The National Curriculum
In line with statutory requirements we teach the National Curriculum at St Peter’s.
The National Curriculum lays down what the Government expects children to learn at each stage of the education process from 5-16. It is set out in Key Stages and the children at St Peter’s Infant School are in Key Stage 1.
In line with statutory requirements we teach the National Curriculum at St Peter’s.
The National Curriculum lays down what the Government expects children to learn at each stage of the education process from 5-
Elements of the National Curriculum include:
English/Literacy.
Mathematics/Numeracy.
Science.
Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Religious Education (RE).
History.
Geography.
Art.
Design Technology (DT).
Music.
Physical Education (PE).
Jewellery.
Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE).
Special Needs
Gifted and Talented
Assessment
English/Literacy.
Mathematics/Numeracy.
Science.
Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Religious Education (RE).
History.
Geography.
Art.
Design Technology (DT).
Music.
Physical Education (PE).
Jewellery.
Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE).
Special Needs
Gifted and Talented
Assessment
At St Peter’s our curriculum is mainly taught through topics or themes that are each usually half a term in length. In addition we usually also teach a Literacy and Numeracy session every day in line with directives from the Government.
The work that the children do is differentiated to take account of the varying abilities and experiences of the children and many different teaching strategies are used. We encourage children to make independent attempts at the work provided (under supervision) and to take some responsibility for their own learning.
The work that the children do is differentiated to take account of the varying abilities and experiences of the children and many different teaching strategies are used. We encourage children to make independent attempts at the work provided (under supervision) and to take some responsibility for their own learning.
Should you have questions concerning the curriculum appointments can be made with the class teacher who will be happy to discuss them with you.
The Headteacher is also available to discuss any concerns or worries that you may have about the curriculum should the class teacher be unable to help.
The Governing Body Complaints Committee deal with any issues concerning the curriculum that parents may feel have not been appropriately solved by the staff or Headteacher. There are further appeal stages to the Local Education Authority (LEA) and finally to the Secretary of State for Education. Leaflets explaining these procedures can be obtained from the Area Education Office.
The Headteacher is also available to discuss any concerns or worries that you may have about the curriculum should the class teacher be unable to help.
The Governing Body Complaints Committee deal with any issues concerning the curriculum that parents may feel have not been appropriately solved by the staff or Headteacher. There are further appeal stages to the Local Education Authority (LEA) and finally to the Secretary of State for Education. Leaflets explaining these procedures can be obtained from the Area Education Office.
National Curriculum and policy documents.
There are copies of curriculum policies and units of work related to the Foundation and National Curriculum available in the school office for your reference. If you wish to come in and look at any of these please ask Mrs. Williams.
There are copies of curriculum policies and units of work related to the Foundation and National Curriculum available in the school office for your reference. If you wish to come in and look at any of these please ask Mrs. Williams.
At St Peter’s Literacy skills are taught and practiced in all aspects of the curriculum. In addition your child usually takes part in one specific Literacy session per day. We base the majority of this session on elements taken from the National Literacy Strategy (NLS) that provides us with a detailed teaching programme for each term.
The NLS develops and promotes a range of practical strategies based on whole class and group teaching and is designed to increase children’s success in Reading and Writing. At St Peter’s Literacy has a high priority as we believe reading and writing are vital skills.
The NLS develops and promotes a range of practical strategies based on whole class and group teaching and is designed to increase children’s success in Reading and Writing. At St Peter’s Literacy has a high priority as we believe reading and writing are vital skills.
The Literacy hour is divided into sections with time guidelines for each part. The children are taught as a whole class for approximately 60% of the time and in small ability groups for the remaining 40%.
An example of the basic structure of the Literacy Hour is detailed below:
Whole class. Approx. 15 mins. Shared text work focusing on comprehension and composition, grammar and punctuation.
An example of the basic structure of the Literacy Hour is detailed below:
Whole class. Approx. 15 mins. Shared text work focusing on comprehension and composition, grammar and punctuation.
Whole class. Approx. 15 mins. Word work focusing on spelling, phonics, vocabulary and handwriting.
Group Work. Approx. 20 mins.
1) Independent reading, writing or word work activities.
2) Teacher focus group focusing on guided reading or guided writing and related tasks.
1) Independent reading, writing or word work activities.
2) Teacher focus group focusing on guided reading or guided writing and related tasks.
