The following is taken from our School Prospectus which can be viewed in full here.
If you would like to discuss more detailed aspects of any part of the curriculum please speak to the class teacher or subject lead.
Our curriculum is based on the school’s aims. The emphasis is on learning from first-hand experience, developing skills, knowledge and understanding in practical and relevant contexts. The National Curriculum, which guides teachers in the content of children’s learning, is at the heart of the teaching programme.
Children’s learning will often be based around a theme and may include several curriculum areas. This makes the study more interesting for children, it shows how a wide variety of skills can be employed to explore the chosen theme, and provides opportunities for development across the different curriculum areas.
Our pattern of themes is carefully designed to incorporate many aspects of the National Curriculum and to provide interest, relevance and stimulation to children’s studies. While thematic topics vary from term to term, or each half term, the core skills of English and Mathematics are taught consistently throughout the year.
Our system of planning ensures that skills, knowledge and understanding are developed through a careful programme of progressive acquisition. English and Mathematics are of the highest priority and are taught systematically on a daily basis.
We place great importance on the personal and social development of the children in our care, and we expect them to develop a sense of care and consideration towards all those in the school community. We expect them to give their best efforts to all the activities they are involved in at school. English We use the English language in virtually every aspect of life.
In school we develop children’s increasing mastery of language in its different forms (speaking, listening, reading and writing). The skills of literacy are given a high priority. We provide children with opportunities to develop and refine their speaking and listening skills through class or group discussions, collaborative learning and drama.
Reading is the key to so much interest, information and enjoyment. We therefore teach children the specific skills involved in reading. At the same time we aim to instil in children a love of books and reading, so that they see books as a source of pleasure. We provide them with a range of good quality literature and, particularly in the early stages, work closely with parents to encourage and monitor children’s progress.
In writing we look for a progressive development of skills by teaching children to write in different forms and for a variety of purposes. These range from factual accounts (writing a diary, report of a visit, a careful description) to imaginative writing (stories, poems, plays). We present children with real experiences on which to base their writing, and a wide variety of written work arises from the extended study planned by the class teacher. While spelling, punctuation and structure gradually become more important, we also look for coherence and quality to enable children to become fluent, competent writers. Care of presentation is an important part of writing and handwriting is taught systematically throughout the school.
Mathematical understanding involves not only the ability to manipulate numbers, but also a knowledge of geometry, sets, time, length, weight, area, volume and capacity.
The primary maths curriculum sets children’s learning within practical and challenging contexts. This ensures progression, allowing children to develop their mathematical skills at their own pace. The basis of mathematical understanding lies in practical experience and in the application of that understanding to solve problems.
Mathematics learned in this way will give children the ability to apply their knowledge in the world beyond school.
Science in the primary school is based on children’s natural curiosity and desire to understand how things work. When children observe carefully, construct a simple theory, test the theory and record their results they are being scientific. This method of working is developed as children progress through the programme of science activities within class topics.
Computing plays an important part in our lives and we need to give our children the skills and confidence in using and applying this technology in order to prepare them for the world in which they live. Children use computers as part of their everyday class work and we are strongly committed to improving and extending the range of hardware available to them.
Health, Sex and Relationships Education
We believe it is important for children to learn about how their bodies work, and how to remain fit and healthy. As part of this programme, children in the junior department learn about physical development and reproduction, within the context of family responsibilities. Through sensitively managed discussions older children are prepared for the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty.
Parents are invited to school to view the DVDs that the children watch, and to discuss these with the teachers. If they wish, parents may ask for their child to be excluded from this aspect of the curriculum.
We encourage children to observe carefully and record what they see using various media. Thoughtful and accurate observation can often be the starting point for enquiry and learning. During their time with us, children will be introduced to a variety of creative activities, such as drawing, painting, modelling, printing, fabric and stitching and are taught to use tools and materials with care and precision.
Children are also involved in music making, dance and drama. Children in the juniors are able to learn the recorder. From Y2 we are able to offer peripatetic teaching of the violin, guitar, singing and the ’cello.
Modern Foreign Languages
French is taught to all children in the school from Year 3. Much of the learning takes place through songs, games and drama, although the children also learn to write in French. We aim to teach the children to read and speak French with confidence, and to develop a knowledge and understanding of French culture.
Historical and Geographical Enquiry
Children are naturally interested in the world as it is and how it has developed. The immediate local environment provides many opportunities to study this, so class studies may include learning about children’s family histories, investigating the development of Ringmer village, finding out about the school’s past and using local maps.
As children get older they will also learn about places far away and about aspects of the more distant past. We hope to encourage children’s willingness to enquire, introduce them to some methods of enquiry and help them to use this to increase their own understanding of both the local area and the wider world in which they live.
All children take part in activities that help them to develop a range of physical skills and to gain confidence and enjoyment as they do so. Children follow a planned programme of skills development, leading to participation in team games. The emphasis is on participation, effort and team spirit. We recognise the value of being involved in competitive sport at an appropriate level and the school participates in many local inter-school sporting competitions.
At Key Stage 2 children have the opportunity to join various after school sports clubs such as football, running, cricket and karate.
Religious Education is delivered in accordance with the East Sussex Education Authority’s Agreed Syllabus. This is designed to lay the basis of religious understanding by helping children to reflect on their experiences and to gain insight into their own actions and feelings and those of others. Children learn about the beliefs and practices of world religions. Parents may ask for their child to be excluded from these lessons.