Curriculum
We have designed an engaging and inspiring curriculum to meet the needs of the new National Curriculum (September 2014) and the EYFS Curriculum. Teaching methods include whole class, groups and individual teaching to meet the needs of the children. Lessons are planned, provide a range of activities to extend more able pupils and to support those who need extra consolidation. Information sheets are sent to all parents at the beginning of each term outlining details of the topics to be studied. Curriculum policy documents are available to parents or accessed on the website. We aim to create successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens who will be prepared for their next steps of education and the future beyond.
Foundation Stage - Reception Class
In the Reception class the children follow the statutory framework for the Foundation Stage. This consists of seven areas of learning; three prime areas of Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development and Communication and Language and four specific areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Art and Design.
To make the curriculum meaningful, interesting and stimulating for the children the Reception Year is divided into six half termly units. Each half term the children explore a different topic. The topics are wide ranging and are based on a two year rotation.
Reading, Phonics and Maths are taught alongside the topic base and have separate plans.
In the Reception class the children follow the statutory framework for the Foundation Stage. This consists of seven areas of learning; three prime areas of Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development and Communication and Language and four specific areas of Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Art and Design.
To make the curriculum meaningful, interesting and stimulating for the children the Reception Year is divided into six half termly units. Each half term the children explore a different topic. The topics are wide ranging and are based on a two year rotation.
Reading, Phonics and Maths are taught alongside the topic base and have separate plans.
KS1 - Years 1 and 2
All subjects are taught following the National Curriculum 2014.
English
We encourage and develop confident speaking and good listening. Each child is given many opportunities for public speaking and performing in the classroom and at our performances.
Reading and Phonics - see Reading and Phonics tab.
Through the teaching of writing, children are taught composition, grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. Children are encouraged to be competent writers for a variety of purposes, from story telling and letter writing to poetry and reports.
Children are taught to spell words that occur frequently in their writing using their phonetic knowledge. They are encouraged to attempt spellings themselves and in KS1 they are given spelling to learn at home each week.
Handwriting is a skill which must be learned and practised. Children are taught the correct way of forming letters to develop a neat, legible style of writing and eventually joining up their letters.
All subjects are taught following the National Curriculum 2014.
English
We encourage and develop confident speaking and good listening. Each child is given many opportunities for public speaking and performing in the classroom and at our performances.
Reading and Phonics - see Reading and Phonics tab.
Through the teaching of writing, children are taught composition, grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. Children are encouraged to be competent writers for a variety of purposes, from story telling and letter writing to poetry and reports.
Children are taught to spell words that occur frequently in their writing using their phonetic knowledge. They are encouraged to attempt spellings themselves and in KS1 they are given spelling to learn at home each week.
Handwriting is a skill which must be learned and practised. Children are taught the correct way of forming letters to develop a neat, legible style of writing and eventually joining up their letters.
Mathematics
Mathematics is taught on a daily basis both in and out of the classroom. We aim to develop and extend each child's mathematical knowledge, skills and concepts. We encourage the children to use and apply their knowledge and mathematical understanding. We want all children to realise that mathematics is challenging and fun. Activities include puzzles, games, problem solving and practical tasks, together with a variety of ways to record, calculate and communicate.
Mathematics is taught on a daily basis both in and out of the classroom. We aim to develop and extend each child's mathematical knowledge, skills and concepts. We encourage the children to use and apply their knowledge and mathematical understanding. We want all children to realise that mathematics is challenging and fun. Activities include puzzles, games, problem solving and practical tasks, together with a variety of ways to record, calculate and communicate.
Science
We aim to develop a range of scientific knowledge, vocabulary and skills through practical experiences for each child. Science is linked thematically with other curriculum areas. Scientific skills and attitudes are developed through investigations, observations, questioning and discussion. The children are encouraged to predict and hypothesise. They learn how to record their findings through pictures, writing, tables and diagrams.
Computing
We aim to teach children the necessary skills to become confident and successful in the use of technology. Computing is not only taught as a discrete subject but also to support learning across the curriculum.
