Foundation Subjects
History and Geography
We believe that a rich and detailed humanities curriculum is so important in developing children’s understanding of how human civilization has developed over time. Our topics either tend to focus on history or geography, which are taught discretely each week. Where appropriate, topics may contain both historical and geographical elements. We are developing knowledge organisers, which contain the essential knowledge to be taught in each humanities unit. From September 2022, we will be rolling out the Opening Worlds Curriculum for Humanities, with the implementation starting in Year 3 and then moving through Key Stage 2.
Science
We teach Science using the Plan Bee scheme of learning, which is carefully sequenced to enable learners to develop their scientific knowledge and skills as they move through the school. Using this approach, we are able to cover all areas of the National Curriculum, whilst supporting pupils to think and work scientifically. After every unit of work, there is an assessment which helps us to understand how well pupils have retained the knowledge taught.
Computing
We teach Computing using the Teach Computing Curriculum, which is designed to provide opportunities for our pupils to learn the key knowledge and skills they need in order to be confident in this vital area. As part of our curriculum, pupils have the opportunity to create media; become programmers; learn about computer systems and networks; and organise data and information. They use a range of devices, including iPads, Chromebooks and laptops.
In addition to this, every pupil in Key Stage Two has their own Google Account, which they use to store and retrieve their work. Pupils also collate the outcomes of their learning in their own Google Slideshow.
Online safety is an important part of our Computing Curriculum. It is taught in discrete lessons, using the SMART acronym, as well as within our Computing units of study. We also teach online safety through our PSHE curriculum.
RE
Our RE syllabus is non-denominational and covers all major religions from around the world. Learning about religion and learning from religion are important for helping children to develop an understanding of themselves and others. RE promotes social, moral, spiritual and cultural development of individuals and groups from our community. All children are expected to participate in our religious education lessons and daily assemblies.
PE
We teach PE through a combination of the Real PE curriculum and sport specific lessons. Real PE lessons are taught throughout the school from Reception to Year 6 and is highly focused on skills and ensures that all children are fully active all of the time throughout the weekly Real PE lesson. In line with the national curriculum the sport specific units of work that we have carefully mapped out across Key Stages 1 and 2 to allow all children to progress in their skill development. Children also have the experience of school swimming lessons at Xcel in years 2 and 5.
Music
We teach Music using the Charanga scheme of learning, which allows children to listen, perform and review their own work and the work of great composers and musicians. Through a combination of using their voices, tuned and untuned instruments children will learn to compose both individually and groups and record these through musical notation. We are part way through implementing the DfE Model Music Curriculum, which is currently in use throughout Key Stage 1 and in Lower Key Stage 2. Our Year 3 children also learn to play the recorder and Year 4 learn to play the ukulele.
Art and Design
Art and Design is taught following the National Curriculum. Where appropriate, links are made to the main humanities topic. Children use a range of different materials and techniques as they move through the school, as well as learning about the differing styles of artists and designers and make links to their own work.. Children develop their skills after careful modelling and independent practice before completing their final piece.
Design Technology (DT)
DT is taught following the National Curriculum. Where appropriate, links are made to the main topic in humanities or science. Children work to a specific design brief, developing the skills they need to make their final design before creating their design followed by evaluation of their product. Children work creatively to develop their knowledge and confidence in using a selection of tools to perform practical tasks, develop their technical knowledge of structures and mechanisms and use a wide range of materials to create their purposeful products.
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
PSHE is taught using the Jigsaw scheme of learning, which is fully implemented from Year 1 to 6. Jigsaw is taught using a different theme each half term and there are 6 different ‘puzzle pieces’ for children to learn as they move through each school year. These puzzle pieces are:
- Being Me In My World
- Celebrating Difference
- Dreams and Goals
- Healthy Me
- Relationships
- Changing Me
This comprehensive programme of PSHE supports children to better understand themselves and empathise with others. It covers many important aspects of a whole school approach to safeguarding, including learning about healthy relationships and all of the statutory aspects of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). Parents and carers are always given the opportunity to find out what is taught within RSE in their child’s year group so that they can ask appropriate questions and support at home.
French
At Grovelands, our Modern Foreign Language (MFL) is French, which is taught in Key Stage 2 through a combination of the Rigolo scheme of learning and Linguafun games and resources. There is a clear progression of knowledge and skills through Key Stage 2, with pupils always building on what they have already learnt and new vocabulary introduced in small steps. New learning is introduced through Rigolo and Linguafun enables children to independently practise what they have learnt.