Primary Curriculum

Pupils receive expert help to gain the reading and writing skills they need to do well in all subjects. As a result, pupils make good progress

There is much joy in this school. Pupils value their teachers, and the rich and diverse community in which they learn

Teachers take account of individual pupils’ needs in their good lesson planning. They make sure that pupils, even those who arrive at unusual points in the school year, are quickly assimilated and make good progress

Teaching is strong in the sixth form. Teachers are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. They show great commitment. Students are fulsome in their praise of the impact their teachers have had on their future education

Lessons are characterised by strong and positive relationships between pupils and teachers. Teachers know pupils well. Often teachers target the learning that individual pupils need because they know them so well

In key stages 1 and 2 teachers plan many opportunities for pupils to deepen their knowledge, understanding and skills.

The Bemrose School Curriculum Provision – Primary

General Principles

To enable our children to engage fully in society we plan for our curriculum to be broad and relevant. In doing this we provide opportunities for children to not only gain relevant academic and vocational qualifications, but also to become upstanding, caring, and hardworking citizens who can care for others. We intend that the education they will receive will enable them to see the benefits of lifelong learning, securing economic prosperity for themselves, whilst making a valuable contribution to society.

We plan for our students/children to learn new and important functional skills which will allow them to access the curriculum and allow effective progress to be made. There is a fast track policy to meet the needs of our most able students/children and we have a wealth of experience and expertise in providing individual support for students/children with learning and language difficulties.

Foundation Stage

Our foundation stage curriculum is based on the three prime areas; Communication and Language, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development, the four specific areas of learning; Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design, and the three characteristics of effective learning; Playing and Exploring, Active Learning and Creating and Thinking Critically. The assessment of these areas will be based on ongoing observations.

Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1)

We offer the core national curriculum subjects; English, Mathematics and Science. We also offer the following foundation subjects at Key Stage 1; Art and Design, Computing, Design and Technology, Geography, History, Music and Physical Education. In addition to this we also offer the statutory subject of Religious Education at Key Stage 1. Our curriculum will be taught through a ‘Creative Curriculum’ approach.

Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 (Key Stage 2)

Children working within Key Stage 2 will be offered the core national curriculum subjects; English, Mathematics and Science. We also offer the following foundation subjects at Key Stage 2; Art and Design, Citizenship, Computing, Design and Technology, Foreign Language (Spanish and French), Geography, History, Music and Physical Education. In addition to this we also offer the statutory subject of Religious Education at Key Stage 2. Our curriculum will be taught through a ‘Creative Curriculum’ approach.

Please click on the links below for a more detailed breakdown of what each year group studies over the year.

SUPPORT FOR LEARNING

We pride ourselves on the quality and extent of the support we offer to students with learning, language, communication and behavioural problems, The Bemrose School is a truly inclusive school.

We believe that interesting and challenging homework can make a vital contribution to our students’/children’s learning. Homework is set once a week for the national curriculum core subjects English and Mathematics, extended projects linked to the children’s curriculum themes will be set and form the basis of their homework at certain times of the year. Daily reading is also encouraged. Parents play a vital part by showing an interest, providing a quiet place for their children to work and supporting them to present their work to a high standard and on time. These two requirements are essential ingredients of future employability.

AN ENRICHED EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

We believe that activities outside the classroom can enrich and extend our students’ learning. We offer a full range of clubs at lunchtime and after school including ICT, Drama, Reading, Science, Sign Language, sports clubs to name but a few. Our students/children enjoy many visits to museums and theatres, both locally and further afield.

Phonics scheme

At The Bemrose Primary Phase we follow the Read, Write Inc phonics and spelling scheme. Read Write Inc. provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching literacy. It is designed to create fluent readers, confident speakers and willing writers.

Each Read Write Inc. programme meets the higher expectations of the National Curriculum and uses effective assessment to accelerate every child’s progress and prepare them for the National Curriculum Tests. For more information please follow this link; http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en

Spelling scheme (Years 2 – 6)

We also follow the Read Write Inc. Spelling scheme for Years 2 to 6 as it has been specially created to meet the higher demands of the national curriculum and it links in with our phonics scheme. Spelling rules are introduced by aliens from an exciting online spelling planet. Children are prepared for the Key Stage 1 and 2 National Curriculum Spelling Tests. For more information and examples please follow this link;

http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

We acknowledge and work towards accepting and valuing difference. Our curriculum reflects the rich and varied cultures represented by Bemrose students/children. Pride in culture is encouraged through celebrations in which the whole school takes part.