The Curriculum

We aim to deliver a balanced curriculum, which not only provides essential knowledge and skills, but also promotes important spiritual, moral, social and cultural beliefs. Our goal is to prepare all pupils to be well-balanced citizens who live in an ever changing and demanding world.

We teach the basic skills of English, Mathematics and Science as separate subjects. Both the Literacy and Numeracy Strategies have been fully implemented. In addition, the following subjects are also taught: I.C.T., Design & Technology, History, Geography, Art, Music, P.S.H.E, P.E. and R.E.

Each curriculum area has a policy, which outlines the implementation in our school. There is also an accompanying scheme of work, which outlines the precise content to be taught throughout each year in the school. Members of staff take responsibility for organising and overseeing the work of each subject area. A copy of the National Curriculum for primary schools is also available for any parents who may wish to see it.

The Foundation Profile

This is a statutory requirement at the Foundation Stage of learning (i.e. the Reception year).

Throughout the year the children will be assessed regularly and detailed records kept about their progress. As parents you may be asked to contribute to this profile at parent consultations.

The completed profile will make up your end of year report, and will help the Year 1 teachers to plan the programme of work to suit the needs of your child.

They will also provide valuable information which the school can use to measure the effectiveness of its teaching as the children move through the school.

Reading at Wheatfields Primary School

Reading is very important at Wheatfields. Children will be practising their reading skills every day.

In the first instance children will bring home picture books. These are to be shared, discussing the pictures, what is happening and what might happen. They will help to develop speaking and listening skills and develop comprehension skills. When your child is ready they will start to take home simple reading books from our Harvest Train. Children choose their own books from a given colour band. Your child may change their books every day.

There is also a reading homework book where you can write down any comments. Please sign the book when you hear your child read. We do check the reading record regularly and value your contributions.

Reading at Key Stage 2

At Key Stage 2 children develop their reading through work during the Literacy Hour and through separate guided reading sessions in small groups. Some children will be listened to individually on a regular basis. We encourage reading of all types – non-fiction, fiction, poetry, plays, magazines and newspapers.

The children will be given the opportunity to choose a book from a colour band or free choice once they are independent readers. They are also welcome to bring in books from home.

We recommend that children read at home at least three times a week and ideally for a few minutes every day. Listening to your child read regularly is really important in helping them to practice and progress, even once they are older. We also encourage you to talk about their reading and we provide a list of questions with ideas for discussion at the start of the year. There is a reading record for you to sign when you hear your child read in years 3 and 4. In years 5 and 6 we ask you to provide a signature and/or comment in the homework diary each week.

Reporting and Recording

The performance of each child is continually assessed and we are anxious to actively involve parents and children in this process. To that end parents are asked to contribute to the personal record books (smiley face books) kept by the children in Reception - Year 4 and the homework planners used in Years 5 & 6. Parents are also encouraged to add a comment to the Annual Report which children contribute to, and which parents get a copy of, at the end of the school year in July.

Parents Evenings

Opportunities are provided during the Autumn, Spring and Summer Term for parents to visit the school and meet with their child's class teacher. Please note, however, that you are welcome to come into school and discuss your child whenever you wish to do so. A note or telephone call beforehand will ensure that an appointment is made for you but do not stay away for the lack of an appointment, especially when something is URGENT. The Headteacher, and the two Deputy Headteachers, try to ensure that at least one of them is available at the beginning and end of each school day.

Homework

All children are expected to do homework. The amount given increases as the child progress through the school and is designed to match the capabilities of the individual.

We ask parents to support us in seeing that homework tasks are carried out conscientiously and in the best possible conditions. The homework set may be to complete or consolidate classwork, to provide opportunity for the children to lead their own lines of investigating, reading, revising or preparation for a following lesson.

Some parents feel there is little they can do to help with homework, but in fact there are many ways in which you can help your child:

• through encouragement and support
• by talking through what task has been set
• by listening to your child read and talking about the story you have shared
• by asking your child to explain what they have been learning at school

These are all ways of helping your child appreciate and to look afresh at their learning.

Sex and Relationship Education

Year 5 pupils undertake a major body study which addresses a wide range of human, biological, sexual and moral issues as part of the science and P.S.H.E. Schemes of Work. It is the policy of the school to approach these and other sensitive areas of the curriculum with sensitivity and honesty at all times and to deal with issues related to these areas which concern the children as and when they occur. As with all aspects of school parents are always welcome to discuss any concerns they may have with the staff.

Our curriculum plans are available at the school on request and we are happy to discuss them and make the resources that we use available for parents to view.

Religious Education and Collective Worship

All children are involved in an assembly each day. As a school we are keen to involve all the children in a shared experience. Assemblies are an important time for sharing and reflecting on experiences.

The teaching content of religious education follows the Cambridgeshire Local Education Authority agreed syllabus and the requirements of the 1988 Education Reform Act. It is presented in a way that enables the children to be make meaningful decisions about their personal religious faith and those of others when they are mature enough to exercise the necessary judgements to do so for themselves. Parents may request in writing that their child be excused from Religious Education teaching and acts of collective worship. Alternative provision will be made for such children.