School Curriculum
Contents
- Introduction
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Design and Technology
- Information Technology
- History
- Geography
- Physical Education
- Art
- Modern Foreign Languages
- Music
- Religious Education
Introduction
We provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, encompassing the requirements of the National Curriculum for Key Stage 2. It is designed to help children acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding that are appropriate to their stage of development, and structured so that they can relate what they are learning to what they have learnt previously.The basic curriculum of the school is built around twelve subject areas. These areas are Religious Education and the National Curriculum subjects (the core subjects – English, mathematics and science – and the foundation subjects – art, design and technology, geography, history, music, and physical education). Information technology is used in many areas of the curriculum. PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) is also an important part of our curriculum.
We have high expectations of our pupils, and encourage them to have high expectations of themselves, so that they can achieve the standards of work of which they are capable. Our procedures for assessing and recording pupils‘ progress provide evidence of their achievement.
English
Language is the medium through which we think and communicate with others, so English must have a
central place in the curriculum. Pupils' knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar of English is developed
through reading, writing, speaking and listening. Our programme, which reflects the Framework for Literacy,
is designed to develop pupils‘ abilities to
communicate effectively in speech and writing, and enable them to be enthusiastic, responsive and
knowledgeable readers, so that they can speak, write and read standard English fluently and accurately.
Mathematics
The development of mathematical thinking is crucial to children's overall personal and intellectual development. Their growing understanding of structure, pattern and relationships helps them to think logically in tackling mathematical problems, to apply their knowledge to everyday experiences, and to employ it as a tool for extending learning skills.Our mathematics syllabus, which is founded on the Framework for Mathematics, includes an emphasis on mental maths and a sound grasp of basic computation and provides opportunities for investigations and practical work. Confidence in mathematics comes both from understanding the processes involved and from learning basic facts such as number bonds and multiplication tables.
Science
The aim of primary science is to help children develop enquiring minds and an understanding of how to
approach and explore situations in a scientific way, while at the same time they build up an increasing store
of scientific knowledge. We encourage them to ask questions, and to set about finding the answers through
practical investigation. The activities involve making predictions, designing and performing experiments,
making careful observations, recording accurately, interpreting the results critically, looking for patterns and
relationships, and drawing conclusions.
Design and Technology
In this area of the curriculum children learn to design practical solutions to problems, balancing time, cost, and benefit, reconciling conflicting demands, and making decisions on the basis of imperfect evidence. This involves learning about materials and their properties, and acquiring a range of techniques for dealing with them.
Information Technology
We have a range of equipment from electronic calculators and tape recorders to electronic keyboards and a
video camcorder. We have a computer room and laptops which can be used in the classrooms.
These are used by all the pupils, who make use of databases, spreadsheets
word-processors and desktop publishing in the course of their work. In addition, computer simulations give
children experience in reacting to situations that they may not have encountered in real life.
History
Pupils are taught about important episodes and developments in Britain‘s past from Roman to modern times, and about ancient civilisations and the history of other parts of the world. They are helped to develop a sense of chronology and to learn about changes in everyday life over long periods of time. They have opportunities to investigate local history and to learn about the past from a range of sources of information.
Geography
Pupils develop their skills, knowledge and understanding through geographical enquiries across a widening range of scales, based on fieldwork and classroom activities. As they progress through the school, they increasingly broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of places and themes, identify and describe geographical features and conditions using simple instruments, and use information technology to analyse geographical evidence.
Physical Education
Physical education, including swimming, is an integral part of the curriculum, through which pupils learn to develop their motor skills, control and co-ordination. The six areas of P.E. outlined in the National Curriculum are games (including competitive team games), gymnastic activities, dance, athletic activities, swimming, and adventurous outdoor activities. All children require a change of clothing, including a change of footwear, for P.E and games lessons. Soft-soled plimsolls must be worn in the hall.
Art
Pupils are encouraged to develop their creative, imaginative and practical skills through a balanced programme of art, craft and design activities, which extend their understanding of how ideas and feelings can be communicated in visual form.
Music
Pupils develop their understanding and enjoyment of music through performing, composing, listening and
appraising, and make appropriate use of information technology to create and record music.We have a strong musical tradition at Westdale, with a large choir and tuition offered to all on the recorder and a violin teacher visiting our school every week.
Modern Foreign Languages
We offer teaching of both Spanish and French at Westdale Juniors, with the children learning Spanish in Years 3 and 4 (continuing the studies most began in our neighbouring infant school) and French being taught in Years 5 and 6 (in preparation for their language work at secondary school). The emphasis is on developing oral capability through games, songs and activities.
Religious Education
The school is not affiliated to any particular religious denomination.We teach R.E. in accordance with the aims and the structure of the Nottinghamshire Agreed Syllabus, which, by law, reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Britain are in the main Christian, whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in this country. Arrangements will be made, if required, for parents to exercise their right to withdraw their children from collective worship or religious instruction.
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