The Curriculum

National Curriculum - Years 1-6

Children in Years 1 and 2 are in Key Stage 1 and follow the National Curriculum. The transition to more formal lessons is introduced towards the end of Key Stage 1 (in the final term of Year 2). The children complete Statutory Standards Tasks (SSTs) in the core subject areas.

The results of these are communicated to you at a special meeting.

The National Curriculum consists of 10 subjects plus RE, of which three (English, Maths and Science) are core subjects. A brief outline of each subject is given below.

Literacy/English

English is the foundation for almost all the learning which takes place in our school. We teach English directly through a daily Literacy Hour and indirectly through the school day across the rest of the curriculum.

We aim to enable children to communicate confidently through the spoken word, to read a range of materials fluently, both for enjoyment and for information, and to write clearly and legibly in a 'joined up' style.

Mathematics/Numeracy

Our aim is to develop a positive attitude to mathematics and so enable children to think clearly and logically as they acquire an appreciation of the nature of number, space and measures. Children need to learn to be conversant with, and practised in, the mathematical operations and skills in practical situations, as these will form part of the fabric of their lives both now and in the future. We have adopted the guidance given by the National Numeracy Strategy and our daily maths lessons place a great deal of emphasis on the use of mental strategies.

Science

We provide a curriculum which encourages children to adopt a scientific approach to learning and to acquire the skills of observation, recording, forming hypotheses and testing these. The children investigate their world with the object of forming conclusions about the natural and man-made environments and then apply the skills and knowledge they have gained to solving problems in everyday situations.

Art

The art curriculum at Delapre Primary School provides pupils with a wide range of experiences and encourages them to take pride in their achievements. Their knowledge is broadened by the introduction to the work of a range of artists, designers and craftspeople from different times and cultures.

Information Communication Technology

Delapre Primary School is very well equipped to meet the demands of the Information Communication Technology curriculum. The school boasts over sixty PC based multi-media machines.

The I.C.T. Suite

This superb air-conditioned suite, housing 33 computers all linked to the internet is now finished and up and running. There is an interactive board, to extend teaching opportunities and the children are especially enjoying the lessons.

History and Geography

Through our studies we aim to make children curious about the world in which they live. We want them to have an appreciation of what has happened in the past, to be inquisitive and concerned about the things which happen in the world and their immediate environment, and to speculate and care about the future.

Music

Children will be presented with musical opportunities ranging from listening to music through to the making of music. Some of the older pupils are given the opportunity to learn brass, woodwind or violin and we have a recorder club, ocarina club and choir. All the children's musical achievements are celebrated in our "productions".

D.T. (including Food Technology)

Design Technology introduces children to the concepts and processes involved in the manufacture of man made products. They are taught the whole design process from the communication of ideas and their development, through to research, planning, making and evaluating the final product. They learn skills using various materials. Design Technology draws together elements from many subjects, for example: Science, ICT, Art and Mathematics. It also promotes knowledge of industry and health and safety and encourages social skills.

Religious Education

The R.E. curriculum is based on the aims and Attainment Targets of the County Agreed Syllabus, a copy of which is available in school for parents to consult on request. Religious Education is broadly Christian but is non-denominational and takes into account the other main religions of Great Britain. We aim to help all pupils to respect the views of others and develop their own opinions about moral and spiritual issues.

Parents have the right to request that their child be wholly or partly excused from attendance at assemblies in the school, and/or from attendance at religious education lessons. It would be helpful if parents could see the headteacher personally or write to him if such a request is to be made. Every effort will then be made to provide alternative activities for the child but this, of course, would be dependent upon the availability of staff.

Personal, Social and Health Education/Citizenship

Elements of P.S.H.E. are taught in all years, and give the children a broader education in their personal and social development.

In order to fulfil the latest government requirements all parents will be contacted by letter before Sex Education sessions take place and you, as parents, have a right to withdraw your child from these sessions should you wish. All the material used is recommended by the Northampton Area Health Authority and is suitable for this age range of children. Parents are welcome to come into school to discuss any sensitive issues.

Health Education is also a cross-curricular theme and can occur within many subject areas.

Physical Education

Children develop their physical competence and confidence and are encouraged to think positively about active and healthy lifestyles. They develop their movement and co-ordination skills, building on young children's natural enthusiasm for physical activity. They work together in small groups in dance, games and gymnastic activities.

We will endeavour to offer a healthy extra curriculum programme that will enable the pupils to further develop their personal interests.