Our Curriculum is all the planned activities that we organise in order to promote learning, personal growth and development.
This arrangement ensures steady progression and continuity throughout the Foundation Stage, Key Stages 1 and 2. We also plan and deliver whole school projects which provide children of different ages with an exciting, common learning focus.
It includes not only the formal requirements of the National Curriculum, but also the range of additional opportunities that the school organises in order to enrich the experiences of our children. Our curriculum also includes the social aspects that are essential for life-long learning.
All pupils follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in Reception, and National Curriculum from year one to six, at a level and pace that is appropriate to their ability. The structure of our classes reflects our philosophy on this, to ensure that teaching and learning is matched very closely to the needs of our children. We strive to ensure that all children, regardless of ability, make at least good progress throughout their time with us, as we prepare our children for a bright, positive future.
Parents and other members of the public can find out more about our curriculum provision by looking at our school brochure, by scrolling below to areas such as curriculum maps, SMSC provision and British Values, or by visiting individual class pages.
Curriculum Content
We are passionate about developing the ‘whole child’ and it is a core value of ours that pupils will always receive their full entitlement to a wide and rich curriculum from EYFS-Y6. Pupils leave us attaining very well and making good progress from their starting points, but also with a rounded knowledge of all subjects and a confident view of themselves. Pupils in Years 1-6 study: English, maths, science, geography, history, art, design and technology, computing, RHE (Relationships and Health Education), PE (Physical Education) and RE (Religious Education). In addition, pupils in Years 3-6 also have weekly languages lessons focusing primarily on French but with short introductory units to other European languages.
View our Curriculum Content section and visit each individual subject.
Our curriculum is so broad and wide that we recommend you visit the class pages and click on curriculum maps to find out what each class is doing that term.
Phonics
At West Rainton Primary School we use the Read, Write Inc. program of phonics teaching and learning. We begin this provision in nursery where children begin ear training to hear initial sounds and rhyming strings. Some may even begin to blend a short series of sounds to read words. In Reception and Year 1 this is continued through set 2 and 3 sounds, building up the children’s skills to read and write full sentences. Children also undertake full literacy lessons alongside Read, Write Inc. provision in Reception and Year 1. By the end of Year 1, the vast majority of our pupils no longer require Read, Write Inc. phonics and progress to working from class texts in Year 2.
SMSC
At West Rainton Primary School the experience we offer is far more than the development of academic skills. Just as rich and engaging is our SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) provision.
British Values
Schools have been asked to explain how they promote British values. Find out how we promote British values at West Rainton Primary School.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
At West Rainton Primary School we believe that inclusive education means providing all pupils with appropriate education and support alongside their peers. The Curriculum is all the planned activities that the school organises in order to promote learning, personal growth and development. Further information can be found in the SEND Information Report.
Wherever necessary, modifications to the curriculum may be implemented. To successfully match pupil ability to the curriculum, West Rainton Primary School remain committed to:
- A wide range of teaching and learning styles, to ensure that high quality first teaching is at the heart of every classroom.
- Differentiated learning materials and resources, according to individual needs.
- Interventions including the delivery of Fresh Start, and the Read, Write Inc programme, which has proven successful for our SEN pupils, as 100% of our SEN pupils in Year One passed the National Phonics Screening Check in June 2014.
- Access to ICT and Technology throughout the curriculum.
- Additional support in class from experienced Teaching Assistants in addition to our experienced teaching staff.
- Additional out of class support when necessary.
- Flexible groupings – including small group support work.
- An innovative and supportive curriculum, as reflected in our class structure.
- The appropriate use of rewards, including Commendations, Celebration Assembly, motivational stickers and certificates.
- Mentoring and counselling through the local authority’s schools’ counselling service.
- A broad range of extra-curricular activities including booster sessions.
- Assessment procedures that emphasise pupils’ strengths and achievements, and reflect their attainment across the curriculum.
- Applications during national testing at Key Stage 2 to obtain access arrangements as appropriate.
If you would like to discuss your SEND requirements in detail please contact the school to arrange an appointment.
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