Learning

English

Reading 

Our Federation believes that reading is a fundamental life skill which allows pupils to access the whole curriculum as well as the world around them. Reading is central to our ability to understand, interpret and communicate with each other as well as with society in which we live. We are dedicated and determined to ensure that our pupils have the skills they need to become independent and reflective readers across a wide range of literature and text types.


Statement of intent and implementation  

It is important for pupils to develop as independent, enthusiastic and expressive writers, who are able to write in a meaningful way. They should be able to use a range of forms for a variety of purposes and audiences, and be confident in their choice of genre and language style for a specific purpose. Pupils should also regard themselves as writers and value their own work and that of others.  

Spelling

Most people read words more accurately than they spell them. The younger the pupils are, the truer it is. We use phonics as our only approach to teach early reading. Our spelling teaching then continues on from where Little Wandle revised Letters and Sounds finishes. Children continue to use their knowledge of phonics to apply to the spelling of words.


Grammar & punctuation

Opportunities for teachers to enhance pupils’ vocabulary arise naturally from their reading and writing. As vocabulary increases, teachers show pupils how to understand the relationships between words, how to understand nuances in meaning, and how to develop their understanding of, and ability to use, figurative language.
 
Pupils are taught to use the elements of spelling, grammar, punctuation and ‘language about language’. Teachers teach pupils the vocabulary they need to discuss their reading, writing and spoken language. It is important that pupils learn the correct grammatical terms in English, and that these terms are integrated within teaching.

 
Spoken language

Spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing. The quality and variety of language that the pupils hear and speak is vital for developing their vocabulary and grammar and their understanding for reading and writing.
 

French

We introduced French throughout the school in September 2005 and have a dedicated part time French teacher.

 

Mathematics

Mathematics is taught through practical activities, mental maths, problem solving and structured investigational activities. Wherever possible is mathematics is also taught through other curriculum areas.

 

Science

Statement of intent and implementation
Progression of Working Scientifically skills
Progression of Knowledge and Understanding
Long Term Plan

We see all aspects of science as a rational way of finding out about the world. Our children are encouraged to critically observe the world around them, ask questions and test out their ideas about the physical laws they encounter on a daily basis. Health education, including sex education, comes under the umbrella of science.
 

History

Geography

In geography, through our theme, we look firstly at our local environment with direct observation and investigation to make sense of our surroundings, and later to apply the knowledge in the context of the wider world.

Art and DT

DT Statement of intent and implementation

Progression for DT

 -Progression of Skills DT.pdf-  

 DT Long Term Plan

The children are encouraged to express themselves in a variety of creative forms including painting, drawing, printing, sculpture, woodwork, needlecraft, singing, music making and cooking. The inspiration for developing creative skills is taken from the topic being studied and is backed up with an educational visit whenever possible.

Music
Statement of intent and implementation

We place great emphasis on developing a love of music throughout the school, giving every pupil the opportunity to play an instrument. Starting with listening games, action rhymes and songs children gain a strong aural and vocal grounding which they can use to further develop their musical ability with the use of instruments and ICT. In addition to group work in class lessons children may choose to learn to play various instruments from our in-house teachers. These include the recorder, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar and piano.

 

Religious Education & Collective Worship

As a Church of England school we aim to include the principles of a Christian faith within everything that we do and this is reflected in our school acts of worship at special services involving St James’ Church in Grewelthorpe. The children have an act of worship every day, and the clergy visit the school regularly along with members of the wider church family.

The North Yorkshire syllabus that we follow includes finding out about other faiths. The Dioceses encourage children from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds to work together to understand each other’s ways of life and to promote global issues.

 

Physical Education

At Grewelthorpe, we encourage all children to engage in a healthy lifestyle and understand the importance of physical activity. Staff are enthusiastic about PE, and this enthusiasm can be seen through the children’s attitudes towards the high-quality PE they receive.

We aim to develop the children’s knowledge, skills and understanding, so that they can perform and compete with increasing competence and confidence in a range of physical activities, which include: dance, games, gymnastics, athletics, swimming and water safety outdoor adventure activities.
 

Computing

The school benefits from having net-worked multimedia computers in every classroom and an IT work bank of laptops that can be used in the classroom or computer suite providing every child with access to a computer where appropriate. Word processing skills, data storage, retrieval and problem solving activities occur in all subjects and ICT is employed wherever it enhances the curriculum.

e-safety

All computers and laptops have controlled Internet access with safeguards and passwords used to ensure no child gains access to unsuitable material.  

There is a wealth of advice and help for parents and children on how to use the internet and new technologies safely and responsibly at home and we have included some useful website links below:
 

https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre

http://www.barnardos.org.uk/what_we_do/who_we_are/resources_internet_safety.htm

http://www.kidsmart.org.uk

 

PSHE

Statement of intent and implementation

Progression
Long Term overview

At our Federation, we teach Personal, Social, Health Education as a whole-school approach to underpin children’s development as people and because we believe that this also supports their learning capacity. Jigsaw is our chosen scheme which covers all areas of PSHE for the primary phase including statutory Relationships and Health Education.