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The curriculum covers the full range of
primary school subjects as set out in the National Curriculum.
In the Foundation Stage and KS1,
children will follow a 3 year cycle of topics. This cycle is designed to ensure
coverage, without repetition, of the full
National Curriculum programmes of
study. Children do not study most subjects in isolation, but meet elements from
each within the topics. At this age, much hands-on, experiential learning takes
place – a great deal of it outside!
At KS2, teaching is more subject based,
with links across subjects made as appropriate. The school follows the
guidelines set out in National Curriculum programmes of study, the Literacy and
Numeracy Strategies and schemes of work issued by the Qualifications and
Curriculum Authority for the following subjects:
Our
Personal, Social,
Health & Citizenship curriculum combines elements of the DfES produced
‘Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning’ programme, Norfolk Healthy Schools
units and QCA citizenship units.
RE at all Key Stages follows the Norfolk
Agreed Syllabus.
By following these schemes we are able
to ensure both full coverage of the curriculum, and continuity and progression
as children acquire the knowledge and skills they will use throughout their
lives.
During the 2007-2008 academic year, we
will be introducing Modern Foreign Languages at KS2. We hope to be studying
Spanish in Years 3 & 4, and French in Years 5 & 6. Pupils transferring to
Wayland Community High School
will continue to learn French there.
We aim to
develop children’s abilities to communicate through written and spoken language.
As they progress through the school they will develop their skills of listening
and speaking, and their knowledge and understanding of spelling, grammar, and
punctuation.
The school
follows the guidelines of the National Literacy Strategy for the teaching of
many aspects of this subject. This entails all children having a daily lesson of
around an hour dedicated to the teaching of literacy skills.
During this
lesson, a variety of teaching strategies, including individual, group and whole
class work, are used. For individual and group work, children will be grouped so
as to provide work at the appropriate level.
English is
not only studied as a discrete subject: many aspects are reinforced in other
curriculum areas, for example writing a report in science, or performing a play
in collective worship.
Pupils in the
Foundation Stage and Key Stage One follow a recognised programme of ‘synthetic’
phonic teaching in line with the latest research into effective teaching of
reading and writing.
Maths is a
‘core subject’ of the National Curriculum, and as such receives a high priority
within the school. In accordance with the guidelines of the National Numeracy
Strategy, children are taught maths between 45 minutes and an hour each day,
depending on their age.
We aim to
teach mathematics in a way which children find enjoyable, and which develops
their confidence as mathematicians. To do this we make use of games and computer
programmes, and fast-moving, whole class introductions to lessons where children
are challenged to work quickly and accurately.
At KS1, the
emphasis is on mental calculation strategies, and the consolidation of basic
knowledge of numbers. At KS2, this is developed further, and written calculation
methods are introduced.
As in
English, individual and group tasks will be set at a level to match the needs of
individual children.
 Science
encompasses both knowledge of facts and the skills involved in planning and
conducting investigations.
Through
science children learn about the world around them, and develop their ability to
ask relevant questions, and to set about finding the answers.
At KS1,
science is closely linked to the children’s own experiences of the world, and
they are encouraged to examine more closely things happening around them. At KS2
this process continues and begins to take in more abstract concepts such as the
nature of light and sound. We aim to make science lessons as ‘hands on’ for
children as possible and they will be involved in conducting investigations to
learn about phenomena in the world around them.
Many aspects
of health education are included in science. Children learn about the importance
of hygiene, diet, exercise and dental care, and about the risks associated with
tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
This subject
includes the use of computers, video, tape recorders, photo-copiers etc.
Skills are
taught to the children both in ICT lessons, and during their work in other
subjects.
It is
important that children learn how to make best use of ICT, and they are
encouraged to enhance their work by using word processors, digital camera, CD
ROMs and other such devices.
All
classrooms are now linked to the internet, and children have opportunities to
learn how to use e-mail and to search for information on-line.
Every
classroom has an interactive whiteboard and data-projector linked to the class
computer. Teachers make use of interactive teaching programs to enrich lessons
and help explain difficult concepts.
Design Technology
Children will
be introduced to situations where they will have to identify a need and set
 about
designing products to meet that need. They will
generate ideas, and then work with a range of materials, including fabrics,
sheet materials, food and electrical and mechanical components, to develop those
ideas into a finished product. They will then be challenged to evaluate their
products to see how well they fulfil the original requirements.
