St Giles School Curriculum information
St-Giles-Church-of-England-School-Curriculum- (ID 1011)
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Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Overview
School Values and Vision
Nurture – Inspire – Respect – Achieve
Bringing out the best in every child
At St Giles, our distinctively Christian values shape all that we do. Our school is a nurturing community which inspires everyone to learn and achieve as individuals, with courage, compassion and creativity. We believe that our children will flourish in God's eyes, today and in the future. As a school, we work together with respect for God's world to create an inspiring, loving and caring community.
St Giles is a village school with community at its heart. We recognise and celebrate partnership working and we strive to listen to and involve children, parents/carers, staff, governors, and the local community when planning and delivering our school curriculum.
We are committed to inclusive, high-quality teaching and learning to ensure that every child makes good progress and all children leave us knowing their strengths and weaknesses, and having reached their full potential. We aim to give all learners, particularly those disadvantaged and/or with special educational needs, the knowledge, skills and attitudes to achieve their full potential and to be lifelong learners ready for the next step in their education.
Our curriculum is designed taking into account the local context, using the locality and local people, as a learning resource.
Curriculum Intent
We provide a broad and balanced curriculum, that meets the needs of all pupils providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the next step on their educational journey. We have a carefully crafted curriculum that aims to be ambitious for all. We aim for all children to develop key vocabulary, skills, and knowledge sequentially.
We aim to:
- provide stimulating teaching that engages pupil’s interest and enthusiasm and a love of learning across a wide range of subjects;
- to develop a positive learning culture where perseverance and resilience are valued;
- develop children’s confidence and capacity to learn independently within school and beyond;
- provide a curriculum that promotes the spiritual, moral, and social development of pupils, in keeping with the nurturing Christian environment that we have at St Giles;
- ensure we provide opportunities for pupils to develop healthy bodies and positive mental health;
- encourage children to understand and value diversity within the society in which they live and to show tolerance and an interest in the wider world;
- reading is prioritised to allow all pupils to access the full curriculum on offer;
- have a high focus on oral language, writing and maths skills throughout all subjects.
Curriculum Implementation
We aim to create a calm, purposeful learning environment in which pupils achieve their best. To ensure pupils leave us ready for the next step on their education with staff promoting self-reflection, a growth mind-set and the resilience to cope with both learning and life challenges.
To achieve this across all areas of the curriculum staff provide the following:
- carefully considered, well-sequenced lessons that build skills and knowledge incrementally;
- a safe, calm working environment, in which children can learn and grow;
- a learning environment in which courtesy, kindness and respect are fostered;
- positive role models and strong personal relationships between children and adults;
- a fair and disciplined environment, in line with the school’s behaviour policy;
The leadership team endeavours to provide a supportive environment for staff enabling them to effectively manage their professional time, ensuring all have a positive work-life balance.
Curriculum Frameworks and enrichment
We follow programs of study detailed in the National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
We employ specialist teachers providing pupils with weekly music lessons, French lessons at KS2, specialist PE coaching, and in Year 3 and Year 4 swimming lessons. We provide a wide range of extra-curricular clubs, including art club, ballet, netball, football and woodwork. We provide a range of additional sporting and enrichment opportunities through Mid-Sussex Active and the North-East Area Rural Small Schools Partnership.
We provide wrap-around care by providing a breakfast and afterschool club each day.
To ensure continuity and strong teacher subject knowledge we have developed consistent planning approaches using a range of carefully selected schemes of work, in some cases these are adjusted to suit our school context. These are rigorously researched and evaluated to ensure they meet the needs of our pupils and school context.
- White Rose Maths
- Mastering Number
- Write Stuff Writing
- Write Stuff Spelling
- Phonics – Little Wandle Letters and Sound
- Hamilton Trust and Plan Bee combined for Science
- PlanBee units for Art / DT units
- RE – Discovery RE
- RSHE/PSCE – Go-Givers / Christopher Winter Project
Every year group enjoys regular Forest School sessions. These sessions are aimed at building a love of nature, resilience and teamwork and also link with subjects taught, (See Forest School page on our website).
For each subject there are progression documents detailing the skills and/or knowledge each year group is required to teach, this ensures good progression and clear outcomes.
