All our learning is based on the National Curriculum (2014) Programmes of Study. We use a Cr
eative Curriculum approach, basing all our work for each term on a topic such as Illuminations, Dinosaurs, and Space. The children are able to lead their own learning by contributing ideas during the planning process for each topic, making suggestions about specific things they would like to investigate in more detail.
Click here to view our overview of topics and subject planning for 2014-18.
English
We recognise the importance of children being able to communicate their ideas in a variety of ways. The children learn to do this through developing the skills of speaking and listening, reading and writing. English teaching takes place daily, where children experience a range of texts for reading and respond to a variety of purposes for writing.
Phonics and Early Reading
We use the Read, Write, Inc scheme to teach phonics and early reading. All children from Reception to Year 3 spend 30 minutes each day working in small, ability based groups learning and reviewing sounds and letters and engaging in reading activities.
Mathematics
Each day begins with a short mental maths activity where children practise basic skills. All classes have a daily maths lesson and there is a strong emphasis on developing mental skills. Our younger children work in a very practical way. As they progress through the school more formal methods of written calculation and recording are introduced. We have adopted a mastery approach to maths across the school last year. Each term will focus on a specific topic taught through a variety of strategies and contexts. This will enable children to gain a deep rooted understanding of an area of maths before moving onto the next topic
Science
Our policy is to encourage exploration, discovery and understanding of science in a practical way. The work is organized into topics. Older children begin to use their existing knowledge to design tests which investigate new scientific ideas.
Computing
ICT is a growing area of learning in our school. We aim to equip our children with the basic skills of word processing, data handling, programming, modelling and control.
To aid this process the school has a class set of ipads as well as a class set of laptops which provide access to learning software, online resources, and the internet which is accessed via our state of the art WIFI network.
The nature of ICT means that we are continuously looking at how we can improve the outcomes for the children at the school. We aim to keep up to date with changes in technology, and ways in which it moves forward. ICT is used as an every-day tool for learning.
E-safety
The school recently achieved the reaccreditation of the e safety award 360Safe.
For more information on e safety and how you can support and protect your children click on the NSPCC links below.
A Parent’s Guide to being Share Aware
Your child’s online world – A guide for parents
R.E.
The school’s Religious Education policy has been compiled in accordance with the LEA’s non-denominational Agreed Syllabus. The policy reflects our Christian tradition but we ensure that the children gain awareness of other world religions and cultures.
We follow the agreed 2016 Somerset syllabus for RE: Somerset SACRE website
For more information please see:
All parents have the right to withdraw their child from the school’s daily collective act of worship, or from Religious Education. If children are withdrawn, they will have alternative supervised work provided for them in another classroom. Any parent wishing to do this should make a written request to the Headteacher.
History
We learn about people and events in the past that are relevant to the overall topic for each term. Children are given opportunities to explore different sources to find out about the past, and to develop their understanding of how events in the past shape life today.
Geography
We learn about our local area but also develop understanding of the wider world, looking at similarities and differences between localities.
Music
Our music sessions allow the children to develop a range of skills – listening, responding, playing a variety of instruments, composing and performing. We regularly benefit from a visiting music specialist who works with one class for a term. Children also have the opportunity to learn violin and piano with our peripatetic music teacher (there is a fee payable for this service).
Design and Technology
Children learn to design, make, test and evaluate products which are linked with the term’s topic. They explore different tools, techniques and materials, making connections between existing products and the items they make.
Art and Design
We support children to explore a wide range of artistic materials and techniques, expressing themselves creatively through painting, drawing, and sculpture. They examine and respond to work by artists, and create work inspired by these experiences as well as using their own ideas as starting points.
Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education
Alongside our main curriculum areas we follow a programme of P.S.H & C.E. Much of this is taught through Circle Time. Throughout school life we foster the children’s development as whole people. We believe they should develop positive attitudes and respect for themselves and for others. Health Education is mainly covered by the Science curriculum and develops an understanding of how to keep healthy including avoiding substances which are harmful.
Physical Education
Children have both indoor and outdoor lessons. The school playing field in the village is used regularly for P.E. and by after school sporting clubs. KS2 children also have swimming lessons in the Spring term. P.E. is an important part of our curriculum and is not optional. For Health and Safety reasons children must be suitably dressed.