In history,
children will be given opportunities to develop a sense of chronology and the
passing of time. They will learn about the differences between different periods
in the past and modern times.
As well as
important periods in Britain’s history, children will study European and
non-European historic civilisations.
Through
history, children will develop an appreciation of how modern society has been
shaped, and the legacy of past cultures.
In geography
children learn about the physical and human features of the environment. Through
the study of places and themes they will develop their awareness of how places
fit into a wider geographical setting.
Art and Design
Children will
be given opportunities to explore the use of colour, pattern tone and texture.
They will have access to a wide range of artistic media, and will study how they
can be used to create effects.
They will
investigate the use of art in their environment, and will look at the work of
famous artists and designers.
As many
aspects of this subject involve using messy substances, it is helpful if pupils
bring some kind of apron / overall – an adult’s old shirt is ideal.
Music
At Ashill, we
aim to help children to understand and enjoy both listening to and performing
music.
Music is
taught by class teachers and is supported by a
published scheme which follows QCA guidance. In music
lessons, children will have a balance of listening to the work of others,
learning how to perform published works, and of composing their own pieces.
Some
extra-curricular instrumental tuition is available but we are obliged to make a
small charge for this to cover the cost of the tutor. It can be difficult to
obtain the services of tutors and therefore the range of instruments offered at
any one time can vary.
Physical Education
In PE
children extend their understanding of how their bodies can be used, and develop
their strength and coordination. They will be taught about the importance of
exercise, and the effects it has on their bodies.
Activities
include gymnastics, dance, athletics and games. KS2
children also take swimming lessons at Dereham Pool during the autumn and spring
terms.
The school
has a strong sporting tradition, and our teams regularly compete in local
football and netball competitions. Through the area Schools Sport Partnership,
our pupils also have opportunities to participate in many other coaching
sessions and competitions. This year's activities have included athletics,
gymnastics, TAG Rugby and Kwik Cricket.
We run a
football and netball club for pupils in years 4, 5, and 6. There is also an
after school gymnastics club and a dance club, both of which are open to all
pupils. We aim to foster a sense of healthy competition in children, but
emphasise that the enjoyment of taking part and ‘doing your best’ is far more
important than always winning.
At the annual
sports day, KS1 children take part in a carousel of activities in which they can
gain points for their house. KS2 children compete in more traditional races, and
again win points for their house team.
Swimming
Swimming
lessons for KS2 pupils take place at Dereham Pool and are led by a qualified
instructor, with support from the school’s staff.
Lessons take
place in the autumn and spring terms, and classes attend for half a term on a
rota basis.
Swimming
lessons are free, but the school asks for voluntary contributions towards the
cost of hiring transport to and from the pool.
Modern Foreigh Languages (MFL)
During the 2007-2008 academic year, we
will be introducing Modern Foreign Languages at KS2. We hope to be studying
Spanish in Years 3 & 4, and
 French in Years 5 & 6. Pupils transferring to
Wayland Community High School
will continue to learn French there.
Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education
This
non-statutory subject area is aimed at teaching children the knowledge and
skills
 they
will need to lead confident, healthy and independent lives, and to become
responsible, active citizens.
As children
progress through the school, they are encouraged to become increasingly
responsible for their own behaviour and learning, and to voice their opinions
(politely) about their school experience. Each class has its own elected
council, and these feed into the
School Council.
The School
Council work to address concerns and issues which are raised by pupils. They
coordinate lunchtime activities and survey pupils’ views on life at school.
Sex Education 
We aim to
create an atmosphere in which children can ask questions about their bodies
without embarrassment. We endeavour to answer such questions as they arise, and
at a level appropriate to the child’s age.
Through
science, children learn about parts of the body, and about some of the changes
which take place throughout the human life-cycle.
In addition
to this we try to counteract the various myths children have, and to prepare
them for, and reassure them about, the forthcoming changes of puberty.
In the summer
term, the class teacher talks to those children whose age and maturity make it
appropriate (normally Years 5 & 6), about the changes they will soon be
experiencing and a little about human reproduction.
This teaching
is approached in a sensitive manner suitable for the children’s age, and is set
within the context of ‘family’ and ‘caring’.
Parents have
the right to withdraw their children from any or all parts of the school’s sex
education programme, other than those elements covered in the National
Curriculum for Science.
Parents who
have any concerns regarding sex education are invited to discuss them with the
headteacher.
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Technology (ICT)
