Key Stage 1 & 2

We enjoy seeing our pupils acquiring new knowledge and using it to demonstrate and further their own understanding.

Meeting the needs of our pupils

We believe that the children will not only value what they learn, but come to love the process of learning together.

Co Headteacher, Alexandra School

Science

The Science curriculum has been designed so that pupils develop their understanding through a variety of experiential experiences which are subsequently built on and linked to more abstract principles and ideas. Units of work are structured so that pupils are able to learn a wide range of scientific knowledge and also develop working scientific skills which can be transferred through to other subjects in the curriculum. Science strands have been specifically chosen to make links within the thematic curriculum structure. This way, children are able to make links with their science learning in subjects across the curriculum, supporting a deeper and more connected understanding.

Food Technology

Our dedicated Food Technology room is used to develop pupil’s life skills alongside their Food Technology lessons. Units of work are planned to incorporate opportunities for pupils to work with a variety of ingredients and equipment, progressively developing the related skills they need to create increasingly complex dishes. Pupils also have the opportunity to learn how food is grown and developed.

Music

We have a well-equipped music room for curriculum music lessons, 1:1 music lessons and our choir. The music scheme of work allows opportunities for all pupils to develop their listening and appraising skills whilst learning to sing and perform music from a variety of genres.

PE

Pupils participate in a wide range of PE. The PE curriculum builds in opportunities for pupils to develop fundamental movement skills (agility, balance and coordination). These skills are central to success in many sports and games and therefore regularly re-visited.

Our youngest pupils have the opportunity to build confidence in the water through time in the pool, guided by familiar members of their class team. In Years 4 and 5, pupils have weekly swimming lessons taught by qualified swimming teachers to build on skills acquired with an aim for them to become confident and competent swimmers.

The PE hall and main hall at school are used for gymnastics, dance, yoga and trampoline sessions.

Our outdoor Sportzone is used for football, basketball and many other team games.

All our classes enjoy taking part in a ‘Daily Mile’ together. This not only introduces a period of daily exercise, but also supports pupils in their self-regulation and readiness to learn.

Curriculum

In Key Stages 1 and 2, planning is drawn from the National Curriculum, which our teachers differentiate and modify to suit the individual needs and develop the strengths of the pupils they teach.

Our pupils study all subjects from the National Curriculum.

Class timetables look very similar to those that would be found in a mainstream primary school, with daily English & Maths, and the full range of subjects represented.

Class timetables show that some lessons might be shorter than in mainstream, to suit individual attention and concentration skills.

Sessions to develop the children’s social, emotional and physical skills are woven into the timetable, for example with morning tasks to develop fine motor skills, or circle time sessions.

Core Subjects

Our curriculum model for teaching both English and maths is based around the principles that concrete materials and experiences support pupils in learning and understanding more abstract ideas. Lessons are planned to ensure that pupils master foundational concepts and knowledge before moving on. This not only helps build confidence, but also means pupils are more likely to succeed in their learning.

Phonics and Reading Schemes

We use Pearson Active Learn Phonics Bug across the school. We draw on a range of resources to meet the needs of our pupils.

We are guided by the objectives from the National curriculum and teach these through focus texts, chosen to engage pupil’s interest.

ICT

Each classroom has an interactive white board and two computers. We use sets of tablets for cross-curricular work in classrooms.

The use of ICT is encouraged and developed throughout the school.

Curriculum Enhancement

Our aim is for pupils to be provided with rich, varied, meaningful learning experiences which they can relate to and which also help to build an understanding of the world around them. Staff carefully consider and plan opportunities for the diverse make up of our society to be reflected in both the teaching content and material provided to pupils. We aim for pupils to learn about themes such as race, gender, disability and climate through the curriculum, helping them to see both themselves and the wider world reflected in the curriculum.

The thing that I love is that you work hard and you make friends. I made new friends this term

Year 4 Pupil