Our Classes
The curriculum at Longhoughton emphasises activity and experience whilst incorporating Statutory Guidelines of the National Curriculum.
At Longhoughton the children are taught as individuals, in groups and as a class. Children’s needs vary according to their age, ability and the subject being taught. We endeavour at all times to teach to the needs of the child.
Below you find detailed information on every subject of our curriculum:
English
We use the "Literacy Hour" strategy which was introducted in September 1998. We follow these guidelines and feel the children’s attainment has been enhanced especially in reading. The children read in groups once a week with the teacher but they are also expected to read at home daily. Your child will be asked to complete a set amount of reading for homework. Once your child has read his/her reading book, your child should be encouraged to read a library book or a personal book. We set great store by children being able to read. Parents are asked to share in their child’s reading development by reading to them and hearing them read regularly. The continuous link between home and school reading is much valued and beneficial to the child, even after they are able to read independently. Please feel free to add any comments in your child’s Reading Record book.
We have a "Shared Library Book" scheme with parents. However this only runs if we have sufficient parent helpers. We ask that all parent helpers be CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked. In Reception adults will help in school by reading the story to the child and then the book is taken home to read with parents.
We have a range of reading schemes and materials for example: Oxford Reading Tree, Ginn 360, Open Door, All Aboard and Sunshine books. In addition we have a wide variety of fiction and reference books within each classroom and in the school library.
Spellings to learn or related activities are sent home regularly. The activities may take the form of finding words that begin with a certain sound or sound the same, e.g. all, tall, fall or learning words which we all use frequently, e.g. the, friend and people. We follow the “Code Breakers” scheme in Reception and Key Stage 1.
The children are actively encouraged to improve their written work by re-drafting or correcting spellings and handwriting.
Maths
The approach to teaching mathematics is that recommended by the National Numeracy Strategy and is based on four key principles:
· dedicated mathematics lessons every day;
· direct teaching and interactive oral work with the whole class and groups;
· an emphasis on mental calculation;
· controlled differentiation, with all pupils engaged in mathematics relating to a common theme.
The children are encouraged to apply the knowledge and understanding they have learned to solve every day problems and carry out investigations.
Science
Science is one of the core subjects of the National Curriculum. Through investigations each child has opportunities to develop essential scientific skills such as observing, classifying and fair testing as well as developing good attitudes to their work such as curiosity, perseverance and co-operation. These skills and attitudes enable a child to acquire an informed and critical understanding of the world.
History
At Key Stage 1 children are given opportunities to investigate:
changes in their own lives and that of their family
changes in the way of life in the more distant past – e.g. Victorians
the lives of significant men and women
past events of importance.
At Key Stage 2 children study:
the Ancient Greeks
Invaders and Settlers (Anglo Saxons)
The Romans
Britain during the 1930s.
Geography
In Reception and Key Stage 1 much of our Geography work is based around the school, the village and the local environment using the children’s first hand experience.
Children are taught to compare and contrast their life styles and environment with a different one within the United Kingdom.
We have links with the Falklands.
At Key Stage 2 our children study St Lucia, India and are involved in a local study project.
Geography is sometimes taught through class topic work as it lends itself to cross curricular work.
Design Technology
This subject calls for pupils to become creative problem solvers, both as individuals and members of a team.
The children will be asked to investigate ideas, dissemble and evaluate objects. They will be taught how to build structures or components and will learn new skills. Finally the children will be asked to ‘design and make’ something based on knowledge and skills gained. Children will be asked to evaluate their work and other and consider what improvements could be made.
A variety of materials are used. e.g. wood, card, paper, food, clay, together with appropriate tools. Time is taken to familiarise the children with the tools. The safe use of the equipment is stressed at all times.
Art
Art is taught as a subject in its own right, but it is also used to support work across all areas of the curriculum.
Information Technology
We use computer work as an integral part of the curriculum. Children will gradually develop a variety of skills and use computers to enhance work in all other curriculum areas. As children progress through the school, they will have experience and growing expertise in the following:
Word-processing - simple typing skills, using the cut and paste techniques for re-drafting.
Programs that involve and develop problem solving such as adventure games. Data handling programs.
Programs for drawing and painting, such as "Paintbrush" and "Colour Magic".
Internet Investigations.
We use multimedia RM Window Box computers and laptops. All PC computers run Windows and Word and we now have internet facility. Have a look at our website, www.longhoughtonschool.org.uk.
Music
Our aim is for children to enjoy listening to and making music and for this to be a positive, enriching and creative experience.
Through listening, appraising, performing and composing children develop a understanding and appreciate various styles of music.
All children learn to sing songs together that are appropriate to their age and interest. They sing together during worship, a tradition that enhances the community feeling in the school. Children also learn how to use a wide range of percussion instruments, as well as having access to instrumental lessons provided by the County Music Service.
Physical Education
A variety of PE activities are encouraged throughout the school. All children have 3 sessions each week of 30 - 40 minutes each session. Every other half term this includes a weekly Dance and Movement session. This is taken by our well qualified Dance teacher Ms. Stewart. The children will develop skills in gymnastics, athletics, games, dance and swimming. Through their work within the PE curriculum, we aim that the pupils will develop their fitness, self esteem, co-operative skills and confidence. All children should take part in physical activities unless they have a note from their parents or are obviously unwell. Children in Key stage 1 and Key stage 2 have the opportunity to go swimming. For this we ask for a voluntary contribution to help pay for transport and tuition.
We encourage sport specialists (subject to CRB clearance) to give training to the children and last year the children took part in coaching for Kwik Cricket, Yoga Bugs, Rugby and Football.
Sex Education
It has been agreed to offer no formal sex education but to try to answer questions that arise in a natural and truthful manner.
Religious Education
Pupils will gain knowledge and understanding about Christianity and other world faiths. Children will be taught in a way that respects and maintains the integrity of all religions.
Arrangements for the for Religious Education are made by the school in accordance with requirements of the 1944 Education Act and the Education Reform Act 1988.
Daily Act of Worship
Our school has a daily worship assembly. Parents may if they wish, withdraw their children from these assemblies and R.E. Such requests should be made to the Headteacher in writing.
Arrangements for the act of Collective Worship are made by the school in accordance with requirements of the 1944 Education Act and the Education Reform Act 1988.
In accordance with our Trust Deed and statutory requirements, Collective Worship and R.E. are placed at the centre of the school life.