Core Curriculum

English

We place great importance on the key skills of reading and writing in our teaching. Each classroom has a range of books and materials suited to the needs of the children.

We follow a common integrated handwriting/spelling scheme and have introduced programmes such as ‘Jolly Phonics’ and ‘Letters and Sounds’ as part of the National Literacy Strategy Initiative.

We also ensure that the older and younger children enjoy quiet reading time together and reading to each other.

Mathematics

Wherever possible, we aim to teach mathematics practically and in the context of real-life situations. Using the National Numeracy Framework, we teach mathematics both as a separate subject and in other relevant subject areas, such as science and topic work. We use specially designed games and problem-solving investigations to give the children an opportunity to apply important mathematical skills.

All children have short periods of Mental Mathematics each day.

We also teach and practice tables.

Science

We aim to give the children first-hand experience of activities such as making basic electrical circuits in order to develop and build scientific knowledge. They learn to observe, record and use source materials. The school is a member of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Plans are in progress to develop a wildlife area on land adjoining our school site, and vegetable plots have recently been established.

Making the new batch of Crab Apple Jelly demonstrated by Guy Tullberg of Wiltshire Tracklements