Choose a curriculum area below or scroll down to read about all our curriculum subjects.
We believe that learning should be a rewarding, enjoyable and enriching experience for all. We aim to equip children with the skills, knowledge and understanding to be able to make informed choices about the important things in their lives.
The curriculum is planned to provide learning experiences which fulfil the school’s statutory duties to cover the subjects in the National Curriculum at Key Stage 1 and 2, and Religious Education in an exciting and inspirational way.
The curriculum is taught in varied ways to suit the abilities, aptitudes and learning styles of individual children. We are committed to ensuring access to an appropriate curriculum for all children, providing support or challenge where appropriate.
Throughout their time at school, children’s work and progress is assessed. This means that the children have a clear idea of what they can do and what targets they need to aim for next. There is also a range of informal and statutory testing. Parents are kept informed of their child’s progress through termly meetings and annual reports. They are also welcome to talk to teachers if they have any concerns.
LITERACY AND NUMERACY
English
Every child has a fundamental entitlement to develop the use of language in spoken and written forms. Children use language to learn, to explore and express feelings, to solve problems, to find, process and classify information. These skills are taught in literacy sessions and used and practised throughout the curriculum.
Reading and spelling are taught through a structured programme of phonics. This is supported by a range of approaches to suit all learning styles. We encourage children to read and to learn spellings at home.
Mathematics
Each class has a daily maths lesson. We aim to enable each pupil to develop basic numeracy skills together with the understanding and confidence needed to solve practical mathematical problems.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Science
We aim to encourage and develop children’s curiosity about the world and to help them learn the skills of investigation, observation, interpretation and communication through practical activities.
Design and Technology
Children are given opportunities to design and make products, using a range of tools and materials.They are encouraged to plan, evaluate and modify their work as well as considering the purpose and quality of the finished product.
THE ARTS
Art and Design
We believe that art stimulates creativity and inspires imagination. A programme of topics introduces children to the work of artists and craftsmen from other times and places and teaches them the skills to use different media to express their own ideas and feelings.
Music
We provide pupils with a variety of musical opportunities and experiences through active participation in composing, performing and appraising. We also place a high value on the experience of singing together. Mrs Susie Spanring provides a range of instrumental lessons for which there is a charge.
THE WORLD AROUND US
History
In history we aim to arouse children’s interest and curiosity about the past, help them to consider how the past influences the present and to develop the skills of investigating and interpreting evidence. We regularly make a historical topic the focus of whole-school work with visits and special events to enrich the experience for the children.
Geography
Children study the local area, geographical features and places further afield, both in the UK and in other countries. They gradually extend their awareness of the world, its people and its environments. They learn to ask questions and to use maps, the landscape and other sources to find answers.
P.E.
Physical Education
We aim to give all children a broad, balanced and enjoyable physical education curriculum, teaching the skills and giving opportunities for using them. Exercise is essential for physical growth and co-ordination and for developing self-awareness and self-confidence.
Each day starts with a ten-minute ‘Wake and Shake’ session.
A specialist PE coach provides gymnastics, dance, games and athletics. Children in Years 3 and 4 attend swimming sessions. We encourage co-operation and good sportsmanship, together with striving to improve one’s own best and healthy competition. In Year 4, children take part in adventurous activity days.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education and Collective Worship
In this Church of England school, RE is taught following ‘Awareness, Mystery and Value’, the syllabus agreed by the Diocese of Bath and Wells and Somerset Education Authority. This aims to provide children with a knowledge and understanding of Christianity and of other faiths. We also encourage children to explore their own understanding of life and its mysteries. The subject has a vital contribution to make in the moral and spiritual development of pupils, as well as helping prepare the children for the rich and varied world in which we live. We have recently visited Bristol Synagogue.
A daily act of collective worship is held at school. The pattern and purpose of collective worship reflects the Christian foundation and ethos of the school. Collective worship provides opportunities for children to worship God and to consider spiritual and moral issues. It gives time and space for reflection. Services are also held in the church and parents are welcome to take part.
Parents may ask for their child to be withdrawn from RE and collective worship if they wish and should contact the Headteacher.
The school has close ties with St Leonard’s Church. The Priest-in-Charge is a member of the Governing Body and leads worship in the school several times each term. The school also holds services in the Church.
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
French
Children in Year 3 and Year 4 have weekly lessons in French. They start to be confident in understanding and speaking simple French vocabulary and phrases and to enjoy hearing stories and singing songs.
OURSELVES AND OUR WELL-BEING
Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship
The children learn about how they can care for themselves and for others, about friendship and relationships. We encourage them to think about their own feelings and behaviour and give them opportunities to express these in various ways. We help them develop the skills and confidence to make good choices. They also learn about the environment and the effect they can have on it.
Spiritual, Moral, Cultural and Social Education
The children are given opportunities to listen, reflect and puzzle on things beyond the here and now. They are encouraged to consider their relationships, develop a sense of right and wrong and begin to consider their personal beliefs and values. They also learn about different ways of life and cultures.
Sex and Relationships Education
Governors believe that age-appropriate sex education should form part of the curriculum within the context of learning about physical, moral and emotional development and that the subject should be treated with sensitivity and honesty. At Key Stage 1 children learn that humans and animals can produce offspring and these grow into adults, and to recognise similarities and differences between themselves and others. At Key Stage 2 they learn about the main stages of the human life cycle. This is done as part of the science curriculum.