3) LSA support groups working on reading, writing or spelling activities.
4) ICT related Literacy activities.
Whole class. Approx. 10 mins. Reviewing and reflecting on what has been taught and learned.
At St Peter’s we spend a considerable amount of time
and care helping our children learn to read. Reading
skills are taught every day whilst using shared texts
and are reinforced through a group guided reading
session per week when progress can also be monitored.
In addition we endeavour to hear children read on an
individual basis once per week. There are also times for
quiet independent reading timetabled into the weekly
sessions.
and care helping our children learn to read. Reading
skills are taught every day whilst using shared texts
and are reinforced through a group guided reading
session per week when progress can also be monitored.
In addition we endeavour to hear children read on an
individual basis once per week. There are also times for
quiet independent reading timetabled into the weekly
sessions.
We believe that children need to read a variety of texts and types of literature, therefore we have a variety of books in school and books for you to share at home.
At present our home readers are based on a reading scheme but are supplemented with other material that is appropriately challenging for each of the sections.
We encourage children to take these books home to share with you and we may also send some supplementary games or activities that promote reading skills.
We encourage children to take these books home to share with you and we may also send some supplementary games or activities that promote reading skills.
We use the National Numeracy Project (NNP) as a basis for our daily mathematics session. In a similar manner to the NLS the NNP provides us with a detailed teaching programme for each term.
Each Numeracy session is divided into sections an example of which is laid out below:
Whole class. Approx. 10mins. Oral and mental maths.
Whole class. Approx. 10mins. Introduction to main concepts and Learning Objectives.
Whole class. Approx. 10mins. Oral and mental maths.
Whole class. Approx. 10mins. Introduction to main concepts and Learning Objectives.
Group Work. Approx. 20mins.
1) Independent Number, Measure or Shape activities/investigations.
2) Teacher focus group working on skills and concepts related to the main teaching point.
3) LSA support groups working on related activities.
4) ICT related Numeracy activities.
Whole class. Approx. 5mins. Reviewing and reflecting on what has been taught and learned.
We encourage children to understand the mathematical
Concepts by using the appropriate vocabulary, using Maths
in everyday life, giving them practical problems to solve
and encouraging them to consider different ways of
recording; not only their answers but their workings
out as well.
Work given to the children is differentiated to take account
of their ability and level of mathematical development.
We aim to foster a positive attitude towards Maths.
Whole class. Approx. 5mins. Reviewing and reflecting on what has been taught and learned.
We encourage children to understand the mathematical
Concepts by using the appropriate vocabulary, using Maths
in everyday life, giving them practical problems to solve
and encouraging them to consider different ways of
recording; not only their answers but their workings
out as well.
Work given to the children is differentiated to take account
of their ability and level of mathematical development.
We aim to foster a positive attitude towards Maths.
Science is classed as a Core Subject in the National Curriculum. At St Peter’s we aim to encourage inquiring minds. Science is taught through the half termly topics and is based around practical activities and investigations as well as whole class teacher input.
We encourage children to use all their senses to explore their environment and develop curiosity and interest in the world around them.
ICT is a very important tool that our children are
going to need to use confidently in adulthood.
We have computers based in each classroom and
in the Library, some of which have Internet access.
In addition each of the classes has a Listening Centre,
as well as access to a television, video, scanner, digital
cameras and Roamer robots.
We use ICT to support other curriculum areas, as well
as teaching specific skills. We aim for our children to be
able to use all the ICT equipment confidently and
purposefully.
going to need to use confidently in adulthood.
We have computers based in each classroom and
in the Library, some of which have Internet access.
In addition each of the classes has a Listening Centre,
as well as access to a television, video, scanner, digital
cameras and Roamer robots.
We use ICT to support other curriculum areas, as well
as teaching specific skills. We aim for our children to be
able to use all the ICT equipment confidently and
purposefully.
Religious Education (RE)
The basis for our RE lessons is the Medway agreed
syllabus. This syllabus has a broad Christian basis but
does contain units of work on other religions. St Peter’s
is no longer a church aided school, however we do have
strong links with several different religious groups that
come into school on a regular basis to lead assemblies.
We have a daily act of collective worship as required by
Law. These collective acts of worship have different
formats including a visitors assembly once a week.