Curriculum leaders are responsible for producing teaching overviews to ensure the full National Curriculum is taught. In some subjects this covers a two or three-year cycle.
Teachers are responsible for developing medium term plans in all foundation subjects. These include clear objectives, key vocabulary, and an overview of prior learning and the next step.
Each class produces a ‘curriculum map’ detailing subject coverage in all subjects, this is updated annually. A parent friendly ‘learning grid’ is sent home each term, this highlights key learning and vocabulary in all subjects. These are available on the school website.
Some areas of the curriculum are taught through termly topics whiles others are taught discreetly. We aim to provide a context for learning, providing hooks for children to hang their learning on. To this end, staff routinely plan enrichment activities and a range of visits and visitors to enhance learning. Subject coordinators plan regular themed enrichment weeks.
Link to St Giles School Teaching and Learning Policy here
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Early Years
Early Years
We follow the EYFS Foundation Stage Curriculum.
We believe a well planned EYFS curriculum provides a sound bases to develop positive attitudes to school and sets the tone for the years ahead.
Our curriculum is adjusted to meet the needs of each cohort of children ensuring they receive the support they require to develop the core skills required to for successful learning.
We have a large classroom and outside learning areas that provide stimulating learning space. We make full use of these by planning a combination of teacher input and continuous provision opportunities to enable pupils to develop their learning independently through exploration and challenge.
The Characteristics of Effective Learning are at the heart of the Early Years Curriculum developing pupil's skills in playing and exploring, active learning, creativity and critical thinking.
KUW Curriculum Themes - link here
Our profile document sets out our intent, implementation and intended impact - click here
Oak Class 22/23
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EnglishCore Subject
English
English
We aim for every child to develop an in depth knowledge and the keys skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for English.
It is our intention that the English curriculum enables pupils to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to become successful speakers, readers and writers. We strive to ensure that all our pupils receive a broad and balanced learning experience of reading, writing and speaking and listening which will equip them with the tools to bring out the best in every child and achieve highly at St Giles and beyond. We aim to deliver a curriculum that recognises our school context and that inspires children to learn.
Our profile document sets out our intent, implementation and intended impact, click here
Reading - click here for overview
Phonics - Click here for an overview
Reception teaching overview - click here
Year 1 teaching overview - click here
Writing - click here for overview
Spelling - Click here for an overview
Handwriting - click here for an overview
Further information for each year group can be found on the class information pages under the learning tab.
We love real books! Giving children experience of quality books will not only enhance their literary skills but also inspire them to engage with books, develop a love of reading and create motivation to write.
Book Trust - 100 best books over 100 years - click here
Good Reads- 100 Children's Books to Read in a Lifetime - click here
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MathematicsCore Subject
Mathematics
Mathematics at St Giles Primary School
We aim for every child to develop an in depth knowledge of the mathematics and keys skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014.
We want our children to show enjoyment and resilience when solving a range of problems. We believe children should be able to represent their maths in different ways using a range of equipment, selecting resources independently in line with their developmental levels. We work to help our children have quick and accurate recall of mathematic facts as once these are learned they are never forgotten! Children can earn bronze, silver and gold badges in recognition of their hard work learning their tables.
Finally, we want our children to have a good understanding of how mathematics is used in the real world - so we give lots of opportunities for them to apply their learning though problem solving, We also take opportunities to use maths in other subjects and have a regular maths day.
Our profile document sets out our intent, implementation and intended impact - click here
White Rose and Mastering Number Explained - click here
White Rose Overview - click here
Mastering Number Reception Overview - click here
Mastering Number Year 1 Overview - click here
Mastering Number Year 2 Overview - click here
Knowledge and Skills documents for each class can be found in on class pages under 'class organisation' in the learning tab.
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ScienceCore Subject
Science
We aim for every child to develop an in depth knowledge and the keys skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for Science.
As one of the core subjects, we give the teaching of science the prominence it requires. We aim to equip pupils with knowledge, skills and understanding and to encourage children to be inquisitive, and able to make links to real life.
Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge and vocabulary that has been identified within each unit and across each year group. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school.
Year 1-4 are taught in single age groups. Year 5 and 6 are taught as one class with a two year program of science teaching.
