Skills Curriculum

We aim to develop a curriculum that is broad, balanced and based on the development and application of skills and one that has cross curricular links to ensure that pupils’ learning has even greater coherence. We also aim to embed the application of ICT across the curriculum in order to maximise pupils’ learning and progress.

The curriculum we provide meets the requirements of the National Curriculum and the Agreed Syllabus for RE as well as providing an extensive range of learning experiences beyond the statutory requirements. The curriculum also embraces the outcomes of ‘Every Child Matters’, enjoyment, being healthy, staying safe, positive contribution and economic well being.

Why do we do a skills based curriculum?

• Opportunities for cross curricular links are identified during medium term planning, especially in English, ICT and the foundation subjects

• Attainment in core subjects increases as teaching and learning becomes more meaningful with cross curricular links and a clear progression of skills

• There is greater continuity and progression in teaching and learning

• Teaching and learning is more exciting for both pupils and teachers

• Teachers and pupils have more freedom to decide how key skills are taught

Teaching and learning

As well as focussing on the development and application of skills we aim to teach exciting and challenging lessons delivering lessons in a variety of ways by providing as many first hand practical experiences as possible, such as the use of practical apparatus, artefacts and technology; visits and the use of experts.

Mind map

The first step in planning is to share the theme with the children and to find out what they would like to know. This can be done through a mind map or topic web. The skills are then mapped for subjects.

Literacy

All Genres covered by each year group over the two year cycle. Genres are linked to Creative Learning themes.

Year 1/2

All children follow the ReadWrite Scheme. This covers spelling techniques, phonics, reading and comprehension skills, sentence building and speaking and listening. Cross curricular writing is incorporated into the creative learning sessions. Friday Session: Focused skills and grammar.

Year 3/4

If needed children continue on the Read Write Inc scheme. The remainder of the children follow the National Literacy Strategy. Cross curricular writing is incorporated into the creative learning sessions.

Year 5/6

If needed children continue on the ReadWrite Inc scheme. Literacy lessons that take place at the same time as ReadWrite Inc. teach comprehension skills, sentence skills, spelling, grammar and speaking and listening. This is tied into the Creative Learning theme. Friday sessions: ReadWrite Inc. group work with the class teacher to plan their themed writing for the week. There is also whole class independent writing on the Genre each Fridays.

Mathematics

In maths teaching we aim to equip pupils with tools such as mental skills, logical reasoning, problem solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways. Throughout the school we teach the following areas of study; using and applying maths, number and algebra, shape space and measures and data handling. From Year 1 onwards children have a daily ‘numeracy hour’ based on the renewed Numeracy framework.