Curriculum in Lower School

In Reception the children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage and in addition have lessons with specialist teachers for PE and Music. Once a week they enjoy a lesson in the ICT suite following a scheme of work to introduce and develop a range of computer skills. The children also have one lesson a week in the Learning Resource Centre where they are able to choose and take home a book of their own choice.

The Early Years Foundation Stage comprises six areas of learning and is taught through a balanced approach of planned purposeful play and adult led and child initiated activities.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Children are provided with the necessary experiences and support, which will help them to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others; foster respect for others; acquire social skills and have a positive disposition to learn. The children's emotional well-being is supported to help them to know themselves and what they can do.

Communication, Language and Literacy

Children are supported in their learning and competence in communicating, speaking and listening, being read to and beginning to read and write. The children are provided with opportunities and encouragement to use their skills in a range of situations and for a range of purposes. Children are taught to read and write through a systematic phonic programme and to listen and respond appropriately in a wide variety of situations. At CPS we follow the Jolly Phonics scheme, which teaches children the forty two sounds of English. This then leads onto the skills of reading and writing.

Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

Children are supported in developing their understanding of Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy in a broad range of contexts in which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practice and talk about their developing understanding. They are provided with opportunities to enable them to gain confidence and competence in their use. At CPS we use the Abacus Maths Scheme which the children will continue to use up to and including Year 6 to enable continuity and the opportunity to build on previous learning.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

Children are supported in developing the knowledge and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. Their learning is supported through being offered opportunities to use a range of tools safely; encounter creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environments and in real-life situations. They are able to undertake practical experiments and work with a range of materials. This covers geographic, historical and scientific learning and is organized into half-termly topics such as “The Little Red Hen” which took place at the beginning of the year.

Physical Development

The children's physical development will be encouraged through the provision of opportunities for them to improve their skills of coordination, control, manipulation and movement. At the same time the children will be taught about the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food. The children have a P.E. lessons with specialist teachers using a variety of equipment in our spacious and fully equipped sports hall or outside on the games field.

Creative Development

The children' creativity is extended by the provision of support for their curiosity, exploration and play. They are able to explore and articulate their thoughts, ideas and feelings through art, music, movement, dance, imaginative and role-play activities.

Years One and Two

In Years One and Two the children have lessons in Literacy, Numeracy, Science, History, ICT, Geography, Design and Technology, Art, Music, Spanish, PHSCE and Religious Education based on National Curriculum topics and guidelines. PE, Music and Spanish are taught by specialist teachers.

Literacy

In Literacy using the learning from Reception as an excellent foundation, the children become more competent and confident when writing and reading. Basic grammar and punctuation is reinforced and extended, opportunities to develop speaking and listening skills are provided. The children gain in confidence when performing in three stage based performances which often leads to greater success in other areas of the curriculum as their self esteem grows.

Numeracy

The children continue using the Abacus scheme, which they will follow to the end of Year Six. The scheme is based on a variety of practical activities along with using the interactive white boards, both of which support the recording of the work. The children gain a sound understanding and this leads to a solid base for future learning. The children have lots of fun and at the same time develop their skills in numeracy and achieve a good understanding of the concepts that have been covered.

Music Lessons

Twice a week the children have a music lesson where they are introduced to a wide range of music, become aware of different rhythms and are able to become familiar with instruments. The children learn and sing a wide variety of songs.

I.C.T. Lessons

Once a week the children have a lesson in the I.C.T. suite where they learn a variety of I.C.T. skills and use software that enhances the learning and understanding of concepts that have been taught in the classroom.

Library Lessons

The love of reading and books is an essential part of the children's learning journey at CPS and once a week the children use the Learning Resource Centre where they are able to borrow a book for a week and enjoy at home.

All of Lower School enjoy the fantastic facilities of the sports hall and the ICT suite. All of the classrooms have free standing computers and interactive whiteboards. All lessons are differentiated in order to ensure that all children can access the curriculum. Teachers use a wide range of teaching approaches and strategies.

Building on the belief that nothing succeeds like success, every child is supported and given opportunities to enjoy regular success in his or her learning and at CPS we see children who are confident and keen to rise to the next challenge within each subject on the curriculum.