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The Curriculum
ENGLISH
We recognize the central and crucial role of language in all areas of the curriculum. In the Foundation Stage we recognize that the use of communication and language is at the heart of young children's learning. Work is planned carefully to provide opportunities to extend and enrich children's language.
We promote the development of language and communication skills i.e. speaking and listening reading and writing, by building on the linguistic competence the children bring to school and by exploiting, across the curriculum, the many purposes and audiences for which language is used.
In line with the National Literacy Strategy which develops literacy at word level, sentence level and text level we teach reading, writing speaking an listening through exposure to a wide variety of texts, both fiction and non-fiction.
Communicating with others depends for its effectiveness on the skills of speaking and listening. We encourage children to work collaboratively, to share ideas, feelings and to respect contributions from others.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is an essential and central element of the curriculum. It is a language, which contributes to each child's skill in understanding, quantifying and making sense of the world.
We are guided by the National Curriculum, which sets out the attainment targets and programmes of study with the concepts skills, knowledge and levels of understanding which children are expected to be able to obtain during the primary phase. Numeracy is taught following the National Numeracy Strategy in a daily numeracy hour. There is a high emphasis on mental maths and children are encouraged to learn their tables as soon as possible. As with language activities, we aim to make the tasks purposeful and relevant. Practical work with materials and equipment is essential as a basis for acquiring key concepts in maths and we encourage the use of 'concrete materials' until an understanding of a concept is reached.
We currently set for maths in Years 5 and 6.
SCIENCE
Science involves finding out about our environment. We aim to provide children with the opportunity to develop process skills, positive attitudes to science, scientific knowledge that in turn leads to a greater understanding of science.
Again we are guided by the requirements of the National Curriculum, which encourages the integration of science into the broader curriculum. The curriculum encourages children to develop the basic scientific skills of observing questioning, hypothesising, predicting planning and carrying out investigations.
HISTORY
We believe that history is best taught through comparison with children's own' here and now' experience along with chronological accuracy and a knowledge of key dates and events. When planning topics we look at what the children have been taught previously and aim to build on that in order to develop a deeper understanding of what happened in the past. We aim to develop the skills of research, looking at evidence and being aware of bias and distortion in historical documents. Our children enjoy a hands on approach to history, using a range of artifacts and information to investigate the past.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
We aim to develop the skills of inventing and designing practical solutions to real life problems in order to bring about change and improvement in existing situations. The subject makes use of skills and knowledge from other areas, particularly art, maths, science and I.C.T
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
We are committed to preparing children for the increasingly technological world in which they live. In order to do this we are continually extending our expertise, hardware and software.
Our I.C.T. suite is equipped with 16 networked computers and an interactive white board. There are also computers in every classroom and children have access to scanners and digital cameras. Children use computers for wordprocessing, spreadsheets, databases, simulations, controlling and monitoring devices and for accessing information from CD ROMs.
Children also have controlled access to the Internet, which they use for research and information.
ICT is an integral part of other subject teaching.
MUSIC
Music is a very important role in the life of the school. It is expected that every child will develop the skills of listening, composing and performing. Each year visiting musicians perform to children as well as the opportunities for children to attend concerts at the Barbican and Royal Festival Hall.
We are aware that many children come from a wide range of culturally diverse backgrounds and we aim to ensure that our music curriculum reflects this.
Children have the opportunity to learn the recorder. keyboard, guitar and violin.
ART
Art is a means for children to develop their creativity in a visual form. We aim to foster an understanding of art as a creative medium by observing the world around them and representing it in different ways.
Children are encouraged to work in a variety of media _ paints of different sorts, ink, chalk, pastel, crayon, charcoal, fabric, clay etc. The work they produce ranges from individual detailed drawings to large co - operative pieces of work.
We regularly have children working with established artists at school.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
We aim to provide a programme of physical education, which encourages the development of social, physical, mental and creative skills. Each week each class has one lesson of gymnastics and one of games.
Although we put an emphasis on the development and progression of skills and expertise, we also value the positive learning experiences that can be gained from competitive sport. Netley is affiliated to the Camden Schools Sports Association and enters a range of events that they organize throughout the year.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The school has adopted Camden's Agreed Syllabus for teaching Religious Education. This is complemented by our own scheme of work. With younger children, religious ideas are introduced via their own everyday experiences. As they get older they are introduced to the teachings of the major faiths e.g./ Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism and Judaism.
There is an assembly each day, which introduces personal, spiritual, and moral issues as well as celebrating personal and school achievement.
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from assemblies and R.E.lessons. Parents who wish to do this need to see the head teacher.
SEX EDUCATION
Our Sex Education Policy is available on request. Broadly, we aim to teach children about the changes which will occur to them as they grow up. It teaches them to see their development in terms of their relationships with their family and with others. |
