The Curriculum
The School has adopted The Norfolk Statement of Policy for the Curriculum, a copy of which can be seen at the school. Other documents, including policies, schemes of work and Ofsted reports are available for inspection at the school. Please contact the Headteacher to make an appointment. All children follow the National Curriculum at a level appropriate to their age, aptitude and ability. For those children with special educational needs various support agencies are available. The children follow a broadly based curriculum, covering all subjects and are taught as a class group for most activities. A curriculum map shows the subject focused topics taught to the different classes.
ENGLISH
We aim to develop a child's ability to:
speak clearly and fluently and be able to discuss topics coherently.
listen attentively to each other and all members of staff.
read with understanding and enjoy using books purposefully.
write accurately, clearly legibly and with imagination.
Much of the English work takes place during the literacy hour, which includes whole class sharing of texts and group work matched to children's abilities.
HUMANITIES - History and Geography
We aim to teach basic skills of acquiring information and using evidence to find out about the past and the world in which we live.
MATHEMATICS
We aim to provide each child with the basic skills in mathematics and the ability to use these skills effectively in everyday life.
To give pupils confidence to enjoy and to investigate mathematical concepts. A variety of resources are used including the Abacus Maths Scheme, Steps Maths and maths investigations.
The teaching of mathematics takes place during the numeracy hour and is planned around the key objectives as stated in the National numeracy strategy.
SCIENCE
We aim to encourage children to:
look at the environment, and develop an attitude of care and responsibility.
develop skills of observation
investigate and interpret
basic concepts and logical thinking
design, make evaluate and adapt
R.E.
We aim to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural and physical development of each child in order to prepare for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus, a copy of which may be seen at the school on request. The syllabus introduces children to the principal world religions - Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism. Parents have a right to withdraw their child from RE should you wish to do so you are invited to discuss the matter with the Headteacher.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/SPORT
Children are taught the elements of games, dance, movement work and simple gymnastics in the school hall and on the play area of the Millennium green. A professional sports coach is employed by the school to teach Year 5 and Year 6.
The school participates at weekends in sports tournaments when arranged with other local schools. The school takes part in the Top Sport programme which introduces children to a wide range of skills.
SWIMMING
Currently Years 2 and 3 swim each Tuesday morning at Dereham Pool. For swimming, each child will require a one piece swimsuit or trunks, towel and where necessary a hat. No jewellery may be worn in the pool. Children's clothing should be clearly marked at all times and we advise the use of sewn in labels. We would appreciate a voluntary contribution of £1 per week to help with transport costs for swimming
ART/DESIGN
We aim to develop children's natural artistic ability using a variety of materials and medium. Children are encouraged to look at and work in the style of contemporary and non contemporary artists. Children's work can be seen displayed around our school.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
We aim to develop the children's natural creative ability using a variety of materials and medium. Children are given the opportunity to make and investigate a wide range of models. They are given the opportunity to cook a range of simple foods such as bread and pizza.
INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
We aim to enable children to acquire knowledge and skills to meet the growing demands of a technological age. Each class is equipped with an interactive whiteboard, data projector, computer and a printer. A variety of ICT equipment is used across the curriculum for a wide range of purposes.
MUSIC
We aim to widen children's experiences through performing, composing and listening to music. There are opportunities for children to learn to play the guitar. A charge is made for these lessons which are taught by a peripatetic music teacher. In the past the children have recorded a CD of school songs which raised money for school funds and for the local church. Children are given the opportunity to try a range of musical instruments including recorders.
HOMEWORK
We believe that after a busy day at school, children should be encouraged to play, relax, join clubs and organisations and develop outside interests.
The government has requested that children should be encouraged to do homework on a regular basis and has recommended the following:
Years 1 and 2 1 hour a week
Years 3 and 4 1.5 hours a week
Years 5 and 6 30 minutes a day
We believe that this time is best spent by parents and children sharing and enjoying books together, learning weekly spellings and tables, and working on project work and research from time to time.
Homework should be viewed as a time when adults and children learn together.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Gardening, Basketball, Gymnastics, Netball, Football and Summer Games take place after school.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
We recognise that all children are special and have specific educational needs.
When we identify particular concerns, discussion takes place with parents and a programme is developed to help the child in accordance with the Special Needs Code of Practice. With parental consent, we may feel it necessary to seek advice from the Special Educational Needs Support Services. In some cases a child may have a Statement of Special Educational Needs which details the child's specific needs. The Special Education Needs Co-ordinator is Mrs. H. Aspinwall. Please contact her at school if you wish to discuss any special educational needs matters.
The school has a detailed SEN Policy which parents are welcome to inspect at the school.
CITIZENSHIP, PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION
The children are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to recognize the effects of their behaviour on others. The children are encouraged to adopt a positive and caring attitude towards one another. Circle time is when PSHE lessons occur. Time is allocated within curriculum time, during assemblies and at registration time for PHSE.
The school has received The Healthy Norfolk Schools Award, a project which aims to promote a positive attitude towards health amongst children, staff, governors and parents.
SEX EDUCATION
The oldest children in the school receive an introduction to sex education in preparation for adolescence. This is taught within a moral framework. Parents are invited to look at the materials and discuss the programme of study beforehand.
DISABLITY DISCRIMINATION ACT
The school complies with the DDA and has access for both disabled children and adults. The school has a disability equality scheme which states that reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate any individual needs.