Curriculum

A Whole School Curriculum Framework has been developed by the Headteacher and the Staff which reflects the requirements of the statutory National Curriculum Document.

Children are taught in classes of mixed abilities. A variety of teaching methods are employed. Teaching is specific to the level of learning rather than to chronological age.

All children access a broad and balanced curriculum which covers:

English
Maths	Core subjects
Science

Information Communication Technology
Religious Education
Design and Technology
History	Foundation subjects
Geography
Art
Music
PE

CORE SUBJECTS:-

ENGLISH

The teaching of Literacy is carried out, in the main, each day in line with the framework provided in the National Literacy Strategy and meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum.

READING

Children are taught to read using the 1 2 3 and Away Scheme supported by a variety of schemes, which include All Aboard books and Pathway readers. Children have daily access to story and factual books, which are found within the classrooms and the library. It is our aim to teach the children to become independent and skilled readers by teaching relevant skills and strategies. Reading for information and pleasure is actively encouraged.

HANDWRITING

Children are initially taught a basic print script which includes 'flicks' on the letter shapes. This leads naturally into a joined style of handwriting. Letters shapes and appropriate joins are taught at Year 2 in preparation for the development of a cursive style of handwriting at Key Stage 2.

CREATIVE WRITING

The development of imagination is encouraged in a variety of ways, eg role play and drama. Children are provided with opportunities to develop and express imaginative thought, both verbally and in written form. Children are taught sound grammatical structure.

SPELLING

Children are encouraged to build and use a personal memory bank of spellings. Weekly spelling lists are supplied for pupils to learn at school and at home. Weekly checks are carried out. Phonic knowledge is taught plus letter patterns and spelling rules. High frequency words, listed within the National Literacy Strategy, are also taught as spellings.

SPEAKING AND LISTENING

Children are given opportunities to acquire skills to express themselves, with clarity, purpose and in an interesting manner. Daily sessions are made available for children to address small groups and the whole class. Children are encouraged to communicate their knowledge, thoughts, ideas and personal experiences.

MATHEMATICS

There is time dedicated to this work daily. The teaching provided is in line with the framework provided in the National Numeracy Strategy and meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum. The strategy places greater emphasis on practical and mental maths. The children at Titchmarsh Primary School are currently taught through the use of the Heinemann Mathematics Scheme which is designed to meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum and the National Numeracy Strategy. This work is supported by a wide variety of practical activities. Times tables are taught and mental maths are practiced daily in all class groups.

SCIENCE

Children are taught following the school policy, written to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum. Children are encouraged to investigate, observe and experiment, then to record and report their findings.

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Children are taught the necessary skills to operate IT equipment and software. They are given the opportunities to work a variety of computer programs, and to use a programmable toy. Children frequently use tape recorders with headphones. Each class base is equipped with computers - Key Stage 1 with two in each room and Key Stage2 having three for class use. The school is equipped with an ICT suite which houses six computers, three of which are linked to the internet.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Titchmarsh Primary School is a Church of England School and seeks to promote a Christian way of life. The County's Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education if followed. The rules of courtesy, care, consideration for others, truthfulness and perserverane are fostered. High standards of personal behaviour are expected and encouraged. A pupil may be withdrawn from elements of religious instruction, should parents so wish.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Children are encouraged to generate designs in response to a specified need. They are taught skills and techniques needed to use a variety of materials and tools when translating their design into a finished product. This they are encouraged to assess and evaluate, seeking the opinions of others.