Curriculum Overviews
The School Curriculum
Each class teacher is responsible for providing a well balanced broadly based curriculum, in accordance with recent Education Acts of Parliament.
Our children are given access to the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, taught as discrete subjects and to the foundation subjects of History, Geography, I.T. Technology, Art, Physical Education, Music and Religious Education. We deliver our foundation subjects through a thematic approach to the curriculum , which we believe enhances the learning experience for our children
Careful consideration is given to the wide range of ages within any group of children as well as to their intellectual, spiritual, social and emotional differences. Work is thoughtfully matched to their varying levels of ability within all areas of the curriculum. French is taught throughout the school.
Please see individual curriculum policies for details of the schools curriculum, content and approach by Key Stage.
Phonics - Read Write Inc
Read Write Inc Revision Powerpoint
Phonics is recommended as the first strategy that children should be taught in helping them learn to read.Teaching phonics is a way of teaching children to crack a code. As reading is the key to learning. It is important that we teach phonics clearly and systematically.
How we teach phonics at County Bridge Primary School
At County Bridge Primary School pre-reading skills are taught using synthetic phonics and the school follows the government approved programme ‘Read Write Inc’. The children are taught at their appropriate level of development. They are assessed on a regular bases and grouped accordingly. The phonemes (sounds) are systematically taught before the children are shown how to blend them for reading and segmenting them for writing. Alongside this, the children are taught the ‘high frequency words’ (those words which do not entirely follow the phonic rule). Staff receive regular training in the teaching of phonics which enables them to deliver interesting, interactive sessions that engage and motivate the children.
Useful website for parents http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/
We also cover writing in Read Write Inc Phonics. There are three main processes involved in writing: handwriting, encoded (spelling) and language comprehension. Each process is taught discretely, step-by-step, so children are helped both in what to write and how to write until the how to write becomes so effortless that all their energy can go into what they write.
Practical day-to-day guidance is given to support new teachers and teaching assistants, but it also provides a strong scaffold so experienced teachers have to energy and time to plan creatively. In the summer term in year 1 the children complete a phonics check to assess progress. Any children who have not met these age related expectations receive further support and are checked again at the end of year 2.
Religious Education
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from assemblies and R.E. lessons on religious grounds. If you wish to do this, please contact the head teacher in the first instance so that alternative arrangements for your child’s religious education can be discussed with you. Collective worship is central to the life of the school. We hold a daily act of worship within the school.
Please ask at the school reception if you wish to view any Curriculum documents.
Assessment
Teacher assessment is an on-going process throughout your child’s school life. Teachers will monitor your child’s progress and you will be kept in touch with your child’s progress at parents’ consultation evenings, and via the annual written report.
Teacher assessments provide the basis for the teachers’ planning to ensure that children’s needs are met.
Our Year One pupils undergo a phonic screening check in June each year.
In addition Standard Assessment Tasks (SATs) are administered at the end of key stages 1 and 2, i.e. during the summer term of the academic years in which your child becomes 7 and 11. Results of the SATs will be issued to parents with the child’s annual report.
The early years profile enables teachers to track the child’s progress from entry into school throughout the Foundation Stage, and forms the basis of the report for parents.
Swimming
Children in Years 2, 3 & 4 have swimming lessons at UTC Birmingham Swimming Pool r during the course of the school year. It is hoped that every child will gain their 25 metres certificate before leaving the school
Outdoor Education
Children in KS2 will go on a residential visit to an outdoor education centre during the spring or summer term. This visit provides some wonderful opportunities for learning outside the classroom and teaches a variety of skills. Visits will take place during alternate years.
Homework
Homework is set on a regular basis by individual class teachers. Individual teachers will inform parents of timetables and handing in dates.