Brindishe at work - The curriculum
First of all what is a ‘curriculum’?
It includes the subjects which children study, the content of those individual
subjects, how they are taught (there are several different approaches,
for example, to the teaching of reading), how they relate to each other
(or how they are integrated) and lastly, how teachers organise children’s
learning over a half term, a term and the whole school year.
We are a state primary school and therefore must follow the national curriculum. In addition to literacy and maths, the following subjects are included in the national curriculum: science, ICT, history, geography, music, art &design, PE and design & technology. You can find out more about these subject areas by going to the government site www.direct.gov.uk and then going to Education and Learning. We also support the Every Child Matters agenda (www.everychildmatters.gov.uk), which aims to achieve the following outcomes for every child:
- being healthy: enjoying good physical and mental health and living a healthy lifestyle
- staying safe: being protected from harm and neglect
- enjoying and achieving: getting the most out of life and developing the skills for adulthood
- making a positive contribution: being involved with the community and society and not engaging in anti-social or offending behaviour
- economic well-being: not being prevented by economic disadvantage from achieving their full potential in life.
Within these frameworks, we aim to provide for the full academic, personal and social development of each pupil, and to encourage pupils to work and think independently and to make decisions within a moral code.
The curriculum at Brindishe is designed to develop in all pupils:
- high standards of literacy, numeracy and ICT capability
- the ability to discover facts accurately and use them critically
- the ability to identify and solve problems creatively, as individuals and in co-operation with others
- the ability to express themselves through the arts and to appreciate the art and creativity of others
- the ability to work well with others showing social skills of co-operation and leadership, mutual respect, understanding and support
- the motivation and ability to build on strengths and to learn from mistakes
Although
registration and playtime are not officially counted as curriculum time,
they are, of course, important opportunities for learning.
These subjects are often drawn together or integrated so that children will use several in their study of one particular area or theme. We therefore combine these times into blocks to produce a more cohesive and linked curriculum for our children
For example we may combine English, history and art together if the children are researching Tudor portraiture at The National Gallery. A topic on ‘making moving models’ will involve combining design technology, science, English and maths.
We have produced a document called ‘Progression in Learning at Brindishe’. This document details the areas of learning for every group and every area of the curriculum. Details of literacy and maths however are detailed in the Primary Framework, which is part of the government’s National Strategy. You can find out more by going to the governments standards site at www.standards.dfes.gov.uk and then go to Primary Framework.
At Brindishe we also teach RE (religious education) and PSHME&C (Personal social health & moral education, and citizenship). These subjects are not covered by the national curriculum, so details are given below:
Our Progression in Learning for RE is based on a scheme of work designed by SACRE, a locally based group representative of all Faiths, who advise that children should learn about the six major religions of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism and Hinduism.
We take care not to indoctrinate children in any way and views on all religious matters are expressed in a balanced way. Our emphasis is on giving children a framework of moral understanding as well as a knowledge of religious beliefs and practices to enable them to become caring members of society and form their own religious views.
Religion is sometimes taught as a separate subject and sometimes as part of a theme. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from religious education. Please inform the class teacher if you do not want your child to take part in religious education.
Personal, social, health and moral
education (PSHME)
This area includes health education, promoting good behaviour and developing
children’s awareness of themselves and others in the community. Our
work in PSHME is often incidental but always essential. It involves children
in learning to keep themselves fit and healthy; developing a set of values
and beliefs, including respect for ourselves, for others and for the environment.
PSHME includes drug education aimed at encouraging children to recognise the dangers of drugs and how to assert themselves against negative influences and pressures. We aim to teach children how to recognise and avoid addictive or harmful substances and how to keep themselves safe and healthy.
Citizenship is taught mainly through whole class and group discussion. It concentrates on developing children’s knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities and how to make a positive contribution to their community. They also learn about democracy and how local and national government works.
In Brindishe we have adopted the practice of ‘circle time’, dedicated to developing the ability to listen to others, to express their views, and to discuss and debate current ideas and issues. Circle time is frequently used to support PSHME and Citizenship education.
Sex education
Schools are able to decide whether or not to teach sex education and
we include sex education as part of our curriculum. Before a class
studies sex education formally (normally in KS2) parents are informed
and are
invited
to view the materials which will be used by a class. At other times if
children ask teachers questions relating to sex or sexuality, it is our
policy to answer their questions honestly and with regard for our equality
policies. We will always try to inform you about the kind of questions
your child is asking so that you may also respond to them.
Parents are entitled to withdraw their child from formal sex education if they so wish, but we cannot withdraw a child from playground chatter, so we do hope that as many children as possible are able to take part in the lessons. We have a published policy for sex education. Please ask if you would like a copy.
School Journey
In KS2 children take part in residential school journeys which support
areas of learning such as geography and PE (outdoor pursuits is part
of the PE national curriculum).
Swimming
Children have swimming lessons during their time in year 3. They
travel by coach to a local pool and are taught by qualified instructors.
There
is no charge for these lessons. Swimming is part of the PE curriculum
and we hope as many children as possible take part each week.
Instrumental
Tuition
We also arrange group instrumental tuition for children aged 7-11
years at very reduced prices, during lunchtime or after school.
The cost
includes the hire of an instrument and the services of a professional
tutor.
Our Curriculum
You can find out more about our curriculum by visiting these sites: