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THE CURRICULUM The Education Reform Act of 1988 requires that schools give all pupils a curriculum which "promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all pupils at the school and of society; and prepares such pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and expectations of adult life." In accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act, the National Curriculum is taught to all children in Year 1 to Year 6. Pupils are taught the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science and the foundation subjects of ICT, History, Geography, Design Technology, Art and Design, Music and PE. Personal, Social and Health Education (PHSE) and Citizenship are also taught but are not part of the statutory curriculum. Religious Education is also not part of the National Curriculum but is taught and this is a legal requirement. Pupils in the Reception classes are described as being in the 'Foundation Stage' of education (as is the Nursery) and they have their own relevant curriculum which prepares them for and dovetails into the National Curriculum. Pupils in Year 1 and 2 are described as being in Key Stage 1. Pupils in Year 3 to 6 are described as being in Key Stage 2. In broad terms, many subjects of the National Curriculum are taught through a series of topics. This approach supports the links between subjects and helps children to understand the inter-relationships between areas of learning. Meanwhile most English and Mathematics is taught through the daily literacy and numeracy hours respectively. Planning the work children will do is essential so that we achieve the broad and balanced curriculum we are required to provide. In general the school follows the guidance given on planning, recording and assessment by the Local Education Authority but information from the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) is also taken into account. The progress children make in their learning is closely monitored by every teacher so that parents can be informed and so that when children move from one class to another the receiving teacher has a full and accurate picture of each child. Children are also given the opportunity to assess their own progress and set personal targets, with guidance. At the end of their Reception year, children's ability levels are assessed through what is called "Foundation Stage Profile Assessment". At the end of Key Stages One and Two, when they are 7 and 11 years of age, all children are required to take a series of tasks and tests in Mathematics, English and Science. These are intended to show whether children have reached the National Curriculum learning targets that they have been aiming for in their school work. The school uses other tests to monitor progress in English and Mathematics in other year groups.
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