The Meadfurlong School Curriculum

English

The English National Curriculum, the National Literacy Strategy and the documentation contained within the school’s English Policy provide the ingredients for planning, teaching and learning, assessment and resourcing at Meadfurlong  School.

We believe that language learning is holistic and that each part (reading, writing, speaking and listening) supports and enhances overall language development. Consequently, we provide teaching and learning opportunities, which integrate reading, writing, speaking and listening. We ensure that the children study language at work in ‘primary texts’. Indeed we believe that children become more effective readers by being taught to interrogate and deconstruct different text types. Subsequently, their working improves as they learn to apply this knowledge and skills to construct their own writing across a range of text types and for real purposes and audiences. Therefore, we study a specific type for a blocked unit of time and always ensure that working tasks are first supported and modelled on reading activities. Children are taught to identify their own strengths and weaknesses in language learning and are assisted to set manageable targets. They are positively encouraged to reflect on their own progress.

All children are taught English within the daily literacy hour. In addition, extra learning time is allocated for independent, guided and paired reading, class novel, library, handwriting, spelling and writing. Wherever possible, we aim to teach and apply language skills through a range of other areas of the curriculum.

“In English pupils frequently achieve well because teachers pitch activities at just the right level.” OFSTED May 2010.

School Library

The School Library offers the facilities for children of all abilities to use reference materials, to gain a love of books and extend the older and more able children to develop skills of study and scanning appropriate to their individuals needs.

Children are allowed to borrow books, on a weekly basis, to read at home. Parents are asked to sign a consent form and are expected to take responsibility for any book borrowed.

Mathematics

In Key Stage 2 all pupils use the Mathematics Framework as the basis for their mathematical learning. Each daily session starts with mental warm up before the main section of the lesson. We are using the DCSF guidelines as our scheme of work and a range of materials from different commercial schemes.

In all years children are grouped according to ability based on their SAT results.

“Inspectors agree with the school’s evaluation and witnessed the sound start that has been made on a school wide project to ensure a systematic approach to building pupil’s confidence and competence in solving word problems.” OFSTED May 2010

Science

Science is an important part of the curriculum and will be taught as separate science topics, in mixed ability classes. The emphasis is upon practical work and investigation by pupils and the programme of study follows that laid down in the National Curriculum and the QCA documentation, to increase the children’s knowledge and understanding of the natural and scientific world. Opportunities are planned throughout the children’s school life for them to work, not only in the classroom, but to learn from wider out of school experiences.

Sex Education

Included within the scientific framework is an understanding of how the body works, so sex education is incorporated as part of the normal school curriculum especially in Year 6.  In Year’s 5 and 6 it emerges from a term’s Good Health topic.

ICT

The computer room provides children with a range of opportunities to develop and apply a wide variety of information technology skills. The subject is taught in a weekly whole class lesson. Children are encouraged to use available resources (at school, home, public library etc.) as an important tool for research, analysis, planning, monitoring control and communication across all the curriculum areas.

There are opportunities via school computer clubs to enable children to continue to practise skills through individual and/or group projects.

By careful use of government funding, local industry and parental support the school is constantly reassessing and enhancing the facility. The PCs have now been networked to provide secure filtered INTERNET access and Email, which is now on broadband. Each classroom has an internet linked PC and active whiteboard which enables staff to deliver exciting lessons.

The shared areas have 3 computers available for the children to use for research on other activities.

Fronter is being developed so that children can complete homework tasks and send them into school electronically. Completed work is also stored on Fronter for parents and children to see.

History

Children follow the National Curriculum guidelines, which provide a scheme of work suitable to each age group, covering mainly the history of Britain, but also some other parts of the world. We link history to literacy and to ICT, offering the children experience of researching information in books, on CD ROMs and on the Internet when appropriate.

We also use visits to make history come alive, whenever possible, or visiting speakers.

Geography

The programme of study for Geography closely follows the guidelines laid down in the National Curriculum. Places and themes are investigated, geographical skills developed and IT will form part of every unit. Each year group undertakes a geographical enquiry based on the local environment or secondary sources.

Music

Children throughout the school have opportunities for a variety of musical experiences. They practise and perform rhythm using a range of percussion instruments as well as singing and listening to music. They are taught basic compositional skills using tuned percussion instruments. Other work includes singing, listening to and evaluating music from a range of styles and genres.

The school has recently invested in a number of keyboards and drum kits to offer the children a wider range of opportunity. There are plans to use modern computer software in the future to produce musical compositions.

There is the opportunity for a limited number of children to receive special tuition on recorder, or a stringed, brass or woodwind instrument. We are linked with the Milton Keynes Music Service.

Religious Knowledge

Assemblies are non-denominational in character. Music and drama are also often included. This is one occasion when we can share experiences with one another. Stores from real life can give up-to-date examples of Christian principles.

Our aim is to create an awareness, understanding and tolerance of other children. Our teaching follows the Milton Keynes Council Agreed Syllabus and emphasises that religion must be seen as an integrated part of school life and not something separate from it. A copy of the syllabus is available in school should you wish to see it.

It is expected that all children participate fully in this aspect of school life. Should parents whose beliefs are such that they wish their child to withdraw from Religious Education,  then a request must be made in writing following prior discussion with the Headteacher. Alternative provision for your child would be arranged following this discussion.

Design and Technology

Design and Technology makes a significant contribution to the development of pupils and prepares them to participate in our rapidly changing technologies. We aim to challenge children to produce practical solutions to problems in a variety of design and make activities.

As well as being introduced to a wide range of hand tools and different materials, they will combine practical ‘making’ skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues. Food technology will also be included alongside activities involving wood, card and fabric work.

Within a stimulating learning situation, technology enables children to experience fun, excitement and a sense of pride and achievement as they learn through their own creativity.

Modern Foreign Language

All pupils learn French in school taught by their own teacher. In addition, an annual visit to France is organised during May.

Art

Children will be given the opportunity to develop painting and drawing skills. They will also be given the opportunity to use clay, printing tools and a variety of materials for collage and three-dimensional work.

They will look at the work of artists from previous times, cultures and genres and develop the ability to comment and ask questions about the work. They will develop a respect for their own and the work of others, learning how to offer and receive constructive feedback and praise.

Art, within the school, is used to make links with other subjects and can help to develop the child’s understanding of historical and cultural difference. It is also used to express feelings, for example in music or poetry. Links with ICT are encouraged and promoted to produce art in a variety of contexts.

Personal, Social and Health Education

Personal, social and health education prepares the children for the opportunities, responsibilities and experience of life.

In KS2 the children will be following the National Curriculum programme of study, which identifies the skills children need to become active and confident citizens of the future.

PE

Our aim is that children will leave the school with an enthusiastic attitude and ability to attain National Curriculum standards in PE. All children will undertake a range of games skills, athletic events, gymnastic movements, outdoor and adventurous activities and swimming. They are encouraged to demonstrate a sportsperson-like attitude and awareness of working within a team in small or large game situations.

Extra curricular activities are also offered, according to staff expertise.

Swimming

Swimming is available to all children once they are in Year 5 and 6. Year 4 children are given a series of taster sessions during May.

As part of the National Curriculum we hope that all children offered the opportunity will take part and ask for your co-operation in providing the necessary towel and swimming gear. In the event of your child being unwell and unable to participate it would be a great help if a note could be forwarded to school at the appropriate time. No jewellery should be worn.