Humanities - History and Geography
In History children are encouraged to develop a sense of the passage of time. We are the children's own personal history as a starting point. Our own school environment and the village provide many Historical and Geographical experiences. children are taught historical and geographical vocabulary, skills, knowledge and understanding.
Art
We provide a range of exciting materials and experiences so that each child can develop skills, whilst given opportunities to experiment. We display the children;'s work celebrating their achievements. Drawing, painting, collage, printing and modelling are some of the activities the children are involved in and the children are taught to use a wide range of tools.
Music
At Thornborough we all enjoy making music. The children are enthusiastic singers and they experiment with sound using percussion instruments. We also provide opportunities for listening and performing. Parents and friends enjoy regular performances from the children during community events. In KS1 the children have the opportunity for children to have individual piano lessons.
Physical Education
All the children take part in 2 hours of PE each week. We also do daily skipping or dance sessions at different times in the school year. We have specialist Sports Coaches to teach the children and work with the Class Teachers. In the spring Term we take the children to another school to use their gymnastic equipment. Sports activities are planned for every playtime for any child that wishes to take part. We participate in local Sports Festivals with other schools. All children are encouraged to be active and to enjoy PE.
Religous Education
We follow the Bucks RE syllabus as the basics for our scheme of work and link topics thematically with other areas of the curriculum. We have strong links with the local village Church and the Vicar comes to take an assemblies once a week. We also use the village Church for Harvest Festivals and the school Nativity Play.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We follow the 'Socail and Emotional Aspects of Learning' scheme (SEAL). Our themes encourage caring for each other, developing confidence and expressing feelings; also learning to work individually and as a group.
Every half term a curriculum statement is sent home.
If you want to know more about the curriculum please contact the school.
We aim to develop a range of scientific knowledge, vocabulary and skills through practical experiences for each child. Science is linked thematically with other curriculum areas. Scientific skills and attitudes are developed through investigations, observations, questioning and discussion. The children are encouraged to predict and hypothesise. They learn how to record their findings through pictures, writing, tables and diagrams.
Computing
We aim to teach children the necessary skills to become confident and successful in the use of technology. Computing is not only taught as a discrete subject but also to support learning across the curriculum.
Humanities - History and Geography
In History children are encouraged to develop a sense of the passage of time. We are the children's own personal history as a starting point. Our own school environment and the village provide many Historical and Geographical experiences. children are taught historical and geographical vocabulary, skills, knowledge and understanding.
Art
We provide a range of exciting materials and experiences so that each child can develop skills, whilst given opportunities to experiment. We display the children;'s work celebrating their achievements. Drawing, painting, collage, printing and modelling are some of the activities the children are involved in and the children are taught to use a wide range of tools.
Music
At Thornborough we all enjoy making music. The children are enthusiastic singers and they experiment with sound using percussion instruments. We also provide opportunities for listening and performing. Parents and friends enjoy regular performances from the children during community events. In KS1 the children have the opportunity for children to have individual piano lessons.
Physical Education
All the children take part in 2 hours of PE each week. We also do daily skipping or dance sessions at different times in the school year. We have specialist Sports Coaches to teach the children and work with the Class Teachers. In the spring Term we take the children to another school to use their gymnastic equipment. Sports activities are planned for every playtime for any child that wishes to take part. We participate in local Sports Festivals with other schools. All children are encouraged to be active and to enjoy PE.
Religous Education
We follow the Bucks RE syllabus as the basics for our scheme of work and link topics thematically with other areas of the curriculum. We have strong links with the local village Church and the Vicar comes to take an assemblies once a week. We also use the village Church for Harvest Festivals and the school Nativity Play.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We follow the 'Socail and Emotional Aspects of Learning' scheme (SEAL). Our themes encourage caring for each other, developing confidence and expressing feelings; also learning to work individually and as a group.
Every half term a curriculum statement is sent home.
If you want to know more about the curriculum please contact the school.
