The Curriculum
The Foundation Stage
Children begin their school life in Wrens. They come to school having completed the first year of the Foundation Stage (3-5 years) at their pre-school settings.
During the final year of the Foundation Stage the curriculum continues and is divided into six areas of learning: Physical Development; Creative Development; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Mathematical Development; Communication, Language and Literacy. Literacy and maths receive considerable emphasis and the majority of teaching time in the mornings is devoted to these two areas.
Key Stages 1 and 2
Literacy and Maths are taught on a daily basis in accordance with central government expectations and based on the Primary National Strategy.
In Literacy children learn to understand and act upon instructions and to appreciate stories. Older children are taught to express their views clearly and to listen to other peoples' views. Many children will read aloud in Church during the school year, and most children will be involved in dramatic performances. Reading at home is encouraged, and all books read are recorded on the child's reading record, so that progress can be monitored.
Children write for a variety of purposes, with increasing emphasis on spelling, grammar, and a legible hand. Cursive handwriting is introduced as soon as a child is considered to be ready.
The mathematics curriculum covers numbers, algebra, shape, space and measure, and data handling. Many of these are taught using investigative methods with the children working at levels appropriate to their abilities. Maths lessons provide children with opportunities to work on an individual basis as well as in groups, as appropriate.
Other subjects are taught in line with National Curriculum requirements with an emphasis on practical activities and making links between subjects.