Curriculum Information
NAZEING PRIMARY CURRICULUM INTENT
We recognise that our children come from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. We welcome children from neighbouring towns as well as the local village community.
At Nazeing, we have designed our curriculum with pupils’ learning at its core. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and inclusive. We provide opportunities for children to develop as independent and confident learners who have high aspirations and know how to make a positive contribution to their community. All of our children will be challenged in their schooling; learning from failures and celebrating successes. Nazeing children are prepared for life in modern Britain.
Our carefully mapped curriculum ensures coverage and progression of the National Curriculum. Skills and knowledge build from phase to phase, incorporating diverse and memorable experiences. Our curriculum fosters a sense of personal pride; our children ASK, ACHIEVE and ASPIRE.
NAZEING IMPLEMENTATION STATEMENT
The curriculum for each subject is carefully designed based on the National curriculum. With the exception of Reception, our classes are mixed age groups, and so it is taught on a two-year cycle. Each child builds upon their previous learning, developing knowledge and skills in a meaningful way.
The curriculum is organised into three stages:
The Early Years Foundation Stage – Reception (Infants)
Key Stage 1 – Years 1 and 2 (Infants)
Key Stage 2 – Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (Juniors)
English
English is taught daily. Our aim is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word. Pupils develop a love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. Years 1-6 all follow ‘The English Planning Kit’ which outlines the objectives taught in each term for Spoken Language, Handwriting and Presentation, Spelling, Reading and Writing (Planning, Composing and Evaluating, Grammar, Punctuation and Vocabulary).
Mathematics
This subject is taught through daily mathematics lessons, following a mastery approach. The aim of the work is such that children learn through activities in which they are actively engaged and motivated to gain an understanding of basic mathematical concepts. The children work on practical aspects of mathematics and develop the ability to relate mathematics to real life situations and develop an enthusiasm and interest in the subject. Children will work individually, in a group or as a class. In some lessons the children are grouped according to ability. Parents are encouraged to reinforce skills learnt at school in the home environment such as counting, multiplication tables and the quick recall of number facts, as well as opportunities to practise estimating and predicting.
Science
Science is taught at least once a week. Our aim is that all pupils develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Scientists at Nazeing develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries, that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. The ‘Working Scientifically’ strand (practical scientific methods, processes and skills) runs continuously and progressively throughout both Key Stages and is an essential part of our science teaching.
Computing
Computing is taught weekly and our aim is to ensure our children become digitally literate by the time they leave Primary school. They are given the opportunity to use, express themselves and develop their skills using a range of programs.
History
In History the children learn about significant people, events, cultures and places from both the recent and more distant past. They learn about change and continuity in different parts of the world. They use various sources of information such as photographs, artefacts, books, the services of local museums and the internet to help them investigate the past.
Geography
In Geography we aim to build upon the children’s knowledge of the local area and develop their understanding of the wider world. The children develop their understanding of the world through studying human and physical features and processes.
Design and Technology
A variety of materials are used to provide children with the opportunity to design, construct, test and refine models and structures. Emphasis is placed on teaching the skills and techniques required for effective and safe work.
Music
The children are involved in musical activities throughout the school. Junior and infant song practices are held regularly; there are opportunities for music tuition with peripatetic music teachers from Essex Music Services. Children are encouraged to compose their own music and write their own musical scores. Assemblies feature a wide range of music from pop to classical and music from other countries.
Children will have opportunities to take part in school drama productions often combining their musical and acting skills and in festivals and special community events.
Art and Design
Art and Design is taught in such a way as to give each child confidence in his/her own creative ability, deriving a sense of pleasure and fulfilment through imaginative work. The children develop a natural curiosity about the visual world. A wide variety of materials are available and skills and techniques developed include drawing, painting, printing, marbling, model making and textile design. The school has achieved the National Artsmark Award in recognition of its commitment to the Arts.
Physical Education
The school aims to encourage a lifelong enthusiasm for sport while promoting the physical and social benefits of physical exercise. The school has been awarded the Sports Activemark by Sport England and the Gold School Games Award in recognition of our commitment to physical education. Fitness, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, dance and games are offered. There are opportunities for pupils to take part in competitive sport with matches against other schools and within school house competitions.
Citizenship, Personal, Social and Health Education
These are important areas of the curriculum and help to promote health and well being, self –esteem and the ability to form good relationships. The school has achieved the award of National Enhanced Healthy School Standard and will encourage the children to develop a healthy lifestyle.
Modern Foreign Languages
French is taught to Key Stage 2 pupils using the Language Angels Scheme of Work. The study of languages focusses on communication, linguistic skills and the cultural environment which exists in France.
Religious Education
Our aim is to help our pupils acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of the World’s religions. We want children to understand the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. Religious Education enhances spiritual, moral and cultural growth and helps to develop a positive attitude towards others who may hold different beliefs. We follow the Essex Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.
Assemblies
Daily assemblies reflect the broad traditions of Christian belief and acknowledge the contribution made by all cultures to our school. Children are encouraged to develop a caring attitude towards each other. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education and assemblies. They must inform the Headteacher in writing. Pupils who are withdrawn will be supervised by a member of staff in the library area.
Special Educational Needs
The school recognises that children may require additional help or extending in particular areas. Children who are assessed as having special educational needs may be supported by the class teacher, the learning support assistant or the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. Support is given to children in classrooms and in small withdrawal groups. The school has been awarded the Attachment Aware Accreditation in recognition of the work and commitment to supporting children with attachment difficulties.
IMPACT and Assessment
Pupils are assessed at three key assessment points every year; with this data we monitor, assess and adapt teaching. This allows us to address misconceptions and gaps as they are identified, ensuring that our curriculum effectively meets the needs of all pupils.
On the first day of a new topic, each class has an initial assessment day, where the children state what they know already and what they would like to find out. These act as a hook for the children and ignite their curiosity. As a topic draws to a close, staff plan a review day; an opportunity for the children to show pride in their achievements.
In addition to achieving their academic potential, every Nazeing pupil leaves our school as a TERRIFIC citizen:
T – Trustworthy
E – Enthusiastic
R – Responsible
R – Reliable
I – Independent
F – Fair
I – Inclusive
C - Caring
In the foundation stage (reception class) staff compile an ongoing record of assessment called the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile which shows the children’s progress through the seven areas of learning.
In Year 1 children undertake the national phonics screening check to assess their understanding of using and applying sounds.
When children are in Years 2 and 6 they undertake end of key stage assessments (SATS). Teachers use their knowledge of the work children have done in class to judge the children’s progress (teacher assessment). These assessment results are reported to parents in the summer term.
An Interim Status Report is provided for parents in advance on parent consultation evenings.
Please see below Curriculum maps for all year groups. Further information on our school's curriculum can be found on the class pages.
For more information about our Nazeing Curriculum, please contact the school office.