The Curriculum
INTRODUCTION
ENGLISH
MATHEMATICS
SCIENCE
ART AND CRAFT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
HISTORY
GEOGRAPHY
TECHNOLOGY
MUSIC
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL EDUCATION
SEN POLICY
INTRODUCTION
The curriculum at Harmans Water is delivered in a variety of ways, through class teaching, group work and to the individual, as required. Some of the work is cross-curricular and linked to thematic work.The National Curriculum forms the framework upon which our Curriculum is built. We aim to provide a wide range of experiences, which are relevant and enjoyable, so that children's abilities, imagination, and flair can be developed and stimulated. We must give our children the skills they will need to live their adult life to its fullest. In 2005 we embarked on changes to our curriculum to offer more opportunities for a creative approach to learning called the 'creative curriculum'.
The childrens' achievements through the Curriculum are carefully monitored and recorded. The importance of equal opportunities for all children is considered in the planning and delivery of the Curriculum. The differing needs of all pupils are also taken into account and setting for Maths, Language & Science may occur during the year.
The three core subjects of the National Curriculum are English, Maths and Science. Back to top
ENGLISH
Children enter school with different language experiences and this must be taken into account.The development of speaking and listening skills are encouraged by allowing the children to talk about their experiences with others in a variety of ways such as sharing their news with the class or discussing their observations with a small group of children.
Children's writing skills are developed by extending their vocabulary and improving their hand control skills. We teach children to form letters correctly and to write with a joined hand. We lead them to write for a variety of purposes and for different audiences.
Children are introduced to the skills of blending and segmenting using synthetic phonics. This is taught through the Jolly Phonics scheme. 'Blending' supports early reading and 'segmenting' supports early writing.
Alongside all this we foster the love and enjoyment of reading, encouraging each child to become a fluent confident reader for life. Our approach is systematic and structured but flexible enough to meet the needs of the individual child. Back to top
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is taught throughout the school as a separate subject although there are times when skills are used in other subjects such as Science and Technology. In Key Stage One there is more of an emphasis on basic number concepts and skills. Other areas such as shape, measurement and data handling are also covered in this area. Children use practical approaches to help them gain new concepts alongside the opportunity to practice and reinforce methods.From Year One the children may be set for Mathematics. This enables the teacher to focus closely on the needs of the children in their set. It also means that extra help can be given both to support the less able and stretch the more able through class help and small groups. Skills gained in Key Stage One are reinforced and extended as the children cover topics in the following areas: shape, measurement, probability and data handling as well as continuing to develop number skills.
Throughout the school the children are also given the opportunity to use and apply the skills they have learnt in problem solving situations, which gives them an understanding of why the skills are useful. Back to top
SCIENCE
At Harmans Water Primary School Science is taught as a separate subject. We aim to create an interest and enthusiasm for this subject within a safe environment, enabling our pupils to acquire scientific skills and knowledge of a range of scientific concepts.We provide a relevant and differentiated curriculum in which all pupils are offered a wide range of learning experiences. Our pupils are encouraged to develop their scientific abilities in stimulating situations. Harmans Water offers continuity and progression in the Science curriculum throughout the two Key Stages. It is expected that the scientific skills and understanding developed in our pupils' primary education will give them a firm basis for their continued scientific development in secondary school.
Our pupils are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular scientific activities. This includes our Science Club and participation in major scientific competitions in the County.
We actively use the school grounds and localities nearby to carry out environmental studies. Through our teaching of science we aim to create an understanding of the world in which we live and to develop a sense of responsibility towards maintaining and protecting it. Back to top
ART AND CRAFT
At Harmans Water Primary we encourage the children to see art as an integral and essential part of life. Through a range of topics and individual work, they should develop their visual literacy and become imaginative, analytical and critical thinkers. We aim to enrich their understanding and knowledge of art and craft, including the history of art, our artistic heritage and the artistic traditions of other cultures. The children are given opportunities to compare their own work to that of others including artists, designers and craft workers and are given a wide variety of experiences to develop their skills of investigating and making in art and craft. Back to topINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
I.T. is taught throughout the whole school by integrating it within the curriculum and we are currently building upon the software resources needed to achieve this. In each year groups there is time allocated to teaching I.T. skills such as keyboard skills, saving work, importing pictures, cutting and pasting etc. The school has two class-sized computer rooms as well as computers in the classroom. All of the curriculum computers are linked in one network including teachers' laptops which are used with the interactive whiteboards in each classroom. Each classroom also has access to a colour printer, digital cameras, simple video cameras and a scanner.Children are encouraged to use email and the internet both in school and at home and are taught how to do so safely following the guidance in our 'Internet Use Policy'.
