Foundation subjects
History And Geography
Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of past societies from life in ancient cultures through to events in more recent times. They will learn about the physical geography of the U.K. and its relationships with other countries. They will be encouraged to take an interest in their own surroundings and become aware of the influence of human activities on the earth.
Links are made wherever possible to other areas of the curriculum, and children are taught to use a wide variety of sources, such as pictures, books, and atlases, CD ROMs. Whenever possible visits and practical field-study work are used so that the children’s learning is based on first-hand experience.
Art And Design
In Art and Design the children’s creativity and imagination are stimulated through visual, tactile and sensory experiences. They are taught to use a variety of media and tools to communicate their ideas, feelings and meanings. To help develop their own skills the children are given the opportunity to explore the work of artists and craftspeople from different times and cultures. All of these elements will help them to make a positive impact in shaping environments.
Physical Education
All children take part in P.E. as an important part of the curriculum, unless excused on medical grounds. Standards are high with an emphasis on learning a variety of skills. The children will follow a structured programme incorporating educational gymnastics, dance, games, athletics and outdoor activities. We believe moderate competition to be natural, however, we encourage good sportsmanship as well as winning.
We have a good range of facilities for P.E. including:
- A reasonably sized hall with wall bars and other gymnastic apparatus
- Two medium sized tarmac areas, one marked with a netball court. This is also used for tennis.
- A large, field with football pitch, shared with a neighbouring school.
Recent sponsorship has enabled the school to buy a good range of new equipment including basketball posts a balancing beam, a short tennis kit, 20 rugby balls, 20 netballs and several new tracksuits.
Pupils take part in a football league. cross country meets, and netball matches a hockey festival and the Catholic Schools Athletic meeting
During lunchtimes and play times we encourage pupils to be active and a range of playground equipment is made available to them. We have two adventure playgrounds which the children use when the weather is fine. Securing the “Healthy Schools Award” encouraged us to stimulate the children at lunchtimes and as a result we have trained five Mealtime Assistants in the Huff and Puff scheme. This promotes structured free play where the children have access to a number of activities during their lunch periods.
The school has very good links with St Cuthbert Mayne Secondary School and local sports clubs and last year benefited from specialist sports coaching in Hockey, Tennis, Athletics and Tag Rugby.
Many of our pupils play for local sports clubs each weekend.
Music
Music is very important to the life of the school, it brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression. Pupils are encouraged to explore through listening, singing and playing a wide range of musical genres. Performing in groups in front of different audiences develops self-discipline, creativity and togetherness. In assembly, or at special events, pupils are exposed to live music. We have had many gifted musicians visit the school and will continue to do so. Pupils also have access to instrumental tuition and these pupils are encouraged to perform whatever their standard. We have an enthusiastic choir.
Design And Technology
All children will have opportunities to design and make products and evaluate their ideas using pictures and written work. We will extend their knowledge of materials and components, mechanisms and control systems and structures, as well as highlighting the importance of health and safety.
