The Core Curriculum consists of English, Mathematics, Science and recently Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Religious Education (RE). The National Curriculum for English and Mathematics includes the delivery of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies.

A high priority is given to teaching English skills throughout the school and these are taught in ways appropriate to the children's abilities. English is a vehicle for learning throughout the curriculum and for life. The children communicate both orally and in a variety of written forms - Speaking and Listening.

We encourage children to share ideas, opinions, concerns and knowledge in small groups and whole class situations. They are expected to listen carefully to others and to value all contributions. Co-operative working is an important learning process and children should realise that effective communication is an essential everyday skill.

We provide a rich variety of reading resources in school and children are able to borrow a book from school everyday.  Children have access to a large selection of fiction, including classics, non-fiction texts, plays and poetry books in their classrooms and in the libraries.

We have a Home Reading Scheme in the Infant Department, which enables parents, children and school to work on reading development in close co-operation.  Parents are encouraged to share in all aspects of language work in school.  All children are invited to visit the school bookshop that is open during Wednesday lunch hour.  
Your child will bring home their reading book so that you can share it with them.
Children who have books and stories as a natural part of their lives learn to love books and the activity of reading. Personal encouragement from someone they love matters a great deal and your child will see that you think reading is important. But please don´t force your child – you might put them off!

Reading should be enjoyable for both of you. We believe that ten minutes with lots of praise and encouragement is worth more than an hour of struggle. Please remember that even when your child can read fluently, it is important to keep on reading to them and reading stories with them.

All children will develop writing skills using a variety of forms and styles. The children are taught to plan, edit and redraft their writing to improve the content, structure, clarity and accuracy. They use word-processors in our purpose built computer room.  We aim to create a stimulating environment in which all aspects of language flourish.

Children practice their handwriting skills regularly and are encouraged to present their work neatly.  From Year 4 onwards children use ink pens (nibbed or roller).

Punctuation and grammar are taught progressively throughout the school and children are encouraged to use the L.C.W.C. (Look, Cover, Write, Check) method to learn spellings. From Year 2 onwards children are asked to practise lists of spellings at home with parents using this method.

Book Fairs are held in the Spring and Autumn, when a wide range of books is displayed. This provides an opportunity for parents to browse through the collection and to discuss books with their children. Advice is available on all aspects of buying books for children and books may be purchased from those on display and other books ordered.

We aim to enable children to think clearly and logically and to enjoy mathematics. Children, especially early on in their development of mathematical concepts, are supported in their learning by the use of appropriate mathematical apparatus and equipment. Children learn through their activity and through seeing how and why mathematical rules operate. A variety of teaching methods is used to enable children to reach their full potential and class work is supported by regular homework, from Year 2 onwards.

 

Science

Our approach to the National Curriculum topics encourages children to foster a natural curiosity of the world around them and to help them to observe, explore, question, investigate, record and communicate their findings.

• Investigation and Enquiry Skills
• Living Processes
• Materials and their Properties
• Physical Processes

We believe that children need information about their bodies but encourage parents to talk personally to their children about human sexuality. Year 5/6 pupils are also shown videos regarding growing up and menstruation by the School Nurse.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

At present, we have a computer in every classroom as well as two computer rooms equipped with enough computers for class teaching with no more than two children at a terminal. Children use educational software designed to enhance their skills and knowledge in line with National Curriculum guidelines. 

Children develop confidence and competence appropriate to their age in using word processing, databases, spreadsheets, multi-media presentations, control technology and the Internet and email. As our pupils mature, they are encouraged to question the information they receive on the Internet with respect to bias and also that they must protect themselves from the possible dangers of this method of communication. We take our responsibility to protect children from these dangers very seriously but equally feel that proficient use of ICT is a life skill that our children need for tomorrow’s world.

 

Religious Education (RE)

The principle aim of RE, in accordance with the National Curriculum and Bromley’s Agreed  Syllabus is to seek to contribute to the spiritual, moral, social, cultural and intellectual development of pupils by helping them to learn about religion and to learn from religion. We encourage respect and tolerance for religious commitment. The main religion covered is Christianity, whilst Judaism, Islam and Hinduism are also studied.

We have links with both Christ Church and The Spinnaker Group who have taken Assemblies and who support us with RE in the School.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education and collective worship and notice of this is required, in writing, to the Head Teacher.