The school's curriculum is developed in regard to the National Curriculum, Local Education Authority policies, and the Schools policies (copies of such policies and documents can be viewed at the school on request)
The National Curriculum consists of three core subjects, English, Mathematics and Science, as well as the other foundation subjects of Art, Design and Technology, IT., Physical Education, Music, History, and Geography. We also teach Personal, Social, and Health Education and RE.
The National Literacy Strategy and the National Numeracy Strategy are well resourced and established within the school
At Highfield we recognise the central importance of language in our curriculum. No other area of the curriculum is able to operate without it. We have high expectations for each pupil to use English effectively in a variety of situations and for different audiences across the curriculum. Work is presented grammatically correct and legible. We promote the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in the context of real and purposeful activities. The introduction of the Literacy Hour has helped to raise achievement in language.
Reading is given a high priority throughout the school and we foster home/school liaison to support English activities and encourage the enjoyment of reading. We encourage the children's potential in the use of computers within English, not only as a means of publishing texts but as a way of composing, drafting and editing either collaboratively or independently.
We involve children in the appraisal of their own and other children's work and set targets for improvement.
At Highfield we develop a positive attitude towards mathematics. Our approach is practical, providing for the children a variety of activities to develop and consolidate their knowledge and understanding at every level, through problem solving and investigation work. Children are encouraged to discuss their observations, estimate and consider further possibilities. Mental mathematics is used every day. We are well provided with apparatus to support our teaching. Our main scheme is Heinemann Mathematics although we have a wide range of alternative text books which are used.
We make science practical, active and relevant at Highfield. We encourage the excitement of investigating, discovery and problem solving. We build on the observations, suggestions and investigations of the children to further understanding. Our extensive school grounds provide an excellent resource for exploring habitats. We have a well stocked resource cupboard for science across the curriculum.
In our school we involve children in the techniques of identifying and analysing problems. Then by providing children with the necessary practical skills, in different materials and with a variety of tools, we challenge them to produce solutions to the problems. Children are encouraged to draft, make, test and refine their ideas before evaluating their solutions. Children working together is considered vital.
The school is building up hardware and resources to meet the challenge of the 21 S; Century. Already the school has access to the Internet and are buying in new hardware on a phased approach. We currently have at least two computers in every classroom, including the nursery. Staff are undertaking training in this fast changing area of the curriculum. 'The computer suite enables classes to work through the scheme of work.
History and Geography are taught in the school mainly through topics. We incorporate National Curriculum requirements and ensure that there is a balance of both historical and geographical content over the course of a year. Learning is actively supported on many occasions through class visits and practical resources
Our children receive a wide variety of experiences in Art using a range of materials in both two and three dimensions. We utilise art materials for drawing, painting, printing, dyeing, weaving and sculpting. We place great value on observational artwork. Children also become familiar with the work and style of various artists
Music is essentially a practical subject and makes an important contribution to the life of the school. In music we ensure that children achieve success as they experience music in a variety of contexts. Children develop skills in singing and playing instruments. They compose music and perform to others. They also develop skills in analysing musical composition and develop an understanding of the history of music as well as learning about musical instruments and the sounds produced.
Highfield offers a broad and balanced Physical Education curriculum. Each child will be given the opportunity to experience Athletics, Dance, Games, Gymnastics, Outdoor activities and Swimming. Positive attitudes, teamwork and a healthy regard for competition are promoted in all games. Children have the opportunity to extend their interest and skills through many school sports clubs.
We have a detailed scheme of work for this subject which is taught to children as they travel through school. Children explore and investigate the concepts of personal relationships, family life, social skills and the understanding of their own development and self esteem.
The children also learn to plan for their own personal safety and to think of strategies designed to keep themselves safe in a variety of situations. We are very careful to match these activities to the age and stage of development of the children we are educating. The children have talks from many visitors including our local policeman and fire officers. The school also has annual visits from the LEA Life bus.
In general the children's questions are answered truthfully as they arise, bearing in mind their age and stage of development. Topics being investigated which might give rise to this approach would be families, pets, our bodies, etc.
In year 6 the children are shown a series of Health Education films culminating in a film dealing with the onset of puberty. Parents are invited to discuss the content of the programmes before they are shown to the children. The Headteacher is always willing to discuss any strong views parents may have on sex education for their children.
Religious Education is taught on the basis of respect for all beliefs and cultures We seek to emphasis the commonality of such religious ideas as caring and sharing, loving and giving. However, there are occasions when stories are used from the major world religions and are discussed or celebrated within the framework of our topic planning. We use the Borough Guidelines for our RE syllabus. Parents who do not wish their children to take part in RE lessons should see the Headteacher.
|