Curriculum
At Knaresborough St John's C of E Primary School, we follow the National Curriculum. This is a document written by the Department for Education (DfE) which states what children in primary education should be taught. This is also the curriculum that will be tested in the Year 2 and Year 6 SATs.
The National Curriculum (published in 2014) provides the core of the teaching and learning experiences in our school. This includes English, Maths, Science, Computing, History, Geography, Design & Technology (D&T), Art and Design, Music Languages and Physical Education (PE). Religious Education (RE), Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) are also taught as important areas.
For additional information relating to the Primary National Curriculum please go to the following link:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-primary-curriculum
If your child is in Year 6 and you would like to find out more information about the Secondary National Curriculum, then please click on the following link. This may be useful as part of the transition on to secondary school.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-secondary-curriculum
The learning opportunities provided are further supported by the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds phonic scheme. Early reading is taught using the Little Wandle phonic resources and the Big Cat for LW letters and sounds books. Children take home books that are carefully matched to their phonic ability along with a text that they can read for pleasure. In Key stage 2 children continue their journey using banded books that are ordered in terms of their complexity to read and comprehend to ensure that children cohesively move up through the texts being challenged appropriately.
The music curriculum is lead and taught in school by class teachers based on National Curriculum objectives. There are also instrumental music lessons organised through Richard Wilton for woodwind and brass instruments. Parents are asked to make a contribution each term if their child wishes to take advantage of this opportunity.
Religious Education is provided in accordance with the North Yorkshire Agreed Syllabus. It teaches children to understand the nature of religion and an awareness of the different religions that are practised in our pluralist society. Occasionally the themes in R.E. are linked to other areas of the curriculum. Parents who wish to withdraw their children from lessons in religious education should contact the Headteacher in writing.
Computing is used extensively in school to support teaching and learning. All classrooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards. In addition, the school has in excess of 60 laptops and 55 iPads, all connecting to the school’s secure wireless network. E-Safety is also a crucial aspect of the computing curriculum, which is taught in all year groups and through specific assembly times.
Collective Worship takes place on a daily basis in a variety of forms. During the course of the week there is a Headteacher’s assembly and a Clergy led assembly, Key Stage singing assembles and times for class worship and reflection. The assemblies follow a theme and may supplement the R.E. curriculum. The Christian faith is prominent as we are a Church of England school.
The class teachers use a balance of whole class, group and individual teaching. The particular method they employ will depend on which they feel best fits the purpose of the lesson, the nature of the task or the abilities of the children.
Parents are invited to join us for their child’s class assembly. In addition to these, we also welcome parents to special celebrations such as the end of a school term, Harvest and our many Christmas productions. Notice of these will be given to parents through school and class newsletters. Parents are again entitled to withdraw children from assembly if they wish. This request should be made in writing to the Headteacher.
French is taught in Key Stage 2 (Year 3 to Year 6) as part of our Languages curriculum.
Health Education & Sex and Relationships Education is an important aspect of our curriculum throughout the school. Within the ‘Personal, Health and Social Education’ programme the children undertake projects on personal safety, healthy eating and hygiene. The governors at Knaresborough St John's Primary School have decided to support the policy of providing children with a planned Sex & Relationships Education programme. Class teachers will answer questions raised by a child within the level of the understanding of the child. Where a teacher does not feel able to answer a question, s/he will refer the child to a more confident colleague, or if it is felt to be a question moving children further than the school is prepared to go, then the question would be directed to their parents to answer.
Participation in Sports is actively encouraged and children have the opportunity to play a wide variety of sports, including football, netball/basketball, hockey, rounders, cricket, golf, tennis, athletics, gymnastics, dance and swimming. All sporting opportunities are open to both boys and girls. In addition, children are encouraged to walk to school and be physically active during breaks to promote their general activity levels and health. This is supported by the resources that are provided for the children at lunchtime to engage them in physical activities.
Competitive sport is played against other schools in football, cricket, netball, basketball and athletics. The sporting aims of the school are:
- To develop an enjoyment of a variety of sports.
- To develop physical fitness.
- To develop personal skills.
- To help children build physical activity into their daily lives.
- To develop team skills of co-operation and competition in a healthy atmosphere of good sportsmanship.
Swimming lessons for children in Year 3 are organised by the school and are taught at Knaresborough Swimming Pool. Children need trunks or a swimming costume, swimming hat and jewellery must be removed.
Visits and trips are organised from termly to promote children’s learning through first hand experiences. These support the school’s curriculum and can be in the form of extended visits (residential) and day trips. School will try and provide as much notice as possible to allow parents to budget for these costs.
After school / lunchtime clubs are organised on a termly basis. These clubs enable children to pursue their interests out of school hours. The variety of clubs is very much dependent upon the voluntary efforts and interests of the staff employed at the school. We warmly welcome parents/grandparents/carers who might be able to help support clubs.
