language teacher from the language college. Plans are in hand to adopt the M.F.L. scheme of work recently published by Q.C.A.
P.S.H.E.
A full programme of P.S.H.E. is taught throughout the school following Q.C.A. and topics from Dudley’s Health Promoting Schools programme. Circle time and formal lessons are planned. Health week in February is dedicated to health, fitness, safety and emotional well being.
ICT
In Key Stage 1 ICT skills are taught through other subjects with opportunities to research, word-process, design and control. Small groups use the cluster of computers and mobile laptops enable more computers to be used in classrooms when needed. Control is taught through turtles and other controllable technologies. In Key Stage 2 ICT opportunities are timetabled and children become increasingly able to research, word-process, design, present using ‘Powerpoint’, video tape, record and edit, data manage and control. Children from the school have represented the Local Authority at conferences demonstrating their skills and the school is piloting the Dudley Portal as a learning platform.
