Curriculum

The National Curriculum, laid down by Parliament in the Education Reform Act 1988, is made up of 10 subjects. The core subjects are English, Mathematics, Science, ICT and RE. The other Foundation subjects are Design Technology, Geography, Art & Design, Music and PE. In addition, every school must provide a daily act of collective worship.

Within the National Curriculum, Programmes of Study set out the content to be taught. Attainment Targets for each subject describe what children are expected to know and should be able to do.

The Nursery and Reception Class and now known as the ‘Foundation Stage’. They follow the new guidelines stipulated by the DfES.

The School Curriculum

In this school, through the curriculum, we aim to foster in children the development of the number of qualities we believe will enhance their lives and help to make them responsible citizens with an awareness of the needs of others and a responsible attitude towards society.

The curriculum has the characteristics of breadth, balance, relevance and differentiation.

Curriculum Breadth relates to a focus other than the narrow mechanical aspect of learning to read and write and calculate.

Curriculum Balance means an exploration of a wide variety of subjects and ideas.

Curriculum Relevance means that subjects become part of a living experience, helping pupils to understand why things happen and how it influences us today.

Curriculum Differentiation means that children of varying abilities are catered for so that all children, of whatever ability make progress.

The methods we use in this school are based on the understanding that all children are individuals who have different abilities and different rates and ways of learning as well as the different home experiences before they come to school. Consequently, arrangements are made to ensure the needs of all children are met. They are also based on the belief that children need to understand, as far as possible, what they are taught, rather than learning purely by rote. We believe that it is essential to provide children with first hand experiences that are multi-sensory. This often means that pupils use the school grounds or immediate locality, visits to local museums, theatres etc. are used to give the children experiences that are impossible to duplicate in the classroom.

Curriculum - The Core Curriculum Subjects.

English
In English, the school follows the National Primary Strategy, which focuses on the important skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. The National Curriculum also requires children receive additional English sessions which support the Literacy Hour. Children are encouraged to read a wide variety of books from an early age and follow published reading schemes within the school.

Mathematics
In Mathematics, the school follows the National Primary Strategy which focuses on developing skills in the four rules of number and applying those skills in a real-life context. Approximation, probability, shape, space, measure and data handling are also important aspects that are explored.

Science
In Science children are involved in planning practical investigations and designing experiments which build upon their own interests and experiences. They learn how to make predictions, change variables and communicate results.

I.C.T
Information, Communication and Technology forms an important part of the curriculum and, apart from being a subject in its own right; it is applied to many other subject areas.
We now have a mobile ICT suite in school and a number of Interactive white boards.

Religious Education

R.E. is taught in accordance with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle’s agreed syllabus. This is the Here I Am Religious Education Scheme. As a community we regularly celebrate Mass and the children prepare class liturgies and religious-based assemblies. Catholic children in Year 4 celebrate the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

To equip our children to take their role in today’s society we ensure that all elements of our children’s development are incorporated into our R.E. curriculum and school ethos. (Social Moral Spiritual and Cultural) We ensure that children have an awareness and appreciation of other world religions.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from collective worship. However as parents have made a conscious decision to send their child to a Roman Catholic school the Governors do not see parents wishing to take up this option.

Curriculum - Foundation Subjects

Design Technology
In technology the children are taught how to plan, design, make and evaluate their own work.

Humanities
In History children are taught how our present lives are affected by the past. Chronology and legacy of past ages are key elements. In Geography children study the local area, making comparisons with other parts of the country and other countries. They find out how geographical features were formed and use and interpret a wide range of maps.

Art
Children are encouraged to explore and develop their own ideas. They have an opportunity to explore a range of media when investigating and making art, craft and design.

Music
Children have the opportunity to compose, perform and evaluate their own and others work.
We have a newly formed Ensemble group whereby children learn to play flute, clarinet or Saxophone. We have whole class Samba drum tuition in Year 6 as well a lot of other opportunities for children to develop their musical skills.

Physical Education
Physical development is catered for by structured physical education (P.E.) and games lessons. The curriculum aims to develop individual skills, social awareness and a healthy body. All classes from Year 3 onwards receive swimming tuition.

Through the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) Schemes of work we aim to teach subjects to children attaining levels broadly appropriate for their age.
Education and Personal Relationships

Education and Personal Relationships
Although a fully structured Sex Education scheme is not included in the curriculum at present, the school nurse, with prior parental permission, introduces matters relating to adolescence to Year 6 children. The school has a Health Education policy and Drugs Accord policy. We follow Diocesan guidelines in these matters.

Extra Curricular Activities

The school offers a variety of extra curricular visits and activities throughout the year.

As well as offering a number of additional curriculum activities after school clubs are run by the staff to enhance the children’s overall curriculum e.g. I.C.T., Choir (from Sept 06), French and Football.

In addition the school works with community organisations to further enhance the curriculum by offering specialist coaching both during and after the school day