The school teaches a wide and varied curriculum. The curriculum consists of the core subjects of Reading, Writing, Phonics and Maths which are taught in the morning sessions. In the afternoon sessions a more creative curriculum is taught. This is taught through the Benthal Creative Curriculum (BCC) where subjects such as Science, Art, Design and Technology, History and Geography are delivered. In order to help our children make links in their learning to the wider life we have linked our curriculum to Enabling Enterprise.
Computing, Music, Spanish and Physical Education are also taught. Visits, trips and residential trips also plays and important part in giving our children the wider opportunities and experiences.
The school have sixty laptops and fifteen Ipads along with each classroom and both halls have an interactive whiteboard.
At the start of each term, the class teachers send out a curriculum newsletter explaining the work and topics to be covered and ways parents and carers can support their children’s learning.
At the end of Key Stage 1, year 2 children take their SATs test in Reading, Writing and Maths.
In Key Stage 2 children are regularly tested in Maths and Science, and also have weekly spelling tests. In Year 6 the children take their SATs tests. These take place for one week in May. Each child is given a level in Language, Maths and Science.
Aims and Rationale
The purposes of the curriculum map document, used at Benthal school, is to ensure that all pupils are provided with a clear progression of opportunity to engage with and be a part of a rich, varied and comprehensive curriculum that reflects the interests of the school, staff, pupils, parents and the wider national and global communities.
Through using a skills based curriculum at Benthal Primary School we aim to:
- Ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to learn the skills that create interested, life-long learners.
- Provide exciting, flexible, enjoyable and engaging learning experiences for all pupils whilst fully implementing the National Curriculum.
- Ensure that all pupils make good progress regardless of ability or background.
- Actively seek and plan for creative links between subjects.
- Plan for opportunities to write for real and experienced purposes across the curriculum.
Quality of Learning
Quality of learning can take place when:
- There is a welcoming, nurturing, happy, attractive and purposeful learning environment.
- There are high expectations of what pupils can achieve and many varied opportunities for them to express this.
- It is child directed and where possible, stems from a child’s own experience and ideas.
- The planned focus is on learning rather than the activity.
- Objectives, aims and skills to be taught are shared explicitly and reviewed at the end of the session.
- Links are made between topic knowledge and taught skills.
- There is an element of surprise or mystery.
- The contexts for learning are clear and relate to the wider world.
- The outcomes of pupil learning are varied and reflect individual skills and successes.
- There are many opportunities for pupils to reflect on their own achievements.
- Pupils have a clear understanding of how they can improve their work and become better learners.
- Teachers feel valued and have opportunities for their own role as lead learners.
- Parents and the community feel involved and part of the learning community.
Curriculum Letters 2018-19