KS1 and KS2 Curriculum Statement
At Key Stage 1 and 2, children have a daily English and Mathematics lesson. As a school, we recognise the importance of reading for all children and therefore, have a comprehensive and thorough approach to the teaching of reading across the school including, daily phonics lessons in KS1 and Reception and a timetabled comprehension session when the RWI phonics programme is completed. The love of reading and vocabulary acquisition is also developed through using the . All children access books at their comprehension level and progress through the levels until they leave in Year 6.
Writing is taught through immersion with quality texts in order to provide good models for our children to evaluate and learn from, the teachers then create a purpose and audience for the children to develop their writing skills. Grammatical accuracy is embedded into our teaching; teachers also deliver discrete grammar, punctuation and spelling lessons which are also strands of the English curriculum.
The Mathematics curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of Mathematics including the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. Children at Eastlands Primary are taught to reason mathematically, solve problems and apply their mathematical skills in a variety of real life contexts.
We are a ‘Maths Mastery’ School. This is a programme of maths teaching that will be built on year by year as your child progresses through school.
The English curriculum and the mathematics curriculum are supported through a framework developed by consultants and moderators within the Local Authority. In all year groups there are small group interventions in order to support pupils in gaining the key skills to become successful readers, writers and mathematicians.
As another core subject, science at Eastland’s aims to encourage pupils to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. We use Empiribox and our children “become scientists”. They have opportunities for practical (and where possible -real-life science) where they can develop and deepen their knowledge of how scientific findings underpin all aspects of their lives.
In addition to English and Mathematics, children are taught to develop their skills, understanding and creativity in Computing, History, Geography, Design Technology, Music, Art, Physical Education Languages ( Year3 +) and Religious Education (which is based on the Warwickshire Agreed Syllabus).
Choir, hand bells and guitar tuition are also available for children who demonstrate an interest and a musical ability. Lessons are discrete to the subject but links are always made so children can transfer skills and learning so it is more likely to be embedded within different contexts; for example: computing is an integral part of many teaching and learning experiences.
In delivering the foundation subjects of the National Curriculum, our subject leaders have evaluated and sourced a range of resources these include: the Geographical and Historical Associations, Art Express, PlanBee, Charranga, Projects on a page (D&T) Purple Mash and Real PE. We have a sports coach in school who delivers a lesson each week to our children in PE. Our children have access to extra-curricular guitar and French lessons.
The curriculum we teach ensures coverage and progression throughout the school. National requirements and school requirements are mapped out as a whole school and then individual year groups teachers plan units accordingly.
Children are taught about the community in which they live and are encouraged to work in co-operation with other members of the school community. Supporting charities, both local and further afield, is encouraged. All children are expected to undertake appropriate responsibilities within the class and school, e.g. caring for the classroom environment, participating in class assemblies and participating in out of school activities.
We aim to develop children’s enjoyment, confidence and skill in physical activity and introduce them to the pleasures of sport to help develop active children who benefit from a healthy lifestyle. Through Real PE lessons and multi-skills approach, children develop their skills in football, netball, hockey, rounders and cricket, as well as athletics, gymnastics, dance and swimming.
We enhance and enrich the curriculum through a variety of activities including educational visits, school performances, visitors to school, after school clubs and links with other schools.
Specialist teachers and instructors support music and physical education. Teachers are given training and opportunity to keep developing their own subject knowledge, skills and understanding so they can support curriculum development and their colleagues throughout the school. Theme weeks, whole school activities and opportunities within and outside school all enrich and develop the children’s learning. After school clubs and events extend these opportunities further. Additional whole school programmes and approaches support quality teaching and learning and the school is well resourced in terms of learning materials, books and technology.
The outdoor environment and the local community are considered an opportunity for active learning for all our pupils. The school grounds have been developed so they can enrich different curriculum areas.
Pupils have opportunities to share their learning with each other, their parents and carers and other learners through school-based and external exhibitions, performances, competitions and events involving other schools. Developing their independence and motivation as learners and their sense of responsibility as future citizens is at the heart of all our teaching and learning.
The effective Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of the child is integral to our planned programmes of work. Our aim is to prepare our children for life in modern Britain, enabling them to become active and responsible citizens in society. We encourage the children to become involved - to look after their environment and to help others. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils and their understanding of the core values of our society are woven through the curriculum. The fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs are promoted through our school curriculum, and our whole school ethos.