The heart of Science teaching at St Giles is our commitment to practical, explorative and investigative learning. We believe in a hands-on approach where children learn by doing it for themselves. This approach encourages our children to build resilience and become creative, critical thinkers.
We recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life and organise events to illustrate this, such as Science Week, Science Fairs, and visiting speakers.
Our profile document sets out our intent, implementation and intended impact - click here
Scientific enquiry progression document here
Science knowledge overview here
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Religious EducationCore Subject
Religious Education
“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness” Dalai Lama
As a Church of England School, we offer an RE curriculum which follows the West Sussex Agreed Syllabus and is in accordance with the Church of England Statement of Entitlement. Our provision offers children the opportunity to acquire a in-depth knowledge and understanding of both Christian and other worldviews beliefs and practices. RE is a core subject within the school and is taught primarily using the Discovery RE Scheme of Work and resources. Children are encouraged to explore the worldviews of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Humanism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhi through an enquiry based approach which allows them to reflect and consider both their own beliefs and those of others.
We have strong links with our local parish congregation and church of St Giles and use the church to celebrate our weekly Friday service. We also use the church to hold our KS2 Carol concerts, our Eucharists once a term and also as a teaching resource and place of reflection. The seasons and Church calendar are celebrated through our school events such as Harvest Festival, Easter and Christmas, and during our daily collective worship. Our annual RE week coincides with the start of Advent and allows children to prepare for the Christmas period by reflecting on an aspect or aspects of the Christmas story. In the Summer Term, we also hold our Prayer Day, involving members of the community in order to allow our children to reflect on the world around them and to pray for or think of themselves and others.
Overview of RE teaching here
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GeographyFoundation Subject
Geography
Intent
We aim for every child to develop the knowledge and the keys skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for Geography.
At St Giles we aim to deliver a high quality geography curriculum, not just through experiences in the classroom, but also through the use of fieldwork and educational visits, which inspires pupils to be curious about the world and its people.
We aim to instil a love for Geography in our pupils and to develop their knowledge of the world, as well as their place within it. We provide all pupils with opportunities to investigate and build geographical knowledge and skills using the local area and beyond.
We aim to build pupil's knowledge incrementally throughout their time at St Giles (see skills/knowledge progression document).
We aim for our children to have increasing awareness of environmental issues and the impact humans have on earth, and we aim to encourage pupils to become reflective members of society who consider their actions/choices and actively invest in protecting the planet.
Implementation
We have created a scheme or work using PlanBee units. We tweak these to ensure we make the most of our wonderful surroundings, and to take account of the local context. Teachers highlight, and teach, key vocabulary for each unit taught. Key learning objectives are identified for each unit, these are revised regularly. Each term we send home a 'learning grid' high-lighting key learning and vocabulary. A choice of Geography homework is set each term.
Curriculum coverage and topics here
Impact
Monitoring demonstrates that children are able to talk about their learning confidently. Books show a good range of work and a variety of teaching approaches. Children love to talk about their learning and are proud of their work.
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HistoryFoundation Subject
History
History at St Giles CE Primary School
We aim for every child to develop an in depth knowledge and the keys skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for History.
At St Giles Church of England Primary School we aim to provide our children with a relevant and challenging History curriculum that is engaging, sparks curiosity and enables them to develop as young Historians.
Our curriculum teaches children about the lives of significant people and events from the past and most importantly, the impact that these things have on lives today. We ensure that our children develop an awareness of the relationships between different groups of people who have lived in the past, the challenges they faced and strategies they used to overcome them..
We aim to develop pupil's vocabulary and knowledge, and to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, together with their ability to ask considered questions as they make judgements based on evidence.
We give careful consideration to the topics studied aiming to broaden our children's experiences and understanding of the world around them and preparing them for life in modern Britain today.
Our profile document sets out our intent, implementation and intended impact - click here
History and Geography overview - click here
Knowledge progress for Key concepts - click here
Knowledge and Skills progression document here
Vocabulary list - here
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ComputingFoundation Subject
Computing
Computing at St Giles CE Primary School
We aim for every child to develop an in depth knowledge and the keys skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for Computing.
At St Giles Church of England Primary School we aim to provide a modern curriculum in computing which will allow all children to become independent, confident and responsible users of technology.
