We are registered by the DofE, so consider the National Curriculum to be an important reference for continuity and progression.

We are a child centred school therefore teach a child-centered curriculum. We concentrate on a hands on and creative approach where children are aware that they are the creators of their learning. This encourages children, who already have their own sense of intrigue, to become independent learners. Once a child begins to want to explore and investigate, the flame of the fire is just igniting.

We also incorporate and use a sensory approach to learning. Children learn to use their eyes, nose, ears, sense of touch and taste to guide, discover and experience learning. Using their senses helps children to be creative and in turn, their learning is creative. They have first hand experiences of who they are, what they like-dislike, how they feel and most importantly how they learn.

Our teachers and staff are encouraged to be learners too and they share a sense of vision that is very strong. They let the children guide them by listening to their interests

Language and Literacy

We place a high priority on learning to read fluently and aim to give all children a deep love of books. We nurture early independent readers and build positive attitudes to learning by praising all progress whether large or small. We build up each child’s confidence by presenting different types of books to extend their experience of literature, e.g. poetry, fairy tales, modern fiction and non fiction books.

We link drama to reading and use the ‘123 and Away’ reading scheme. This scheme actively encourages dramatic play as the children take on the characters roles, dressing up and actively acting out incidents from the stories. We also link a collection of story books which include humourous, fantasy, geographical and historical stories. We always encourage teacher/child, Child/child and parent/children paired reading to strengthen and deepen reading. We hear all readers read on a daily basis making note of all observations, rejoicing in all achievements made.

Writing and spelling are at the core of the curriculum presented and we support and extend the children's' experience through topic work. Good clear handwriting is taught through a cursive style scheme, with continuity between the classes. All children are encouraged to develop thinking skills and confident speech through expressing their thoughts and ideas in class discussions.

Throughout the year we have presentations for parents, which may include poetry and speaking, singing, dance and creative music.

Elocution lessons are available and these develop confident oral expression and a love of poetry.

Children may take the LAMDA examinations at the end of each school year.

Mathematics

This is a very important aspect of work in the classroom. We plan practical activities and play table games to consolidate understanding of number concepts too. We use problem solving and logic games to develop thinking skills and enhance mathematical experience.

We follow the national curriculum but also use a scheme called Numberland throughout school. Numberland develops and assesses number concepts. Numberland provides continuity, revising and rehearsing key topics, we also find that it encourages independency; children are able to work at their own pace, recording and practising number skills.

Reading and interpreting instructions as well as practical tasks are an important aspect of this scheme. We also hve the R.M Integrated Maths Programme Installed on each class computer, which is based on N.C. up to level 5. The children enjoy the challenge of working on their individualised programme, which uses problem solving for all strands of numeracy.

Science

Science is a core topic which is taught frequently.

Children are taught to question, predict and experience hands on practical experiments that provide solutions or an understanding to scientific questioning.

Science is taught through topics that inspire and challenge thinking skills. Resources and equipment are always to hand for children to use and the outdoors provides a great source for extending first hand experiences of nature, weather and the cycles of growth.

Children are taught to present their findings in a variety of ways e.g. drawings and block graphs, diagrams and pictograms and written evaluations including fair testing as well as scientific reasoning and understanding.

ICT

There are computers in each classroom and ICT is an integral part of the curriculum. The children view computers as an important aid to learning.

ICT is used as a cross-curricular source. Children are taught key skills and are avid users of the internet which also helps to investigate and answer their never ending questions.

We ensure that all internet access is filtered and thus child friendly. We have taken the decision not to use wireless technology and all our computers are networked using hard wired technology.

We also use a smart interactive whiteboard as a teaching tool both for teachers and children.

History and Geography

History and Geography are studied using the local areas and by building on children’s experiences.

We investigate the past through topic based work, e.g. dinosaurs, Victorians, famous people throughout History – Florence Nightingale- Monarchy. Children celebrate special days and look at the history surrounding annual celebrations. Visits out are used to further develop knowledge and understanding.

In Geography we investigate and learn the physical and human features of our environment and use the local are of Saddleworth as a focus point.

Map skills, Atlases and co-ordination skills are developed through studying countries; children have the chance to further their skills by using equipment such as thermometers and compasses.

Creative Arts and Music

We teach many different skills and techniques in Art and Design and CDT, but also ensure to nurture the creative part of each child. Clay, paints, textiles, and charcoal are just of few of the materials children learn to use during Art and Design. We use topic themes to inspire children to create vivid images using the materials of their choice, e.g. Voclanoes- Great fire of London.

Music is played throughout the classrooms to stimulate, calm and inspire children’s learning. Music goes straight to the heart and it is therefore important to play classical styles, e.g. Mozart, Vivaldi, P.E. and Purcell.

Singing sessions occur regular in school which we feel is valuable for the soul and heart of all our children!

P.E and Dance

P.E. is a vital area of the curriculum that is taught throughout the school week. Activities include:- ball skills, understanding of invasive and non –invasive games as well as non-contact and contact. With our huge outdoor space of the field and yard, all areas of P.E. are taught rigorously and in depth.

Weekly dance sessions are taught in school by a trained dance teacher. Our children are taught discipline, flexibility, co-ordination as well as balance in the exercise. They also develop grace and presence while they dance and gain confidence to show their talents to others. Each year, the children are able to enter the royal academy of dance examinations (RAD). Regular performances are given, and various traditions in dance are explored.

In the spring term children from Year 2 upwards children are introduced to swimming lessons at a local swimming pool once a week, where they follow the national curriculum key objectives for swimming. Awards and certificates are presented to our dedicated swimmers, when an objective is met.

Educational Visits

Carefully planned trips take place on a regular basis, we aim to further embrace the learning of a specific topic or enhance the children’s understanding and appreciation of the world by encouraging learning beyond the classroom. Trips to Museums, Art Galleries, Farms, Fire Stations and local walks provide hands on learning that is fun and memorable.