There is also Lego equipment, light, sound and temperature sensors available to learn about Monitoring and Control. Back to top
HISTORY
We aim to present the History National Curriculum in an interesting and stimulating way in order to arouse, develop and sustain children's interest in the past and their ability to question and communicate. Children will be given a rich experience through which they can become actively and imaginatively involved with the past. They will have access to a wide range of historical sources, representations and activities. In this way, we hope children will be helped to develop an understanding of the present in the context of the past, a sense of their own identity and an insight into the world around them. Back to topGEOGRAPHY
Geography explores the relationship between the earth and its people. Geographical study stimulates the child's interest in his surroundings and in the variety of physical and human conditions on the earth's surface. Through this we will enhance the children?s sense of responsibility for the care of the earth and its people. The children will study the local area, a rural area as a contrast and carry out a thematic study to understand the quality of the environment. Back to topTECHNOLOGY
Technology lessons are taught within the classroom. Each term the class is given a different topic. Wherever possible the children are first of all shown examples of what they could make. Often they will take things apart to see what is involved and how it works. Next they get to try out skills and equipment they might want to use. From this they draw together their ideas and plan what they want to make. They use these plans as guide lines to making the final project. Often they encounter problems along the way, which they are encouraged to find ways around or solve and adapt their plans using them as working plans. Modification of working plans is an important part of the technology programme. The projects end with an evaluation to assess the strength and weaknesses and areas for development. Back to topMUSIC
By the time children start school they will have built up a repertoire of songs and nursery rhymes and will have been exposed to music of one sort or another. At school we aim to build on this knowledge by offering a wide range of experiences:- listening to various music, singing, providing instrumental accompaniments and composing their own short pieces. Back to topPHYSICAL EDUCATION
FacilitiesPhysical Education has always been regarded highly at Harmans Water and the unique and outstanding facilities and resources at the school enhance the subject itself. The school boasts a purpose built sports hall, heated indoor swimming pool, adventure playground, field and hard court areas, as well as indoor changing rooms equipped with showers. We also now have the all-weather astro-turf pitch.
Curriculum
The curriculum at the school has been developed to offer the children here the broadest possible range of activities, whilst also adhering to the requirements of the National curriculum. In Key Stage One the children will experience games, gymnastics and dance type activities. At Key Stage Two the children will further develop these types of activities and also experience athletics and outdoor adventurous type activities, as well as receiving health education during their lessons. One benefit of having a pool on site is that children at the school will swim for one term a year, every year, from Year 1 to 6. A qualified instructor conducts swimming lessons. This provision is far above the prescribed time outlined in the National Curriculum.
Extra Curricular
To enhance the curriculum and further develop children?s enjoyment of school sport, we currently offer some extra curricular sports clubs and teams, open to boys and girls alike. Local coaches are often invited into the school to promote their sports and nurture children's interest.
School Sport
The school competes in local football leagues (boys and girls) as well as annual rugby, cricket, cross-country, athletics and swimming events. The school also operates a successful House system, which allows the maximum number of children possible to experience some form of competitive sport during the year.
Games Kit
The school actively encourages the wearing of the PE kit outlined in the uniform section of this brochure. All children will need training shoes, plimsolls and a swimming cap throughout their time at this school. We wish to remind parents that no jewellery at all may be worn during any physical education lessons. Back to top
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL EDUCATION
Under this heading we cover the following areas:-RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The school, in accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act, provides religious education for all pupils registered at the school. RE is part of the basic curriculum and is taught in accordance with the Berkshire agreed syllabus for RE. In teaching RE we aim to help the pupils acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal religions represented in Great Britain and to create an understanding of the ways in which a community can live together in harmony.
This is one area of the curriculum from which you may request your child to be withdrawn. If you wish to do so please see the Head Teacher. You may come in to sit with your child in the library during this period if you wish.
There is an Act of Worship every day - sometimes as a whole school, a year group or class assembly. This is broadly Christian but themes reflect the multi-cultural life and aspirations of the nation.
SEX EDUCATION
This has a formal place in our curriculum in Year 6 and is dealt with in a sensitive and realistic manner if pupils raise questions.
CAREERS
Through this area children will be made aware of the world of work and enterprise.
CITIZENSHIP
This area draws children's attention to everyday issues affecting society such as litter, vandalism, conservation, safety, law and order, and equal opportunities. In assemblies themes reflect on the disirable qualities for a harmonious society.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The school buildings are surrounded by a variety of natural environments. A wildlife garden with a pond and a wooded area can both be used for environmental studies.
HEALTH
In teaching health education we aim to help protect children from illness and risks and to promote the development of a healthy lifestyle.
RACIAL EQUALITY - STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE
The primary objective of this school must be to educate, develop and prepare all our pupils for life, regardless of their creed, colour, culture or origin. Back to top