In an ever-changing world, we aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to use computational thinking and creativity to solve problems, enabling them to become active participants in the digital world and inspiring them to be the creators and inventors of tomorrow.
Whilst ensuring they understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with online experiences, we want children to develop as respectful and responsible individuals online and to become aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe.
Computing Profile - click here
Computing overview - click here
Digital Literacy overview - click here
Information for parents in relation to e-safety can be found on the 'parents' tab under e-safety.
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FrenchModern Foreign Language
French
One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages can open every door along the way” Frank Smith
As a school, we believe that learning a language enriches the curriculum and is a necessary part of being a member of a multicultural society, as it provides an opening to other cultures. A high quality languages education should foster children’s curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. Starting French early in KS2, helps to create enthusiastic learners with positive attitudes towards languages learning throughout life. Through learning French, our pupils will develop skills and knowledge to enhance their oracy and literacy within their own language, whilst deepening their understanding of the language and culture of others.
We aim for every child to develop the key skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for French. Our skills based Modern Foreign Language curriculum builds strong foundations for language learning. Our pupils are encouraged to confidently vocalise in another language through real-life application and development of vocabulary.
Documents to follow
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MusicFoundation Subject
Music
We aim for every child to develop an in depth knowledge and the keys skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for Music. All children have the opportunity to extend and enrich their musical experience by listening, composing and performing.
Our profile document sets out our intent, implementation and intended impact - here
Music progression document here
A selection of resources used can be found here
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Art and DesignFoundation Subject
Art and Design
Every child is an artist - Picasso
We aim for every child to develop an in depth knowledge and the keys skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for Art and Design.
At St Giles Primary School, we value Art and Design as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. Art and Design provides the children with the opportunities to develop and extend skills and an opportunity to express their individual interests, thought and ideas. We believe that by developing this, we can contribute to the quality of our children’s lives, both within and beyond school. Art and Design is a means to support learning in a range of ways. The skills that are developed in these subjects can be transferred across the curriculum and thus aid learning.
Art and Design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.
Documents to follow
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Physical EducationFoundation Subject
Physical Education
We aim for every child to develop an in depth knowledge and the keys skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for PE.
Sport is a strength of the school. We employ a sports coach to ensure each child has specialist teaching every week. Pupils take part in a wide range of sporting events and competitions, and we provide a range of extra-curricular clubs.
Our profile document sets out our intent, implementation and intended impact - here
Overview of provision - to follow
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RSE and PSHEFoundation Subject
RSE and PSHE
We provide a curriculum to ensure our pupils become healthy, independent and responsible members of our society. Our curriculum provision includes opportunities for spiritual, moral and cultural development, whilst strongly upholding and promoting our school vision and British Values. Our aim is for pupils to gain knowledge and skills to enable them to understand and navigate the every changing world in which they live.
We believe that the special experience our pupils gain by working, playing and learning in a nurturing village school helps them develop an understanding of our values, resulting in pupils who are able to show empathy, respect, understanding and tolerance.
We work hard to ensure that teaching approaches and resources reflect the multi-cultural world we live in.
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Design and TechnologyFoundation Subject
Design and Technology
We aim for every child to develop an in depth knowledge and the keys skills as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for DT. Link to NC here
Design and Technology prepares children to deal with tomorrows rapidly changing world. It encourages children to become independent, creative problem solvers and thinkers as individuals and part of a team. It enables them to identify needs and opportunities and to respond to them by developing a range of ideas and by making products and systems. Through the study of Design and Technology, they combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as functions and industry. This allows them to reflect on and evaluate past and present technology, it's uses and impacts.
Our profile document sets out our intent, implementation and intended impact here
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Forest SchoolEnrichment
Forest School
Forest School Sessions
We are fortunate to be able to run sessions on site within the school 'moat'! This is a beautiful tree lined areas that runs around the perimeter of the school grounds, we also have a large field.
Pupil learn through a range of skills through organised and self chosen activities. The sessions are run by a trained teacher and all pupil benefit, having two half termly blocks per year.
The sessions give children the opportunity to develop their curiosity, confidence, self-esteem, creativity, empathy, communication skills, knowledge of the natural environment and the ability to assess risk. we also use the sessions to teach Geography knowledge and skills.