Parents who do not wish their child to take part in
RE lessons or collective acts of worship have the right
to withdraw their child from these sessions. Should
this be the case an appointment should be made with
the Headteacher to discuss alternative provision.
The basis for our RE lessons is the Medway agreed
syllabus. This syllabus has a broad Christian basis but
does contain units of work on other religions. St Peter’s
is no longer a church aided school, however we do have
strong links with several different religious groups that
come into school on a regular basis to lead assemblies.
We have a daily act of collective worship as required by
Law. These collective acts of worship have different
formats including a visitors assembly once a week.
Parents who do not wish their child to take part in
RE lessons or collective acts of worship have the right
to withdraw their child from these sessions. Should
this be the case an appointment should be made with
the Headteacher to discuss alternative provision.
We teach History as part of our topic framework, giving
children an awareness of the differences between past
and present. We aim to inspire children to question what
has happened in the past as well as discovering facts. We
children an awareness of the differences between past
and present. We aim to inspire children to question what
has happened in the past as well as discovering facts. We
Again we teach Geography as part of our topic
framework, giving children an awareness of the world
around them. We develop children’s knowledge of the
local area as well as places further afield. Children are
given opportunities to look at their local area, look at
maps and pictures of different places, follow directions
and use Geographical vocabulary.
framework, giving children an awareness of the world
around them. We develop children’s knowledge of the
local area as well as places further afield. Children are
given opportunities to look at their local area, look at
maps and pictures of different places, follow directions
and use Geographical vocabulary.
Emphasis in Art is placed on creativity as well
as the development of skills and techniques.
Children have many opportunities to explore
artistic materials, as well as developing know-
artists.
as the development of skills and techniques.
Children have many opportunities to explore
artistic materials, as well as developing know-
artists.
Children are encouraged to evaluate their own work.
Aprons: Children need an apron from home for Art work to protect their normal school clothing from paint/glue. Thank you.
Aprons: Children need an apron from home for Art work to protect their normal school clothing from paint/glue. Thank you.
In DT children can develop the skills of designing and
constructing a given object.
constructing a given object.
They look at the suitability of different materials and
techniques that are required to ensure that their model
is successful.
techniques that are required to ensure that their model
is successful.
Children are given the opportunity to perform and compose
using a variety of tuned and untuned instruments. They
learn about the different musical skills and techniques
required to make music and they listen to a variety of music
from different traditions.
using a variety of tuned and untuned instruments. They
learn about the different musical skills and techniques
required to make music and they listen to a variety of music
from different traditions.
In addition children are given plentiful opportunities to learn
and sing songs. Children from Year 2 take part in the Medway Music Festival, where they have the opportunity to perform along with other local schools.
and sing songs. Children from Year 2 take part in the Medway Music Festival, where they have the opportunity to perform along with other local schools.
There are three elements to PE: Games, Gymnastics and
Dance. Children develop the skills and techniques required
in each of these elements at their own pace.
In the colder weather children do PE in the Hall, but during
the summer months they go outside.
Dance. Children develop the skills and techniques required
in each of these elements at their own pace.
In the colder weather children do PE in the Hall, but during
the summer months they go outside.
Children will need a change of clothes in order to do PE as they can get quite sweaty.
We encourage children to wear a sensible T-shirt and shorts with bare feet for indoor PE and plimsoles for outside. We don’t have a lot of storage space in school so we ask that PE Kits are stored in a drawstring bag and all items will need to be named.
We encourage children to wear a sensible T-
In light of the Health and Safety at work act and in line with LEA guidelines, children are not allowed to wear any jewellery whilst they are participating in PE lessons. We have found that it works best if ear-rings are not worn on PE days. Also if ear-rings are worn in school at all they should be studs and not hoops to prevent them accidentally being pulled out. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Neither the school nor the LEA can be held responsible for the loss or theft of possessions.
There is a strong emphasis on PSHE and Citizenship
at St Peter’s, it is embedded in our daily lives and
routines. We encourage our children to take responsibility
for themselves, other people and their environment by making
the right decisions. We want the children to become healthy,
active, informed, responsible citizens of the future.
at St Peter’s, it is embedded in our daily lives and
routines. We encourage our children to take responsibility
for themselves, other people and their environment by making
the right decisions. We want the children to become healthy,
active, informed, responsible citizens of the future.
Sex education: Governors at St Peter’s have considered the question of Sex Education and decided that it will not form part of the curriculum offered at this school. However if a child asks a question it will be answered honestly and appropriately for their age and understanding.
