Key Stage One Curriculum Summary

Aim –

The curriculum in Key Stage One is planned to ensure that it includes the Programmes of Study for all the subjects of the National Curriculum expected at Key Stage One. The subjects are:

Content –

Our English Curriculum includes –

  • Speaking and Listening – your boy will be given opportunities to listen and to speak in small and whole class groups. We encourage boys to listen attentively, observe the correct conventions of discussion and to speak clearly with expression.
  • Reading – A variety of methods will be used to help boys learn to read. Boys learn to focus closely upon texts and their meanings. School is well resourced with a wide and varied choice of books, allowing class teachers to select reading material appropriate to the individuals’ ability / needs. Boys will be able to take a reading book home each day in their book bag to read with you. It is essential that boys are reminded of the importance of sharing and caring for books.
  • Writing – Boys will learn to write for a variety of purposes, i.e. writing lists, reports, stories and instructions. We teach handwriting throughout the school. Good spelling is encouraged from the start though it is important that we always value the boy’s effort. Please help your child to learn spellings sent home.

Mathematics –

Mathematics teaching is heavily influenced by the National Numeracy Framework. Your child will have the opportunity for lots of practical activity and discussion to ensure that he has a thorough understanding of all aspects of mathematics. Experiences include oral / mental maths, games, puzzles, problem solving, investigation, formal maths and handling practical materials. We encourage the boys to solve everyday problems using the mathematical skills they have learnt. ICT plays an important role in boy’s mathematical development.

Science –

The skills of observation, investigation, record-keeping, discovery and experimentation are developed as the ‘tools’ of science. The study area increases boy’s knowledge and understanding of the world about them. We use the school grounds, the local environment, the boy’s own curiosity and experience to promote interest in this study area. We encourage the boys to have enquiring minds.

Information and Communication Technology –

We use computers throughout the school to support and develop the boy’s learning in many other subjects. We provide the boys with opportunities to acquire skills in the following aspects of ICT: word processing, data handling, computer art and graphics, the use of the internet and modelling. ICT is used to support all areas of the curriculum.

Design and Technology –

The curriculum for this subject provides many opportunities for the boys to undertake practical tasks linked to the processes of designing, building, testing and evaluating products. We help the boys to identify and solve simple, everyday problems. They are taught basic craft and design skills to help them develop an understanding of the properties of materials, and how they can be used. We also teach the boys to use simple tools.

Geography –

The geography we teach is closely related to the boy’s immediate environment. Through investigation, boys can learn about aspects of the local area. They learn how to read and draw simple maps and plans, and how to follow and give instructions and directions. They also learn about the weather and the seasons. They are taught about the world beyond their immediate locality. They learn about places in the United Kingdom and abroad that are very different from where they live. Our work in geography is supported by trips and visits in the locality, as well as opportunities for residential trips further afield.

History –

The boys are taught to understand many aspects of history by learning about the immediate distant past. They learn to identify how things have changed over time through the use of artefacts and first hand experience i.e. trips and visits. They learn about people and events beyond living memory. They are taught to compare the past with the present and learn to ask questions about the past.

Art, Craft and Design –

The learning activities in this subject help the boys to understand and enjoy a range of arts and crafts. Boys explore a wide range of materials and tools when they draw, paint, create collages, models and sculptures. They learn to recognise pattern, shape, texture, colour, line and tone, so that they can express themselves in many different ways. They are also given opportunities to talk about their work and develop an awareness of different artists and cultures.

Music –

The school recognises that music provides a powerful and distinctive medium of expression. We use it to help the boys develop a wide range of creative and expressive skills. The boys are given the opportunity to listen carefully to different kinds of music from a wide range of cultures. Playing and singing together requires co-operation and teamwork and these are encouraged in this subject. Music is taught by a music specialist.

Physical Education –

The boys are taught about movement and how their bodies respond to exercise. They perform simple warming-up and cooling-down activities before and after vigorous exercise. All of the boys take part in gymnastics, team games and the development of ball skills. We use external coaches, internal specialists and class teachers to fulfil the curriculum. Swimming is introduced in Year Two.

Personal, Social and Health Education –

The school provides a range of planned activities and opportunities to help the boys develop the personal and social skills they need. Our ‘Golden Rules’ encompass universal values such as respect, honesty, trustworthiness and care for others. Teachers use SEAL, assemblies and class discussions to help the boys explore personal and social issues that most affect them. They are helped to understand the idea of good citizenship and of the need to value everyone, irrespective of creed, colour or race.

Religious Education –

Religious Education and assemblies are broadly Christian, although we are sensitive to the fact that pupils may practice other faiths. The school provides opportunities for the boys to talk and learn about:

  • The world in which we live
  • Major events happening outside school
  • Families, friends and relationships

Boys are introduced to the bible stories of the Old and New Testament. We celebrate Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas and hold assemblies on the major festivals of other world faiths. Strong links exist between RE and PHSE.

French –

At Key Stage, 1 much of the boys’ learning in French is based upon themselves. This includes numbers 1-31, simple greetings, talking about ourselves, our families, pets, hobbies, likes and dislikes and asking simple questions. Much of the work is based around speaking and listening, although boys are introduced to reading and writing French through simple activities, games and songs.

Methods of Assessment –

Boys are assessed in Key Stage One every half term in English, Mathematics and Science. On an annual basis boys are assessed in reading, writing, spelling and mathematics using the CEM system and progress is recorded on a tracking system and carefully monitored. Boys have a spelling test every week and are heard read on a regular basis. Teachers continually assess pupils in all subjects where and when they can using a variety of informal and more formal methods.

Enrichment and Extension –

Boys who are deemed to need enrichment and extension are encouraged to work at a higher level which is appropriate to their needs. They are also given opportunities to take part in enrichment and problem-solving activities.

SFL –

At this stage boys who need support for learning receive additional help from the class teacher and classroom assistant. In addition, classes have sessions with the SFL teacher twice a week.