The Foundation Stage

This covers Nursery and Reception classes and provides the foundation on which children will build during their school life. It is a very important time in a child’s life and they experience a wide range of activities during these 2 years.

During their Nursery year, children attend for five sessions each week and when they enter the Reception class children attend school all day.

The Foundation Curriculum prepares children for key stage 1 of the National Curriculum, by providing stepping stones towards the “Early Learning Goals” which most children will achieve by the end of their Reception year. The F oundation stage is organised into six areas of learning and these allow children to develop skills such as listening, speaking, concentration, persistence, learning to work together and co-operate with other children. They also learn their early Literacy and Numeracy skills, which will prepare them for key stage 1 of the National Curriculum.

During the Foundation stage a great deal of emphasis is placed on the outdoor classroom and most days children will spend some of their lesson time outside learning about their environment and playing with each other.

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Key Stages 1 and 2

Key Stage 1 Years 1 and 2 pupils aged 5 –7 years 23 Hrs per week

Key Stage 2 Years 3,4,5,6, pupils aged 7 – 11 years 23.5 Hrs per week

Teaching time does not include registration, breaks or collective worship.

Pupils study all subjects of the National Curriculum (English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Information Technology, Design Technology, Art, Music, Physical Education, Personal, Social and Health Education, Citizenship and Religious Education).

Children are taught as a whole class, in groups or individually, depending on their needs and the content of the work. All children follow a common programme of work for their year group, but very often children of different abilities will have work that is matched to their needs.

Children who have English as an additional language will have support from a teacher, to enable them to develop their skills in spoken and written English. Younger children will also be supported by bi-lingual assistants, who can talk to children in their community language. In

this way we provide full access to the curriculum for all our children whatever their level of English.

Classrooms are organised and resourced in ways which encourage pupils to work co-operatively with others and to be independent. There are practical activities and more formal reinforcement activities to help children learn.

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Literacy

Every day children spend at least an hour developing their literacy skills. Children usually work in whole class groups and are taught the skills of reading, writing, spelling, speaking and listening. During the week children will have other opportunities to write at greater length. Most of the children’s reading is done in groups, not individually, although children will bring home books and be expected to read at home.

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Numeracy

Children also have a daily maths lesson of between 45 minutes and 1 hour depending on their age. The lesson always starts with a mental and oral session and we believe this to be very important to help children develop their maths skills. There are often practical activities which help children to develop their understanding of maths. Children will also be required to record their work in exercise books and work independently at certain tasks.

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Science

All children study science and there is an emphasis on practical, investigative activities. Pupils are encouraged to question and discus s science based issues and further develop their understanding of the world around them.

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ICT

All classrooms have a computer and children have weekly lessons in computer skills as well as using computers to support learning in other lessons. The school is linked to the Internet and has 2 computer suites . S even classrooms are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards which offer children stimulating and exciting learning experiences.

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Physical Education

Pupils take part in a range of activities, including games, dance, gymnastics, athletics, outdoor activities and swimming. All children in key stage s 1 and 2 are expected to bring a change of clothes for PE lessons. This may be T-shirt, shorts or tracksuit bottoms or leggings and pumps or trainers. Children wearing jewellery (except stud earrings) will be expected to remove it for PE.

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Arts Education

Music and singing are taught throughout the school as part or the curriculum. Children have the opportunity to use a variety of instruments. We try to arrange a programme of visiting performing musicians during the year. Most children also take part in a ‘Morning of Music ’ at some point during their time at Holbrook.

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Religious Education

The RE curriculum is based on the Coventry agreed syllabus. Children have the opportunity to study the following religions:

Buddhism | Islam

Christianity | Judaism

Hinduism | Sikhism

Our programme of work is designed to develop children’s understanding of spiritual and moral issues and to develop an appreciation of the beliefs and rituals of other faiths. We hope all children will take part in our religious education lessons but if parents wish children to be withdrawn, they should discuss this with the H eadteacher.

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Collective Worship

We have 2 whole school assemblies each week and 3 other assemblies (class, year group or phase). Assemblies are an important part of the school day when children come together as members of the school community. The focus of assemblies is drawn from a variety of faiths and we have special assemblies to celebrate the many festivals reflected in our multicultural society. Parents are welcome at these and our class assemblies. We hope all children will attend our assemblies, as they do not represent any particular faith. However if parents wish children to be withdrawn, they should discuss this with the Headteacher.

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Sex and Relationship Education

We have an agreed policy for teaching sex education. This is taught as part of the curriculum, as an important element in preparing children for their lives now and in the future. The curriculum includes emotional, spiritual, moral, social and physical aspects of sex and health education. Children’s questions are answered honestly and sensitively with regard to their age and stage of development. We hope all children will take part in sex education lessons if parents have concerns or wish to withdraw children they should discuss this with the Headteacher.

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Special Educational Needs

The school has an agreed policy for Special Educational Needs which is available for parents to read. Children who are identified as having a special educational need are placed on the school’s register. Teachers then plan an Individual Educational Programme to support each child’s needs. This is regularly reviewed by teachers and parents.

The school works in close partnership with outside agencies, e.g. Speech and Language Service, Sensory Support service, Learning and Behaviour Support Service, and will seek, help from them when necessary.

Children who have a statement of Special Educational Needs will have additional support from Education Assistants or teachers.