Key Stage 1 and 2

The school has its own curriculum map, in line with the National Curriculum, supported by schemes of work linking cross curricular themes which ensure continuity and progression from Year 1 to Year 6. National testing and assessment takes place at the end of Years 2 and 6. In addition to this, teachers make regular and on-going assessments of children's achievements which are reported to parents annually.

The Core Subjects

English

The children are taught reading skills, word skills, grammar, comprehension skills and research skills including use of the school library and internet facilities. Teachers model how to write and teach strategies to develop their independent writing. Speaking and listening skills are an important aspect of literacy lessons. Drama is developed across the curriculum and we stage school productions at Christmas and in the summer. All children have formal handwriting lessons. 'Book Week' provides opportunities for the children to meet and work with local authors and to participate in a range of story telling and writing activities.

Mathematics

During numeracy lessons children are taught strategies to improve their speed and accuracy in mental calculations and overall understanding of number and problem solving. They are also taught about shape, space and measures. The school considers that teaching numeracy in context is very important and therefore the children are given opportunities to work in a practical and meaningful way using a range of resources including ICT

Science

Science is sometimes taught as a separate subject, although every effort is made to ensure there are relevant cross-curricular links. There is a scheme of work in science which ensures that a range of skills is taught along with the appropriate subject knowledge. This covers life processes and living things, materials and their properties. An investigative and experimental approach is used throughout the school and children are taught how to use a wide range of science equipment.

Information Communication Technology

Children use ICT throughout the curriculum. All classes are equipped with interactive whiteboards.  The school has sets of laptops for use by the children across the school as well as desktop computers in the classrooms.  Children are taught IT skills including word processing, graphics, data handling, control technology and use of CD ROM facilities, e-mail and the internet. These skills and programs are then used to embed ICT across the curriculum. There is a Code of Conduct policy relating to the use of the internet. The school is in the process of establishing a Virtual Learning Environment to support children’s learning at home as well as at school.

History and Geography

History and Geography are taught using cross curricular plans which satisfy the requirements of the National Curriculum. Visits to places of interest, both local and further afield, are seen as an integral part of these curricular areas. Recent visits have included trips to Chichester Harbour, the River Wey, Brockham Village, and Preston Manor. A residential trip is offered to children in Year 6.  This year we shall be going to Carroty Wood activity centre near Tonbridge in Kent.

Religious Education

Children receive regular Religious Education lessons, based on guidance from Southwark Diocesan Board of Education. The programme is based on Christianity, its teachings, festivals and relevance to our world. In addition, children are introduced to two other major world faiths, Islam and Judaism. As a school we attend St. Matthew's Church several times a year, and the clergy lead one act of collective worship per week. 

Music

The children are encouraged to participate in a range of musical activities, performing, composing, listening and appraising. They are given opportunities to play the recorder, join the choir and take part in school productions and local music festivals.  Peripatetic teachers visit the school to give various instrumental lessons. The school is delighted that we participate in the national “Tune Up” scheme, enabling all children in Year 4 to learn to play the clarinet. 

Art

Through 2D and 3D art we aim to encourage and enhance the children's powers of observation, develop an awareness of pattern, shape and colour, and provide them with various techniques and media through which they can record their own findings. The children are also introduced to a variety of well known artists.  

Design and Technology

From the nursery upwards children are given opportunities to design and make models using a variety of materials and construction sets. Design and model making are closely linked with science and mathematical investigation and other curriculum areas. Design and technology includes work with foods and textiles. 

Physical Education

All types of physical activities are included in the curriculum - gymnastics, dance and movement, games.  All children are taught a variety of skills and the older children are introduced to more formal team games, e.g. netball, football, rounders and cricket, and take part in inter-school fixtures. Sports day is held in the summer term to which parents are invited. Children have swimming lessons in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. 

Modern Foreign Languages

French and Spanish are taught in Key Stage 2.