Core subjects
English
During Key Stage 1 pupils learn to speak confidently and listen to what others have to say. They begin to read and write independently and with enthusiasm. They use language to explore their own experiences and imaginary worlds. The pupils’ interest and pleasure in reading is developed as they learn to read confidently and independently. They focus on words and sentences and how they fit into whole texts. They work out the meaning of straightforward texts and express preferences. They learn to communicate meaning in narrative and non-fiction texts and begin to spell and punctuate correctly.
During Key Stage 2 pupils learn to change the way they speak and write to suit different situations, purposes and audiences. They read a range of texts and respond to different layers of meaning in them. They explore the use of language in literary and non-literary texts and learn how language works. They are encouraged to read enthusiastically a range of materials and use their knowledge of words, sentences and texts to understand and respond to meaning. They increase their ability to read challenging and lengthy texts independently. They reflect on the meaning of texts, analysing them and discussing them with others. They develop understanding that writing is both essential to thinking and learning, and enjoyable in its own right. They learn the main rules and conventions of written English and start to explore how English can be used to express meaning in different ways. They use the planning, drafting and editing process to improve their work and to sustain their fiction and non-fiction writing.
Mathematics
The teachers at Priory School, follow a detailed plans to cover the teaching objectives in the framework for teaching Mathematics. There are dedicated mathematics lessons every day and additional short sessions during the school week. Lessons are differentiated, with all pupils engaged in Mathematics relating to the common theme. Mathematics lesson are taught at the school using a three-part structure of a mental/oral starter, main teaching activity and plenary There is direct teaching and interactive oral work with the whole class and groups, and an emphasis on mental calculation.
During Key Stage One children develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematics through practical activity, exploration and discussion. They learn to count, read, write and order numbers to 100 and beyond. They develop a range of mental calculation skills and use these confidently in different settings. They learn about shape and space through practical activity, which builds on their understanding of their immediate environment. They begin to grasp mathematical language, using it to talk about their methods and explain their reasoning when solving problems.
During Key Stage Two children use the number system more confidently. They move from counting reliably to calculating fluently with all four number operations. They always try to tackle a problem with mental methods before using any other approach. Children explore features of shape and space and develop their measuring skills in a range of contexts. They discuss and present their methods and reasoning using a wider range of mathematical language, diagrams and charts.
Science
During Key Stage 1 pupils observe, explore and ask questions about living things, materials and phenomena. They begin to work together to collect evidence to help them answer questions and to link this to simple scientific ideas. They evaluate evidence and consider whether tests or comparisons are fair. They use reference materials to find out more about scientific ideas. They share their ideas and communicate them using scientific language, drawings, charts and tables.
During Key Stage 2 pupils learn about a wider range of living things, materials and phenomena. They begin to make links between ideas and to explain things using simple models and theories. They apply their knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas to familiar phenomena, everyday things and their personal health. They begin to think about the positive and negative effects of scientific and technological developments on the environment and in other contexts. They carry out more systematic investigations, working on their own and with others. They use a range of reference sources in their work. They talk about their work and its significance, and communicate ideas using language, conventional diagrams, charts and graphs.
ICT
The ability to use Information Communication Technology effectively is a vital life skill in modern society. We interpret the term ICT to include the use of any equipment, which allows users to communicate or manipulate information electronically. It is an important curriculum requirement and fits into a broad spectrum of the National Curriculum. It will primarily involve the use of computers within the school day. Every pupil has access to a computer, either within a class, at a base of three computers. However, ICT will also include the use of programmable toys, calculators, electronic monitoring sensors and keyboards, audio and video recorders, and digital camera.
Religious Education
Religious Education permeates and inspires the whole life and work of the school and the relationships within it. In addition to regular periods of Religious Education (which follow the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church) the children share in community worship by praying together in both class and school assemblies, frequently prepared by them. To celebrate the principal festivals of the Church, they go to Mass in the school or in the Parish Church. The HERE I AM programme is used as a core theme throughout the school, supplemented by other work, as instructed by His Lordship, the Bishop.
