 Curriculum
Introduction
For those who are not yet of statutory age, nursery education is appropriate in preparation for compulsory school. This is known as The Foundation Stage. Children are taught the Early Learning Goals, a pre- National Curriculum programme. The areas covered are Personal and Social, Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Creative, Physical and Knowledge and Understanding of the World. These match with the National Curriculum. A child moves from one stage to another according to individual progress.
The National Curriculum
Core Subjects
English
Maths
Science
ICT (Information Communication Technology) |
Foundation Subjects
Design Technology/
History
Geography/
Music
Art and Craft/
PE
PSHE and Citizenship
(PSHE – Personal, social, health and emotional education) |
 Religious Education is not part of the National Curriculum but our Bishop, Declan, has directed that there should be at least two hours of RE per week in a Catholic school. It is a core subject in our school.
Stages in teaching and learning in a primary school.
Foundation Stage – 4 -5 year olds - Reception
Key Stage 1 – 5 to 7 year olds – Year 1, 2
Key Stage 2 – 7 to 11 year olds – Year 3, 4, 5, 6
We set out to provide an environment in which children experience pleasure in learning; situations in which they meet with success and develop confidence, and where they find their achievements are highly valued. We place importance on first-hand experience, opportunities for self-expression and personal responsibility.
 From the outset our curriculum reflects that we recognise the value, dignity and uniqueness of each child. In practice we seek to provide a curriculum that is broad, balanced and coherent, which provides learning experiences and opportunities that meet their needs as individuals and prepares them for the next step in their education.
We ensure children have a firm grasp of the basic skills. The National Curriculum is taught mainly through individual subjects. All work is carefully planned and all teachers draw upon a wide range of expertise in all different learning areas.
Grouping within the class enables pupils to work at a level compatible with their ability and are expected to complete their work with a good standard of presentation. Children have the opportunity to present aspects of their work to the whole school and their parents at special class assemblies (This is mainly RE work)
 The organisation of teaching:- Subject areas are timetabled to ensure coverage of the “Literacy Time “and “Numeracy Time”, swimming, PE. Most lessons are based on a similar structure: Introduction, Focused Teaching, Differentiated group/individual work, Plenary.
At the beginning of each term, class teachers provide a curriculum plan outlining the content of each subject they will be teaching.
In October and February/ March, we hold parent consultations, when it is expected all parents will accept the invitation to privately discuss their child’s programme of study and progress with the teacher.
In July, a detailed written report to the parents is provided indicating the child’s achievements and progress in the subject areas outlined in the curriculum statement and their level of effort in the core subjects. During the year, parents are welcome to make an appointment at a mutually convenient time to discuss issues of concern with their child’s class teacher.
For more information on our curriculum, please see pages 11-17 of our School Prospectus
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