Curriculum organisation in the classroom 'Every child matters' At The Croft we teach a broad and balanced programme of study which reflects the requirements of the National Curriculum. The staff set high academic standards and work hard to help the children to achieve success.

Each of the subject areas have been allotted sufficient time for the staff to ensure that the areas can be fully developed. Pupils are introduced to a wide range of experiences, knowledge and skills, that seek to build on strengths and provide support where there are difficulties.

The curriculum is organised to meet the needs of the whole range of the children's abilities by identifying and providing a suitable programme of work for the gifted child and also the child with special needs. Each child is considered as an individual and their educational needs are provided for. Every child matters at The Croft Primary School.


The National Curriculum has been implemented throughout the school

The children follow carefully planned courses in the curriculum areas listed below:

English

Mathematics

Science

History

Geography

Information Technology

Design and Technology

Music

Art

Physical Education

Religious Education

Mathematics, English, Science and ICT are taught as separate subject areas, but may also be integrated into thematic work. This is the approach for both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. English, Mathematics, Science and ICT are National Curriculum core subjects.

Geography, history, art and design and technology are taught mainly through a thematic approach in Key Stage 1. In Key stage 2 all curriculum areas are taught as individual subjects.

Physical education, religious education and music are taught as separate curriculum areas in both Key Stages.

In Reception and Key stage 1 all children learn French in lesson time.

In Key Stage 2 all children have a dedicated Spanish lesson.

There is the opportunity for some children to be taught clarinet, trumpet or violin/viola. This is part of the music support "bought in" from the County. The teaching is given by peripatetic music teachers.

Each class or year group will have a range of themes planned for the year. These themes may run for half a term or a whole term.
The themes are planned to ensure full coverage of all the National Curriculum areas and programmes of study.

The school has an IT Suite as well as computers and interactive whiteboards in all classrooms.


Phonics

The government has stated that all primary school children should be taught synthetic phonics. The Croft School has chosen to use the Ruth Miskin Literacy Programme also known as Read, Write Inc published by Oxford University Press.

The children will be taught throughout Key Stage 1 in ability groups developing skills in reading and writing using synthetic phonics. We will also be developing the “talking partners” approach which will improve the children’s speaking and listening skills.

We will host an informal open evening for parents of children in the Reception Class during the Autumn Term. You will be able to come and see what your child will be doing in Communication, Language and Literacy and you will also be able to discuss our approach to the teaching of reading.


Reading in School

We use the Ruth Miskin Literacy Programme at The Croft, supplemented by other reading material. At first your child will be bringing home a library book for you to share. This will be replaced later in the year by a reading book. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of sharing a book with your child, not only is it an enjoyable experience, buy it also teaches them the skills that they will need later to become a confident and successful reader. Your child will only bring home a reading book when we feel they are ready and as each child is different, it is important not to compare levels and stages. Your child will be a confident and happy reader if they are able to progress at their own pace. The children will also participate in shared (whole class) reading and group reading sessions throughout the week.


Enjoyment outside of the classroom

We are very keen to offer extra curricular activities to the children, which will help them to grow in confidence and learn to co-operate effectively with other children. The staff are prepared to organise various activities both at lunchtime and after school. These are offered to the children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Parents know when the clubs are running through the 'Croft Inform' each half term.

The school has netball and football teams which play friendly matches against other local schools. They also take part in the Hagley Park Feeder School Competitions and the Village School Tournaments. There are regular training sessions for netball, football, rounders, cricket and cross country which are held after school. We also encourage the children to practice during lunchtimes.

During the summer an after school Athletics Club operates to help the children gain skills in running, jumping and throwing. They can try to gain amateur athletic awards (gold, silver and bronze) in the various events. Those taking part are encouraged to compete against themselves, as well as each other, so that they can try to improve on their own achievements. This is continued during the autumn when the children are involved in long distance cross country running.

The school is also keen to help children who enjoy less strenuous activities, to develop their skills. This is done by offering the chance to learn to play the recorder in small groups during lunchtimes.

Every lunchtime the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children can join Computer Club and learn to enjoy these activities.

Outside the school building we encourage the children to look after the environment and once a week an Environmental Club meets to work on various projects in the grounds.


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