Literacy

Literacy is a core subject and the children spend one-hour everyday practicing their speaking, listening, reading and writing.  We use guided reading sessions to focus on decoding and comprehension skills as well as a reading scheme to support home reading. The foundation classes have their own home lending library, which encourages the children to enjoy sharing books with their parents.

We strive for the highest standards possible in our teaching of literacy and encourage the children through reward schemes; one of which allows them to earn a book of their choice. As this year is the National Year of Reading we will also be arranging library trips and various activities which will inspire and enthuse the children. World Book Day takes place on March 6th.

We ask that parents listen to their children read every day and write in their reading record. Spellings are given from Y2 onwards and these need to be learnt at home using the Look, Say, Cover, Write and Check method. Most importantly, stories are for sharing, and the more that books are enjoyed and celebrated at home the more likely it is that your child will develop a life long love of reading

Physical Education

All primary children need a good foundation in knowing how to live a healthy lifestyle and fitness is an integral part of this. All pupils receive at least two hours of physical education each week, some inside and some outside. This is extended through daily wiggletime, active playtimes and the encouragement to join extra curricular sporting clubs in and out of school.  

In order to take part fully and to promote hygiene, pupils need a full PE kit to change into for physical exercise.

PE teaching involves teaching younger children to control themselves and the equipment that they use as well as to bond through team games. Older children are coached to apply these basic skills into specific sports, games and performances and can often lead to competitive challenges.

Geography

Why do we teach geography?  An understanding of the world around us is crucial to living in the 21st Century.  Geography helps children to extend their world and to move towards a better, richer understanding of real places and people.  We aim to encourage a sense of wonder at the beauty of our world, to stimulate pupils’ interest and concerns in the physical and human conditions on earth, and to develop a sense of responsibility about the environment.  How do we teach this?  Through studying the local area, nearby places and distant places in the wider world.  To make sense of the natural features of our world, we map it, to see where things are and to help us understand how it is organised.  We encourage children to ask questions, search for answers and express views. It is a rich and varied subject and contributes to many aspects of our topic work.