Key Stage 1 & EYFS
Literacy
Every child both in KS1 and EYFS will take part in daily reading either through the Twinkl Phonics program or through guided reading sessions with an adult. The Twinkl App allows you to read online books at home with your child alongside their physical books.
Children are presented with daily opportunities for writing both supported and independent. The Twinkl Phonics program enables the children to coherently use their knowledge of letters and sounds to impact their writing. Much of the writing in Key Stage 1 is cross curricular based, following the theme of the class topic that changes each half term. The children also have many opportunities to enhance their speaking and listening skills through asking and answering questions during guided reading sessions, carpet time, in the continuous provision and during Picture News.
We also have weekly Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar sessions (SPAG) that we encourage the children to use within their writing and weave into literacy sessions.
In EYFS, the children have writing opportunities through our Twinkl Phonics Program and through the continuous provision.
Maths
In Maths, we follow the White Rose Maths Scheme which supports a mastery approach to teaching and learning and is consistent with the aims and objectives of the National Curriculum. The scheme encourages children to follow the Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract concept (CPA) which gives the children the opportunity to work with physical resources in order to bring the maths to life.
Cross Curriculum learning
KS1
Science, History, Geography, Religious Education, Technology, Music, Religious Education, Art and Design skills are all taught through a wide range of themes in Key Stage 1.
We work on a 3-year rolling program, this year’s curriculum overview is above and highlights the topics we will be covering. Learning and practising skills through topics like these, increases the enthusiasm and motivation of learners.
EYFS
In Reception, we follow the EYFS Statutory Framework 2021 and together with a rich and enhanced provision and quality teaching, your child will have the opportunity to reach the early learning goals by the time they are ready to move into Key Stage One.
The Seven Areas of Learning and Development
All areas of learning and development are important and interconnected.
The prime areas are:
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social, and emotional development
These areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships, and thriving. These opportunities are embedded and enhanced throughout the provision; children are nurtured, and these skills are continually modelled by all the adults in the school.
The specific areas are:
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
Each of these areas are taught and achieved through a high-quality learning environment, inside and outside, an enhanced provision and directly through focused discussion and group activities, particularly for phonics, writing and maths.
Religious Education
We follow the Derbyshire and Derby City Agreed Syllabus which offers a balanced and broad curriculum and promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at school. Our lessons aim to provoke challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life as well as the reality of right and wrong and what this might look like in our society today.
Alongside of this, we have many visitors into school for Collective MAST and Puppet Shows that perform a story from the Bible. We also attend Schools Together where the children meet with children from Harington School and take part in a range of activities at St Gile’s Church.
PE
We are very lucky to have both Primary Stars and Derby County to deliver our School PE sessions and extra curriculum provisions throughout the year. The children also attend Primary Star sporting events at local schools that help promote sportsmanship and a positive approach to competitive events. The children take part in a broad range of sports and activities ranging from artery, multi-skills, gymnastics, running and netball.
In Year 2 and beyond, the children also have the opportunity to attend weekly swimming sessions at Ashbourne Leisure Centre.
PHSE
Every child is taught following the My Happy Minds Scheme that helps children to build resilience, self-esteem and confidence. This is approached through five modules including Meet Your Brain, Celebrate, Appreciate, Relate and Engage.
