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For details of how ICT is used throughout the curriculum, please click on a subject below
Curriculum
The curriculum consists of a number of areas of learning and experience which are felt to be important for our pupil's development.
It must give opportunities for both our most able and most dependent children. We include the core subjects of English,
Mathematics, Science, Technology, History and Geography, Physical Education, Music and Art in our work.
The National Curriculum exists for children within the ages of statutory school attendance, i.e. between the ages of 5 and 16 years.
We are required to produce policy statements on each of the National Curriculum subjects and teach the items in the 'programmes
of study' specified by the Department of Education.
All children above 5 years of age are working on 'Programmes of Study' of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 1 and above.
The Foundation Stage is taught to children in Nursery and Reception classes.
The school is delivering programmes of study in Maths, English, Science, Design Technology, Information Technology,
History, Geography, Physical Education and Music. They are delivered mostly by means of 'Topics'.
Each child's programme is selected at a level where appropriate learning experience can be achieved.
Other activities are chosen to ensure that all children receive a broad and balanced curriculum.
Records of Achievement and Experience
Staff have been involved in courses concerning the development within the authority of Records of Achievement and Experience.
We have now developed within school records suitable for our pupils, to which parents may be asked to contribute.
Homework Policy
No homework is set but teachers may suggest that it would be helpful if some activities are practised at home or
simply carried out in the same way both at home and at school.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Residential experience at Whirlow Hall Farm or Thornbirdge Hall may be offered to the children during the course of
their school career.
Curriculum Areas
Play and Interaction
This area provides a base from which children can extend into other subject areas. It includes skills in relating to other
people and objects, developing visual and auditory awareness, hand skills, self-awareness and control and the ability to make choices.
English
This area includes the development of expressive and receptive communication skills, listening skills and the use of
understanding of sign and symbol systems. Early skills in the area of reading and writing, opportunities to experience a
range of stories and poems and participate in drama activities are also offered.
Mathematics
This area includes work on basic number, shape, size and colour. Children may also experience measuring, sequencing
and ordering activities.
Science
Children are encouraged to explore and investigate their environment. Experiences with everyday materials such as sand,
water, plants and cooking ingredients and observations of changes in our surroundings are included in science activities.
Religious Education
Religious Education is integrated across the curriculum, with emphasis placed on encouraging positive attitudes
towards other people and our surroundings. Sharing, kindness and helpfulness are valued and effort as well as
achievement is recognised in assemblies.
Exemptions from Religious Education and worship are allowed for within the 1994 Education Act. If parents wish their
children to be withdrawn from these activities, arrangements can be made through the Headteacher.
Physical Education
This area of the curriculum aims to develop large movements, mobility, balance and co-ordination. It also provides
opportunities for using physical skills in activities such as swimming and a variety of outdoor pursuits.
Technology
Computers are used throughout school. For some children they can be a means of communication. Many children enjoy
practising using various switches and the computer may help children to maintain head control, reach out towards the
screen, vocalise or develop basic keyboard skills. Within this area of the curriculum children are helped to design and
make simple objects.
Music
Almost all our pupils enjoy music, whether listening to it or joining in. Pupils listen to a variety of music, both
recorded and "live". Opportunities to use musical instruments and experience singing together encourage the
development of social and communication skills.
Art
Children also experience a variety of creative activities - some very messy! Paint, glue, crayons and paper are used
in many ways. Colour, sound, smell and texture of materials are explored. Children's work is displayed both in their
own classrooms and around school.
Personal and Social Development
This area aims to develop self-help and independence skills. Children are encouraged to develop appropriate
behaviour in a variety of situations and to get along with others. Sex education is catered for within this area of
the curriculum. Questions from children and children's behaviour are dealt with by staff as they occur. Parents
are welcome to discuss with their child's teacher any concerns they may have regarding their own child.
History
Pupils are helped to experience change through time and to sequence events in real life and in stories.
They may encounter old and new objects both in school and whilst on visits.
Geography
Pupils will experience different means of transport, buildings with a variety of uses and other environments.
They may be helped to make weather observations, to locate places in their environment and to follow directions.
Additional Activities and Facilities
Children are able to have regular sessions in the hydrotherapy pool, which has recently been refurbished
with lights for visual effect and an up-to-date sound system. Outings in the school bus are planned as part
of topic activities and for outdoor pursuits activities. Dewsbury Multi-sensory methods and aromatherapy
are available to children as appropriate. The school has a multi-sensory darkroom.
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