Science
Pupils are given the opportunity to develop the intellectual and practical skills that allow them to explore the world of Science and to develop a fuller understanding of scientific phenomena and the procedure of exploration and investigation. Activities encourage the ability to plan; hypothesise and predict; design and carry out investigations; interpret results and findings; draw inferences; and communicate.
History
Through history we are firstly concerned with arousing an interest in the past. History helps us understand the present and provides us with a sense of identity. Some of the work we do concentrates on the local environment and we make full use of the wealth of historical sources in this area. Pupils are taught about important episodes and developments with British and World history, through the study of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Romans, Life in Tudor Times, Victorian Britain and Famous person studies.
Geography
In the early years, activities centre on the child’s environment, gradually broadening to help children understand the world in which they live and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations. We seek to extend their experience and knowledge of how people live and work. The requirements of the National Curriculum will be met by topics on Rivers, Weather, and settlement in Chatham. Pupils will also study the local area, contrasting United Kingdom Localities and another country.
Art
Within our school, children are introduced to a range of creative activities using two and three dimensional media. Drawing can be analytical or expressive, undertaken for its own sake, or used as a starting point for imaginative work in painting, print making, ceramics and textiles.
Design Technology
Through design technology we aim that pupils apply their knowledge and skills to designing and making artefacts, systems and environment. Contexts include the home, school, recreation, community, business and industry. Pupils will work with a range of materials including wood, metal, textiles, clay, plastic and food.
Music
The music curriculum is designed to develop music skills and concepts through enjoyment. It provides a means for personal expression, giving the opportunity to listen, perform and compose using a variety of instruments. In addition, children will have the opportunity to experience a variety of workshops lead by professional musicians.
In the past, The Kent Music School provided a term of recorder and violin tuition to children who expressed an interest. This year we have Drumming lessons.
Physical Education
Physical education makes an important contribution to the personal development of the child. Games, athletics, gymnastics and dance not only provide physical challenge but learning situations in which self-discipline, self-confidence, working together, initiative and creativity are demanded. While opportunities are provided for children to develop their own interests and skills and to compete in a variety of sports, we are concerned that every child should derive enjoyment and satisfaction from participation. In the Summer Term Year 5 begin their regularly swimming lessons at the Black Lion Leisure Centre, until the Spring term of Year 6.
ICT – Information and Communications Technology
Our computer suite currently has 17 networked machines. There are also two clusters consisting of 8 machines in Years 5 and 6. There are 8 computers available to Years 3 & 4 for group work and SEN across the school. Each class has a class computer and an interactive white board. This makes a total of 49 computers that are available for use by children. Every computer has an internet connection and at present each class has an e-mail address.
We also have a scanner, digital cameras, video cameras, an interactive whiteboard and printers for them to use in the computer suite.
Pupils spend an hour and a half in the suite each week.
Currently we have an after-school Computer Club which runs 3 times a week where the children can learn new skills. So far they have found out how to use the computer to use the internet to find out information: designed posters; design web pages, plus numerous other activities.
Religious Education
The school’s curriculum includes religious education. A school assembly is held every day where children join together in a variety of non-sectarian religious activities expressed through drama, stories, music and singing. Parents are reminded that under the 1988 Education Reform Act they have the right to request that their child be excused from participating in religious worship or religious instruction. Pupils may also be withdrawn from the school for such periods as are reasonably necessary to receive religious instruction in accordance with their own faith, at the parent’s request. We have developed close links with St. Paul and All Saint’s Church and EON Baptist Church. Reverend Bryan Knapp regularly join us for Assembly at the School and we have occasional visits from the Rev Paul Relf. We also have the School Action Team from the Evangelical Church, Gillingham in every month to run an assembly. We also invite representatives from other faiths and cultures ie the Synagogue in Chatham; Mosque and the Islamic Centre.
Parents have the right to make a complaint about aspects of the curriculum or collective worship in schools. A booklet setting out how such complaints can be made, and how they will be dealt with, is available for reference in the school.
PSHCE
Personal, social, health and citizenship education (PSHCE) is taught in the school to give the pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, and independent lives and to become informed, responsible citizens.
Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities, contributing to the life of the school and their community.
Children learn to respect each other and each other’s feelings as well as learning about different cultures to reflect the diversity of our society.
As part of the PSHCE curriculum, each child takes part in ‘Circle Time’. During Circle Time children learn social skills and how to express themselves and work together as a team.
Modern Foreign Language
The learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for pupils. Pupils develop communication and literacy skills that lay the foundation for future language learning. They develop linguistic competence, extend their knowledge of how language works and explore differences and similarities between French and English. Learning another language raises awareness of the multilingual and multicultural world and gives them an insight into their own culture and those of others. The learning of a foreign language provides a medium for cross-curricular links and for reinforcement of knowledge, skills and understanding developed in other subjects.