Curriculum
We are required by government to teach the National Curriculum, this was revised in September 2014. The curriculum is ‘what’ will be taught rather than dictate ‘how’ things are taught. The National Curriculum is taught in Primary schools from Year 1 to Year 6. It comprises core subjects, foundation subjects and other subjects. Some of the materials used to support learning in each area are shown in brackets.
The core subjects are: English/Literacy (Nelson Handwriting, No Nonsense Spelling, First News Reading), Mathematics (White Rose Hub and NCETM), Science
The foundation subjects are: Computing (Purple Mash), Art and design, Physical Education (PE) (Rising Stars Champions), Music (Charanga), History, Geography (Connected Geography), Design and technology, French in Key Stage 2 (La Jolie Ronde)
The other subjects are: Personal, Health, Social Education and Citizenship (Life Skills) (Christopher Winton Project and Islington LA PSHE materials), RE (Understanding Christianity together with the East Sussex Agreed Syllabus).
Phonics is taught throughout Foundation Stage and Year 1 using Letters and Sounds as a starting point.
At the end of the Foundation Stage children enter Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2). At the end of Y2 the children transfer to KS2.
There is summative testing with national comparisons at the end of Reception year, phonics testing in Year one, and statutory tests at the end of Year 2 and 6.
Curriculum at Ditchling (St Margaret’s) CE Primary
We use high quality texts as a stimulus for literacy, these are linked to the topics; further links are made across the curriculum to connect with the theme in the book. Typically children go on three trips a year to sites connected with their learning. We also invite speakers into class to support children’s learning e.g. scientists, the school nurse, firefighters or other experts. Children are engaged in their learning through Stunning Starts and Fabulous Finishes that are organised to run across the Key Stage. Home learning challenges are also set to give children further opportunities to develop their skills. To ensure the breadth of the curriculum we run a two weekly timetable. Five afternoons every term the children have Enrichment lessons, these give opportunities for children to learn with a teacher who has a particular interest or specialism in an area of learning. Topics for 2017-18 are computing, outdoor learning, music, cooking and science. This is in addition to the curriculum time already given to those subjects. During the year we hold focused weeks such as, Science week, Book Week and Healthy Lifestyles week to enhance the learning opportunities.
Three times a year teachers will send information to parents/carers about the topic that they are focusing on over the coming 2 terms. Topic webs and long term plans are available, by class, on the website under the learning tab. If you need any additional information about the curriculum please contact the class teacher through the school office (office@ditchling-ce-prim.e-sussex.sch.uk, 01273 844130).