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Key Stage One
After the children have completed the Foundation
Stage they move to Key Stage One. At the end of Key Stage One the
children are assessed.
The children follow the National Curriculum which
comprises of the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science,
ICT (Information, Communications, Technology), RE (Religious
Education), Art, Design and Technology, History, Geography, Music,
P.E. (Physical Education) and PSHE & C (Personal. Social, Health
Education and Citizenship). Although the children follow the same
National Curriculum, they work at their own individual level according
to their age and ability. Basic skills and concepts are acquired
through working systematically in accordance with the schemes of work.
In all areas of the National Curriculum we emphasise effort, personal
achievement and co-operation. We regularly re-assess and modify our
schemes of work to take into account educational developments, always
bearing in mind that our aim is to provide an exciting, broad,
balanced and relevant curriculum.
National Literacy Framework
A high priority is placed on language skills. These
skills include listening, speaking, reading and writing, and they are
taught in each class. In Key Stage One the children are taught these
skills during the literacy lesson, and then practised throughout the
day. Our children are taught to read using a wide variety of
literature; this includes fiction, non-fiction and books from a broad
range of structured reading schemes.
From the earliest stages our children derive great
pleasure from sharing books and listening to stories. Our aim is that
they clearly identify themselves as readers who find pleasure in
books. We provide a lively reading environment and the children are
encouraged and supported by structured and sensitive teaching. The
children's individual needs and interests are catered for, and all
children are encouraged to borrow books from the school library.
We welcome parental involvement and children are
encouraged to take books home daily; we have designed our own reading
record book, which is shared between teachers and parents and in which
we welcome comments.
We recognise the importance of communication. We
provide opportunities for the children to express their feelings, to
listen to others and to explore ideas through discussions. This
enables the teacher to build in new challenges, to suggest new ideas
and to give the children new ways of thinking. Our aim is to lead the
child to clarity of thought and express themselves with confidence.
Children need to learn to write for a variety of
purposes. Opportunities are provided for different kinds of writing,
such as imaginative writing, descriptive writing, recording of
observations, discussions and events. We aim to encourage the children
to develop confidence in themselves as writers. Considerable
importance is attached to the teaching of spelling and handwriting
skills. An example of the style of handwriting (including letter
formation) used by the school is available as a John Bear Handwriting
mat for parents to use at home.
National Numeracy Framework
The National Numeracy Framework forms the guidelines
for the teaching of mathematics. We put a strong emphasis on practical
work which relates to the children's own experience. Through this
practical work and problem solving they gain the mathematics of
number, algebra, measurement, shape, space/geometry. Children are
individuals and we apply mathematics through children's interests. We
aim to stimulate, extend and challenge their thinking during our
Numeracy time. We use a variety of mathematical games to reinforce
children's learning and to enable them to acquire skills and concepts
with enthusiasm and enjoyment.
Science
We encourage the children to investigate the
wonderful world around them by developing skills, knowledge and
understanding through investigation and observation. We place high
importance on developing children's methods of enquiry and systematic
scientific thinking through practical activities both indoors and
outdoors.
Information Communications
Technology
Each classroom is equipped with a mini suite of
computers and an Interactive Whiteboard. ICT is embedded across the
curriculum and the children enjoy cameras, videos and programmable
toys. The children in Key Stage 1 are taught by a specialist ICT
teacher, who helps to develop their skills in writing, graphics and
using the Internet safely. The children are always supervised when
using the Internet.
Religious Education
Religious Education is taught in accordance with the
agreed Norfolk Syllabus.
During our mainly Christian assemblies emphasis is
placed on humanitarian and moral issues, such as tolerance, honesty
and concern for others. Children are given an appreciation of the
multicultural society in which we live. Parents who wish to withdraw
their children from Religious Education or the devotional part of our
assemblies are invited to discuss the matter with the Headteacher.
Art and Design and Technology
The opportunities for this subject include working
with a wide variety of materials such as paint, collage and clay.
During design and technology lessons, the children enjoy making moving
pictures, puppets, castles and vehicles. The children work on
individual projects as well as collaborative activities, some of these
are on display within our school grounds.
Music
The children are taught by a specialist music
teacher, who develops singing and creative music making skills. The
children also listen to a broad selection of music from different eras
and cultures.
History and Geography
Themes from History and Geography are often drawn
together and taught in relation to a specific topic. Whenever possible
we combine topic work with outings and visiting speakers, so that
children learn through the environment and first hand experience.
Physical Education
A specialist PE teacher works with the children
every week using our hall and spacious grounds. PE includes games,
gymnastics and dance. Each day the children join in Activate sessions
which stimulates their brains and keeps them fit and healthy. Parents
are invited to a Sports Day and a Family Fun Event which are held
during the Summer Term.
Personal, Social, Health,
Emotional and Citizenship
The majority of this work spreads across the
curriculum, although weekly Circle Time allows each class to focus on
aspects such as class rules, behaviour and broader issues that affect
the school and wider world. The school follows SEAL (Social Emotional
Aspects of Learning) programme which includes units of work such as
New Beginnings, Changes and Good to be me.
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