Wenhaston Primary School

The Curriculum

Curriculum aims: All children follow the core subjects of the National Curriculum i.e. English, Maths, Science, Information & Communication Technology (I.C.T.) plus Religious Education (R.E.). They also study History, Geography, Design & Technology (D.T.), Music, Art, Physical Education (P.E.) & Personal, Social & Health Education (P.S.H.E.) & in KS2 French.

The school plans topics on a 2-year cycle and parents are sent copies of timetables and termly topics.

Children in Reception follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum

Literacy

Wenhaston Primary School gives literacy a high profile. We aim to:

• Encourage children to become enthusiastic readers, capable of using reference books to gain new information.
• Ensure the children develop good verbal communication skills, speaking with confidence and listening attentively to others
• Provide opportunities for children to write for a variety of different purposes such as stories and reports, to make the correct use of grammar and spelling.

Numeracy

The children´s experience of Maths will include the study of numbers, shapes, measurements and how to handle data. The main published scheme is called Abacus, which is supplemented by a vast range of practical tasks, investigations and mental work. We aim to:

• Ensure children acquire mathematical skills and knowledge relevant to the demands of everyday life.
• Develop confident and accurate use of multiplication, division, addition and subtraction.
• Increase knowledge and understanding of data, fractions, measures and shapes.

Science

We teach National Curriculum Science through the use of interesting topics, which can make learning fun. Knowledge builds up as our children take part in practical work, which involves looking carefully, exploring, testing, classifying and writing about their findings.

I.C.T (Information and Communications Technology)

Wenhaston Primary School has a good range of computers and programmes for all ages. Both classrooms have interactive white boards installed. Internet usage is carefully supervised. Our aims are:

• That all children will enjoy using ICT and happily tackle all applications with confidence and a sense of achievement.
• That all children will develop practical skills in the use of ICT and the ability to apply these skills to the solving of relevant and worthwhile problems.
• That all children will understand the capabilities and limitations of ICT and the implications and consequences of its use.

Art

We aim to develop appreciation of quality and beauty and to encourage sensitive awareness to the natural and man-made world. The children will experience a wide range of artistic techniques and increase their knowledge of famous artists.

In 2009 Arts Council England awarded an "Artsmark" Silver to Wenhaston Primary School in recognition of the school’s commitment to, and excellence in, arts education.
Read about the Artsmark Award.

French

Our children in KS2 are taught French using the Rigolo scheme. Our aim is to develop a sound knowledge of French vocabulary through practical activities.

D.T (Design Technology)

We aim to give all children the opportunity to develop their own ideas, knowledge and skills through drawings and models. We aim to develop planning and evaluation skills.

History and Geography

In each child we aim to develop an interest in History & Geography through our topic plans. The children will gain an understanding of geographical skills and knowledge and an understanding of people & places. Ideas will be developed through study and interpretation of historical evidence.

Music

We aim to provide opportunities to perform, compose and appreciate music. The school has a specialist music teacher and an extensive array of instruments including a set of African Drums. At some point all children have the opportunity to play recorder and at present all of our KS2 children are learning to play the flute.

R.E (Religious Education)

We have adopted the Suffolk Religious Education agreed syllabus that enables the children to look at what it means to believe, how they should behave towards one another, and what it means to belong to a religious community. We aim to provide the opportunities for children to explore those ideas and increase their knowledge of religion, not to bring them to decisions about what they should believe. R.E. embraces many aspects of life running through the school curriculum. We encourage an overall awareness of the world around, of moral values, of correct behaviour and a consideration for others.

You have the right to withdraw your child from this class should you so wish.

P.E (Physical Education)

We aim to give each child an all-round curriculum in P.E. and which will progressively improve their skills in accordance with their age and ability. We have a sports coach and offer competitive & co-operative opportunities. Swimming takes place in our small trainer pool during May to July whenever weather permits. During the Autumn term the children have deep-water tuition at Bungay swimming pool.

Health and Sex Education

Health Education includes dental care, personal hygiene, the study of food and sensible eating, how our bodies work and healthy living. We also offer some guidance on the dangers of certain substances such as drugs. Although no formal sex education is offered, considerable background work is covered, e.g. discussions of feelings, code of behaviour and simple scientific work on plant and animal growth. We would, however, try to answer any questions that might arise in a natural & truthful manner.

You have the right to withdraw your child from this class should you so wish.

Collective Worship

In our school, collective worship at assembly and R.E. are non-denominational, but are of a mainly Christian nature. This is in accordance with local guidelines and also the requirements of the Education Reform Act 1988. Parents may, if they wish, withdraw their child from arrangements for worship and R.E. Such requests should be made to the Head Teacher in writing. Throughout the term the children take their own assemblies and parents are invited to attend.

Child Protection

All the adults at School have a crucial role to play in noticing indicators of possible protection issues in their day to day interaction with the children. Schools have a role in assisting the social services department by referring concerns and providing information for child protection issues if the situation warrants additional advice. Designated persons in school are Diane Bennett and Sue Brinkley.