Literacy
At Keresley Grange Primary School , we base our teaching of English on the Primary National Framework This framework joins together the Literacy (English) and Maths under one document for guidance. For Literacy, it introduces the idea of teaching towards a final written piece of work. Children will spend up to 4 weeks looking at a kind of text (for example Stories written by the same Author or Instructions ). They will read paper and screen versions and watch some TV and film literature to develop their understanding about what they might expect to see in each kind of text. For most teaching, the children then go to use speaking and listening, drama and creativity to gather their own ideas for writing in the style. Towards the end of the topic, they use all the things they have read, watched, used ITC for, acted out, drawn and experienced to have a go at writing in the style of the text. Children are then taught how to read their work, edit it to improve the quality and then present it. The children will still have 5 lessons of Literacy per week and additional work on handwriting, spelling, guided reading, drama and speaking and listening activities may be included too. We encourage the pupil to make use of our library to extend their knowledge and expand their reading habits, each child has a reading book, spelling and some literacy homework may be given higher up the school.
Maths
Keresley Grange has specific policies for the teaching of calculations-addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Keresley Grange began implementation of the renewed mathematics Framework in September 2007, the renewed framework is made up of seven strands of mathematics; using and applying mathematics , counting and understanding number, knowing and using number facts, calculating, understanding shape, measuring and handling data. The seven strands of learning give a broad overview of the mathematics curriculum in the primary phase. Objectives are aligned to the seven strands to demonstrate progression in each strand and these objectives set out the age-related expectations for each of the year groups. Each block is made up of three units. A unit represents 2 or 3 weeks of teaching. The key objectives are delivered through a range of learning and teaching methods to suit different types of learners. These methods may include; mental work, practical work, ICT, written work, games, partner talk, teacher demonstration. At Keresley Grange mental mathematical skills are practised on a daily basis, personalised Numeracy targets are set, as a result of teacher’s assessments and become a focus for 3 of the mental sessions each week.
Science
We aim to teach the children to be aware of the world around them through practical activities and experiences. All pupils are encouraged to question how things came to be; how they exist; how they work and where we fit in. Each year group follows a set of science topics on a two year cycle which ensures progression and development in science skills. Much emphasis is placed on active learning wherever possible. We have large school grounds with a variety of habitats where much science learning takes place.
ICT
Every classroom has access to computers and these are used in regular computer skills lessons as well as supporting learning in other lessons. The school has a wireless network and two suites of laptops which are regularly used by the children in a variety of lessons. All of the classrooms have Interactive Whiteboards which support exciting and interactive learning. A Virtual Learning Platform is currently being used by the school to support the children’s learning both in and out of school:
http://keresleygrange.moodledo.co.uk
Geography
Children learn Geography through a topic based approach often in conjunction with other subjects such as History or Science. They learn about their immediate environment in the UK, as well as a contrasting locality in Britain or abroad. Themed days such as World Cultures Day help the children gain a deeper understanding of people’s lives in other parts of the world.
RE
Our aim is to provide the children with an understanding of religion and a developing respect for religious beliefs and values different from their own. Starting in Reception and continuing to year 6 children experience Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. By using stories, drama, art, music, ICT and artefacts the children engage in RE in a enjoyable and relevant way.
Art
Art is taught regularly through the school where the children learn about a variety of techniques and artists. The children are taught to use a wide range of materials such as paint, pencil, chalk, clay and plaster. The school has excellent links with the Herbert Art Gallery and secondary schools where the children have used the art studios.
Design Technology
Design & Technology (or D&T) is taught throughout the school via a two year cycle in KS1 and KS2. In the Foundation Stage work in D &T is integrated within daily teaching and learning. This ensures that children in mixed age classes do not repeat work they have covered the previous year.
PE
Information Coming very soon!
Music
Every class has a music lesson taught though the year. Each year children in KS1 and KS2 take part in Mornings of Music where they perform with other schools. We have visiting musicians who perform strings, brass, woodwind, world music and rock or jazz music. We have a range of percussion instruments including instruments from a range of cultures. Several visiting music teachers offer music tuition in various instruments and children in KS1 sing in a choir for their Christmas production. The school has a excellent links with local secondary schools which provide opportunities for KS2 children to develop their use of ICT and music.
MFL
The teaching of MFL at Key Stage 2 offers opportunities for children to become increasingly familiar with the sounds and written form of a modern foreign language. Children at Keresley Grange are given the chance to develop their language skills and language-learning skills, they can learn to understand and communicate in a new language make and make comparisons between the foreign language and English or another language. Being exposed to new languages allows children to increase their cultural awareness and foster positive attitudes towards foreign language learning. Children use their language knowledge to understand what they hear and read, and to express themselves in speech and in writing and form a sound basis for further study at key stage 3 and beyond.
Special Educational Needs
Keresley Grange Primary School provides a wide variety of specialist support and aims to ensure that all children have access to educational provision which is appropriate to their special educational needs. This enables children to raise achievements and to reach their full potential. For us to achieve this we work in partnership with parents, pupils and outside agencies such as learning and behaviour support, health and social services. The special educational needs of most children will be met at the level of School Action or School Action Plus. A very small number of children with severe and complex needs may require provision to be made through a Statement of Special Educational needs.
