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The Curriculum The Curriculum Children study at primary level for seven years. A reception course in the first year, (YR), Foundation Stage, which is followed by the first two Key Stages of the National Curriculum through years Y1 to Y6. Key Stage 1 refers to the Infant years (Y1 and Y2), Key Stage 2 refers to the junior years (Y3 to Y6). The National Curriculum comprises of Core Subjects: English, Mathematics, and Science. Foundation Subjects: Technology, History, Geography, Art, Music and Physical Education. Plus Religious Education. Core Subjects All pupils study the three core subjects: English, Mathematics and Science, according to the guidelines set out in the National Curiculum. Larger proportions of time are allocated to these core subjecys and with particular emphasis on the devlopment of basic skills which are taught in a variety of fairly traditional ways. English and mathematics are timetabled for at least 1 hour each day in all the classes. English English and literacy are regarded as particularly important because the skills of speaking and listening, reading and writing are vital to all other curricular areas. Therefore is taught explicitly in English lessons, but also within other other topic areas such as History. The aim of the school is that each child should be articulate, literate and able to listen and to write clearly, legibly and fluently to the best of his or her ability by the time they leave Ellel St. John's. Mathematics At Ellel St. John's we aim to ensure that each child leaving the school at the age of 11 is numerate, having the skills of computation, measurement and spatial awareness appropriate to his or her ability. The children develop mathamatically at their own pace through a carefully structured syllabus. Concepts are formed and built upon through practical, oral, and written work, whilst encouraging an enjoyment of mathematics and a fascination with numbers. Within the Mathematics curriculum, numeracy is given priority. Our approach to number is that mental methods should always be used as a first option when tackling calculations. Other methods are only appropriate when the calculation is beyond the mental capability of the child. Learning mutlplication tables is not left to chance and is built into our curriculum. Science At Ellel St. John's School, Science is given priority demanded of a core subject in the National Curriculum. In Reception, children begin to make sense of the world through practical activities. During the infant years, they begin to develop scientific skills and offer explanations through a natural curiosity, facilitated by careful planning of topic work. In Key Syage 2, the junior children study science mainly through an investigative approach, in the scientific areas of Life Processes and Living Things, Material and their Properties, Energy and Forces, Earth and Space. As part of their classwork, children are often asked to complete simple observations or investigations. Foundation Subjects The foundation subjects of Geography, History,Music,Art, Physical Education,Design and Information and Commumication Technology (ICT) are given sufficient time to make a worthwhile contribution and meet the overall requirements of the National Curriculum, ICT supports all areas of the curriculum, as well as being taught separately. The school has detailed policy documents for all areas of the curriculm and we will be pleased to expand upon this necessarily brief summary of our philosophy. Click here to meet the staff of Ellel St. John's