Subject Information
National Curriculum
The National Curriculum is divided into Core and Foundation subjects:
Core Subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
Foundation Subjects
- Art and Design
- Computing
- Design Technology
- History
- Geography
- Music
- Languages (French)
- Physical Education
- PSHE and Citizenship.
All schools will also be required to teach Religious Education. As a Catholic School, our work in this area will be founded on the Archdiocese of Birmingham Religious Education Strategy.
The National Curriculum is not intended to constitute a complete statement of the curriculum. Our curriculum is one which aims for coherence and continuity and reflects attitudes and values across a wide range of experience.
Core Subjects
English
For all children, language is the main medium through which the curriculum is translated and the major means by which they interpret the world around them and communicate with other people. Listening, speaking, reading and writing are fundamentally important in children’s learning.
Reading is approached in two main ways: through shared/guided reading and through the use of a structured reading scheme. The structured programme Read Write Inc is used for teaching phonics and language skills in Key Stage 1. This is extended in Key Stage 2 through the use of the Language and Literacy programme and classic whole-text resources. Reading, comprehension, grammar and writing activities are linked wherever possible.
Also see: Reading Booklet for Parents
Mathematics
The Mathematics curriculum is designed so that it secures for every pupil the full range of learning experiences encompassed by the National Curriculum requirements.
Various published materials are used to provide a core curriculum throughout the school. Selective use of these schemes and broader strategies of teaching foster and encourage competence in mathematical processes to develop a positive attitude to mathematics.
Science
The children are encouraged to develop their curiosity about God’s world. Based on current good practice, the children work through themes and topics to develop scientific skills and processes. They are enabled to investigate, analyse and interpret evidence scientifically.
Foundation Subjects
Art and Design
Children are encouraged to work with confidence, to make original, personal and imaginative responses to problems and communicate their ideas through two and three dimensions.
Computing
Technical skills are taught through subject-based and cross-curricular learning as well as specific elements of computing science. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Online safety is a continuous focus and reference is made to this aspect in all IT-based lessons.
Design Technology
Design Technology activities enable children to use their creative and imaginative abilities throughout the whole school day as they strive to solve problems and make sense of their world.
Geography
Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time.
History
History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.
Languages (French)
Lessons in French are provided for all children from Year 2 to Year 6.
Music
The aim within this subject is to provide each child with a basic degree of musical literacy and appreciation through active participation in enjoyable music experiences. A variety of special projects helps the children to apply their talents and enjoy music-making based on a range of cultures.
Physical Education
In all phases, children are enabled develop physical literacy by demonstrating the knowledge, skills and understanding involved in areas of activity encompassing athletic activities, dance, games, gymnastic activities, outdoor and adventurous activities. The areas of activity to be covered vary according to each Key Stage. Swimming is included as an activity for all children from Year 3 to Year 6.
PSHE and Citizenship
The importance of personal, social and health education (PSHE) and citizenship is to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed, active, responsible citizens. They learn to understand and respect our common humanity, diversity and differences so that they can go on to form the effective, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning.