The Foundation Subjects

Information Technology

The children gain expertise in ICT through our computer suite of 15 computers and computers present in each class. All are networked and have access to the internet. Interactive whiteboards present in all classes are used to enhance teaching in all subjects. Children start using PCs in our reception class. We have recently established our own website: www.sherston.wilts.sch.uk

We are fortunate that Sherston Software, originally located in the village, hs supported our ICT curriculum for many years.

History and Geography

We are fortunate to live in such a rich and stimulating environment as Sherston and use this as a basis for a lot of our work in History and Geography.

Through these subjects, we aim to make the children aware of the wider world and of their past and how this shapes their lives and their future. To give the children essential first-hand experience, we also include visits in our teaching. The infants have visited shops and a Victorian school and local businesses such as quarries, software manufacturers and factories.

Art

Art can be used by children as an enjoyable means of exploring and coming to terms with their world. As a vehicle for expressing ideas and solving problems, it poses intellectual demands on children. Working either as individuals or in groups, the children experiment with different textures, shapes, styles and materials. Techniques such as clay, pottery and screen printing are explored. See some examples in The Gallery

We are also enjoy regular visits from local artists who lead art workshops for the children.

In 2003 we received an Arts Council Grant to produce a wall hanging for eventual display in the new school. You can see part of this in The Gallery

Music

Singing forms the core of our musical activities. In 2007 we achieved recognition as a ‘Singing School’ by the Voices Foundation.

The use of percussion instruments enables children to experiment with rhythm and sounds to compose and provide opportunities for listening.

All Year 3 children have the opportunity to learn the recorder, and lessons carry on through the KS2 years. We can also offer private tuition in flute, oboe, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, violin, ‘cello and string guitar. The school regularly welcomes visits by professional musicians and music groups during the school year.

Children also have the chance to perform whether in assemblies, groups or the classroom. School productions include 'The Wizard of Oz', ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Street Child’, ‘Penguin Pete’, ‘Jesus’ Christmas Party’ and ‘Rats’. To mark our opening in 2005 the school performed ‘Rattlebone of Sherston’ an opera written specially for the school