Prospectus: Curriculum Language The word "language" is used to cover a wide variety of activities and skills, all closely linked with each other - speaking, listening, reading and writing. We use speaking and listening as a foundation for progress in reading and writing. Reading Our aims in teaching reading are:- To make children good, independent readers To foster a love of books To help children to realise the value of books as a source of pleasure and information Our programme is based on the core schemes 1,2,3 and Away (Infants), 360 Language Programme (Juniors), plus a selection from other schemes. Reading is a priority in the school, and continuity in the development of reading for each child is assured. The aim is for your child, by the age of eleven, to be a fluent reader; able to research independently, to express thoughts logically, and to apply basic rules of spelling and sentence construction; to be developing a wide vocabulary and a legible style of handwriting. In the Infant Department we operate a lending library service within the school. This provides the opportunity for children to enjoy books at their leisure in their home and school. We believe that, by using the school lending library, children will become familiar with the public library disciplines and procedures. Instruction is given to the children on the care of books and the correct use of the library, so that a positive attitude towards books will be established. We consider our library to be one of our most important learning resources and we encourage the children to use it to their fullest advantage. We hope that by the time the children are of Junior age they take full advantage of the local public library. Handwriting Cursive handwriting is taught throughout the school. Mathematics We aim to teach mathematics in a balanced way so as to develop proficiency in basic mathematical skills, and to build a solid foundation based on these basic skills and facts. We point out the usefulness of mathematics and how it relates to everyday living. We use many techniques to make children aware of the importance of numbers and number concepts of their lives, and we capitalise whenever possible on the child's natural interest in mathematics. It is therefore our aim to teach the children to count, to manipulate number bonds, to perceive relationships and to teach them processes that they can understand and apply. We use the Nuffield Maths Project throughout the school. Science The work involves investigating, observing, experimenting, predicting and recording. We use Nuffield Science throughout the school. Technology Children will be engaged in context-led problem-solving activities through a wide range of approaches and styles of teaching, thus enabling them to operate effectively and creatively in the made world. The school uses micro computers, disc drives and printers. Their use enhances learning in the whole curriculum as well as helping children to gain experience of using computers themselves. History, Geography, Art and Craft History, geography, art and craft are not taught in isolation, but the term "Topic Work" involves all these subjects. A project on transport, for example, would involve all these subjects as well as language, mathematics, P.E. and music and movement. The study of people in the past and present as well as lands near and far is sometimes undertaken in an integrated topic approach while at other times as History and Geography. A wide variety of art and craft is undertaken, including painting, collage, pottery, needlecraft, weaving, origami and model-making etc. French French is taught throughout the Junior Departments. Music Music plays an important role in the life of the school. We use the Tobin Colour Music System. Colour is used as a means of explaining theory and of identifying notes on instruments, e.g. recorder, chime bars, etc. The school is indeed fortunate to receive peripatetic help. This extra help is provided by the Borough for the teaching of string and brass instruments. Interested children are given a music test and are selected to receive this tuition on aptitude. Our musicians perform at school assemblies, school concerts and productions. Health and Sex Education The Governors have decided that Sex Education should be taught at this school. It will not, however, be taught as an isolated subject but as a part of a school health programme. Our health programme helps the children to prepare for their personal, social and family responsibilities. Appropriate people, such as the School Nurse, Police and Fire Brigade Education Officers contribute to the programme. P.E. and Movement We place a great deal of importance on P.E. and Movement, for it links both the mental and physical side of ourselves. Through work in P.E. and movement the child is made more aware of his/her own body, its capabilities and its limitations. At Junior level we teach specific skills to enable the children to participate in games such as football, netball, athletics and rounders, etc. All Year 5 pupils are given weekly swimming lessons at Highgrove Baths.

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