ReadingThe main scheme used to introduce the children in KS1 to reading is Oxford Reading Tree. As the children become more confident readers they move on to a variety of books that are colour coded for increasing levels of difficulty. This may be through vocabulary choices, content and comprehension. Children are encouraged to read books of different genre at all stages in their reading including non-fiction and poetry. Reading is a regular part of home/school partnership, with each child taking a book home every day to share. Reading and phonic and word level skills are taught both as part of the literacy lessons and at other times, such as group guided reading sessions and individual reading with an adult. In the Early Years the children begin the reading progress through becoming familiar with the sounds made by individual and groups of letters. This helps the children to build words phonetically (letter sounds) as well as by sight recognition. In Reception the children use the Letters and Sounds and the ‘Jolly Phonics’ scheme which links sounds an actions in a fun and motivating way. Children use the library regularly, becoming familiar with a simple cataloguing and colour coded system. A library van also visits the school termly. WritingIn addition to the work in spelling and handwriting, at Dent school we aim to enable all children to express themselves clearly, concisely and imaginatively in all areas of the curriculum. Skills learned in literacy should be transferred to other subjects. Writing is taught through sharing examples from genre, such as letters, articles and poems. Teachers help the children to identify what makes the writing ‘good’, so that they are able to apply this to their own work. Children are encouraged to share their writing with their peers and to make improvements.
SpellingSpelling is based on the High Frequency Words and key spelling patterns to be introduced from the National Literacy Strategy and the National Primary Strategy. Spellits and Wordshark are two of the schemes that support the development of spelling in our school. Spelling is also reinforced in handwriting sessions, securing correct letter formation with spelling. Children are encouraged to ‘have a go’ at spellings, to use a word book and a dictionary if they are unsure how to spell a word. Spelling forms part of weekly homework.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)Information and Communication Technology is taught within the classroom. Each class area has computers, most of which have access to the internet and email. ICT is taught in four age groupings – Reception, Y1/2, Y3/4, Y5/6 and as with other subjects is differentiated to match the ability and skill level of the children. We insist that all Internet access is carefully supervised by an adult. Throughout their time at Dent School, children will become increasingly confident in the use of computer technology, with these skills being used to enhance their study in other areas of the curriculum. Religious EducationDent is a Church of England (Voluntary Aided) School. We ensure that our children are given a firm grounding in religious education. This is of a broad Christian nature, non denominational, and is concerned with helping children to approach life with confidence and an enquiring spirit, to enable them to enter into relationships with others and to develop caring attitudes. Children are encouraged to make choices and decisions and to respond thoughtfully to the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of life. We have regular services in church including those at Christmas, Harvest Festival and other special occasions.
FOUNDATION SUBJECTSHistory
P.E. and SportChildren will be given opportunities to explore, develop and control body movement in physical education. This is done through movement exercises, gymnastics and skills practice, using small and large P.E. apparatus. We have a large hall, a good-sized playground and an extensive school field and we make full use of these facilities. Team games and sports are an important part of P.E., as children get older. We aim to give children experience in football, kwik cricket, rounders, netball, etc.
P.E. KitFor gymnastics and dance - T-shirt and shorts, (we do gym in bare feet) For outdoor games and athletics – T-shirt, shorts, socks, trainers/football boots, tracksuits or sweatshirts can be worn in colder weather. Swimming – costume/trunks, swimming hats, towel, plastic/waterproof bag. Sports kit should be brought to school in its own bag and kept in school during the week. We will ensure the children bring it home on a Friday.
Please note: · It is important that children have a change of footwear for PE, for reasons of health and safety. Children who do not have appropriate footwear will not be allowed to do PE in shoes.
· Swimming takes place during the summer term for KS2 only.
MusicMusic plays an important part in the life of the school. Music is taught by both the class teacher and voluntary music specialists. A weekly lesson is complemented by sessions of singing and listening to music from different times and cultures. The children learn to play the recorder in KS2 and other music tuition is provided by the peripatetic music service. During the school year there are many musical events, such as the Dent Folk Festival in which our children can take part. Design Technology (DT)Design Technology gives children a new challenge each term and this is usually linked to the current class project. Children have the opportunity to use a variety of different materials, including paper, card, wood, metal, plastic, clay, construction kits and food. Various larger projects have included designing and making willow constructions in our local church and shelters in the school grounds. Modern Foreign Language (MFL)A modern foreign language – French – is introduced to the children from Y3. The school follows a scheme of work along with other schools in the area, which will aid transition to language teaching in the secondary schools. French is taught through songs, games and other activities. Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (P.S.H.C.E.)This includes all aspects of the Every Child Matters agenda. For example children learn; how to keep safe and healthy, how to work and live with others who have similarities and differences, about changes in their bodies in sex education. The school uses a variety of materials to support lessons, including S.E.A.L. (Social, Emotional, Aspects of Learning) scheme and our own rolling programme of themes. Sex and Relationships Education
Sex and
Relationships education is taught as part of the Personal, Social and Health
Education programme. The module related to puberty and sexual reproduction is
tied closely to moral values and attitudes of a caring family and the wonder of
creation. Parents are informed as to when this is to take place in Y6 and are
informed as to the content of any DVDs shown. Parents are invited to watch them
beforehand. As growing up has a great deal to do with parents and parenthood,
it is thought that parents would wish to inform their children about other
aspects of sex which they see fit to tell a child of ten or eleven years of age.
Both sexes are taught as one group. Section 241 Education Act 1993 gives parents
the rights to withdraw their child from sex education, other than those elements
which are required by the National Curriculum Science Order. |
