English and Literacy
Much of our teaching is based on the government's Primary Framework Strategy which is a framework for the direct teaching of literacy to all children. It involves whole class teaching and group teaching too.A basic principle is that children are specifically taught how the English language works; they are taught letter-sounds and phonics, spelling, grammar and punctuation, handwriting, poetry and all kinds of factual and imaginative writing. They are deliberately taught reading skills in groups, called guided reading. You may therefore find that your child is heard read individually in school less often than in the past. This is because the teachers are concentrating on the teaching of reading in a more direct and consistent way. But children still have reading scheme books and library books to borrow and they are expected to read every day, at home as well as at school.
Speaking and listening remain important and children are taught to develop their vocabulary and powers of expression in all of our lessons. To some extent children are setted for their daily literacy lesson, which means that they are placed in teaching groups according to their ability or need.
Mathematics
We base our teaching of mathematics on the government's Primary Framework Strategy, which just as for literacy, is all about the direct teaching of number to children. What is different about this new mathematical strategy is that it is based on the crucial importance of children understanding how numbers work in their heads.There is an emphasis on the direct teaching of mental arithmetic, on children explaining their methods and on question and answer in whole class or group teaching. Children are taught to write their maths from an early age, but mostly to simply record what they have done.
Methods of written calculation are taught from Key Stage 2 when children have developed the mental understanding of numbers that they need to be proficient. Children are taught the standard methods of calculating. Children are also taught their tables and expected to know them.
Science
Science is about children learning to use their natural curiosity to understand the world around them. Our children are always encouraged to think scientifically, to question, make theories and ask "what happens if...?"The material children study comes largely from their own experience of life, everyday things at home and in the local environment, such as plants and animals, building materials, toys, food and drink etc. Children also study scientific topics such as energy, forces, light and sound as well as issues such as conservation, pollution and good health. All of our children learn science from the nursery to our oldest juniors.