Whilst the curriculum offered at St Peter’s is differentiated to take account of children’s differing abilities and experiences there are still some children that have Special Educational Needs in terms of learning, physical restrictions and/or behaviour. These SEN children, including those who are exceptionally gifted or talented are identified according to LEA guidelines and in compliance with the Government Code of Practice.
We aim to identify these children as early on in their school life as we can in order to give them the appropriate support. The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) consults with the class teacher on the needs of each SEN child and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is written to address these. IEPs are regularly up dated. Should your child need SEN support you will be informed by the school of the type of difficulty your child is having, what stage they are on in accordance with the Code of Practice and what support they are receiving.
Once a term the school hosts an In School Review (ISR) which is a forum where professionals from other agencies meet to discuss the progress of specific children and where support and advice can be given. Should your child be up for discussion at an ISR then you will be notified and a copy of the discussion notes and any outcomes forwarded to you.
Once a term the school hosts an In School Review (ISR) which is a forum where professionals from other agencies meet to discuss the progress of specific children and where support and advice can be given. Should your child be up for discussion at an ISR then you will be notified and a copy of the discussion notes and any outcomes forwarded to you.
The SENCO is available to discuss any concerns and worries, should you need to see her please make an appointment via the school secretary.
There is a Governor with specific responsibility for SEN and the Governing Body are very proactive concerning the needs of the children, funding expenditure on resources and additional hours for support staff as appropriate.
There are some children at St Peter’s that are identified as being gifted or talented in a specific curriculum area. These children are identified by their class teacher and are provided with learning experiences that enhance and extend their abilities. This is generally done through providing them with differentiated work in the classroom although they may be withdrawn to work in a small group if appropriate. All classes have a ‘Challenge Box’ that contains extension activities for our more able children.
There is an ongoing process of teacher assessment throughout the time your children are with us. This is done as part of the everyday school routine.
At the end of their time with us you will receive a Level indicating
At the end of their time with us you will receive a Level indicating
In the Summer Term of Year 2 the children have a series of formalised assessments that validate our Teacher Assessments, the results of which are part of your child's final annual report.
On occasions an educational visit may be arranged that supports or enhances a topic or theme. Parents are always notified of the nature and cost of the visit and a permission slip needs to be signed before we can take children off the school premises. Parents are usually asked to make a contribution towards the cost of any trip.
In addition it is our policy to try to enhance the curriculum by inviting visitors into school to work with the children, for example authors, musicians, artists and theatre groups. There may be times when you are asked for a contribution towards these, however we believe that the impact these people have on the learning for the children far out ways any costs that may be passed on. Families experiencing financial difficulties should see the Headteacher in confidence.
At St Peter’s we aim to establish an effective partnership with you to ensure that your child gets the most out of school. Staff are available most afternoons after school to discuss any immediate questions or worries that you may have and regular Newsletters provide information on issues and forthcoming events.
There are termly parents’ evenings for you to discuss your child’s progress with their teacher as well as Curriculum Information evenings on different subject areas. We usually provide leaflets to accompany those evenings for parents that are unable to attend.
There are termly parents’ evenings for you to discuss your child’s progress with their teacher as well as Curriculum Information evenings on different subject areas. We usually provide leaflets to accompany those evenings for parents that are unable to attend.
We always welcome the offer of voluntary help in school, so if you would like to come in and work alongside the children under the direction of the teacher please let us know via the office.
We realise that it is sometimes difficult to get into school to see the teachers, however each child has a contact book that can be used to write any comments or questions in. The teachers will write comments when they hear children read and will answer any queries that you may have. We would encourage you to make comments, however small on your child’s progress with reading at home.
Children will bring home books for you to share with them, and on occasions games or activities to develop reading skills.
In addition a homework timetable is sent home at the beginning of each half term detailing Literacy and Numeracy ideas of work that can be done at home to support what is being taught in school each week. There is also a topic information sheet with the name of the topic for the forthcoming half term along with ideas of related activities that you can do at home. These activities tend to be practical although sometimes recording is involved.
Children in Years 1 & 2 will bring home spellings to learn every week and we would appreciate your assistance in helping the children learn them.
A Homework Policy is available in the school office for your reference.
A Homework Policy is available in the school office for your reference.