There is a strong focus on the early acquisition of phonics and early maths skills.
Details of the curriculum can be found in the EYFS policy.
Primary Curriculum
Pupils are taught in mixed ability classes, with one class in each year group. The National Curriculum is followed to ensure breadth, depth of knowledge and balance.
Pupils have discreet English and Mathematics lessons. Other curriculum areas are also taught discretely including Computing, Modern Foreign Languages, Personal, Social and Health Education, PE, RE and Science. Where work is taught thematically, teachers ensure that the National Curriculum requirements of each separate subject are met through careful planning, assessment and record keeping.
Class teaching, group work and individual teaching are used as appropriate. For example, individual teaching is used in the teaching of reading or music.
As an all through school, the curriculum has been mapped from Reception to Year 11. The primary phase prospectus details the knowledge and methodology for each subject area.
- English: The curriculum develops reading, writing, speaking and listening. Reading is a priority, with a sharp focus on ensuring that younger children gain the phonics knowledge and language comprehension necessary to read.
- Mathematics: A mastery approach is followed so that pupils gain the knowledge to handle numbers and measures mentally, orally and in writing; use a variety of calculations accurately and appropriately; interpret and use data presented in graphs, charts and tables; properties of 2D and 3D shape and basic algebra
- Science: The curriculum is planned using half termly or termly themes and linked with other relevant subjects including technology, geography, mathematics and computing.
- Computing: The curriculum is taught through discrete lessons and as an integral part of all other curriculum subjects, with Key Stage 2 classes having input from a specialist teacher from the secondary phase
- History, Geography, Art and Design and Technology are often taught in a thematic way:I
- HistoryI: The curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge so that they can investigate sources of evidence, ask interesting questions, explore the lives of people from the past and look at changes to society over extended periods of time.
- Geography: The curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge about maps, their locality, places further afield, environmental issues, and skills concerned with observing, recording, and analysing evidence.
- Art: Pupils are given the opportunity to use a variety of materials and techniques to produce both two and three dimensional work. The curriculum includes discussions of specific paintings and other works of art and the lives of artists.
- Design and Technology: The curriculum develops pupils’ knowledge of problem-solving techniques alongside the ability to apply them to new situations, using a range of hand tools and basic materials. Several classes have lessons taught be a specialist Design and Technology teacher from the secondary phase.
- Drama: When appropriate, pupils are given the opportunity to act and be involved in role play.
- Modern Foreign Languages: Pupils study French, with every Key Stage 2 class having a weekly foreign language lesson, the majority of which are taught by a specialist language teacher.
- Music: Music is taught throughout the school. Key Stage 2 children are provided with many additional experiences in music and the opportunity to perform alongside older children. Individual instrumental tuition is available on string, woodwind, guitar, piano, brass and percussion instruments.
- PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies). The majority of the Personal, Social and Health Education (PHSE) curriculum is delivered through PATHS and this is taught as two discreet lessons per week for each class.
- Physical Education: All children have regular, timetabled PE lessons, coupled with an outstanding range of extra-curricular PE and competitions through a Sports Partnership. All Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 classes have the opportunity to swim.
- Religious Education: RE is taught using a thematic approach, looking at how different religions (Christianity and the other five major faiths – Buddhism. Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Islam) teach, worship and celebrate the same aspect. Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus.
- RSE (Relationships and Sex Education). The school is an early adopter of the new RSE curriculum. Pupils are taught the curriculum in their classes by their class teacher.