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We teach English, Maths, Science, I.C.T. (Information and Communication Technology) Design Technology, History, Geography, Art and Craft, Music, Drama, P.E. and R.E., Health Education and Sex and Relationships Education.
All subjects follow a clearly defined programme to ensure progression and development for every child, meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum and, for English, the National Literacy Strategy and for Maths, the National Numeracy Strategy.
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| The National Curriculum |
Since September 1989, we have followed the National Curriculum which has been progressively developed over the years as a result of the provisions of the 1988 Education Reform Act. It provides that the subject areas within the National Curriculum should be taught according to prescribed guidelines.
For assessment and reporting purposes, children’s education is divided into four “key stages”, 5-7 years, 7-11 years, 11-14 and 14-16. Junior Schools cover “Key Stage 2" and children in their final year are assessed on their attainment in the National Curriculum. These tests are known as the Year 6 SATs Tests. Reports on individual children are sent to parents and the overall level of attainments made public knowledge in the annual “League Tables”.
The National Curriculum has the beneficial effect of emphasising the continuity between the different phases of education by requiring that year groups be named according to the child’s year of study, thus, at this school, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6. |
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| The School Curriculum |
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| English |
English is taught according to the recommendations of the National Literacy Strategy, providing for at least one hour of literacy every day. It is taught in groups. In the groups children follow a highly structured programme of study incorporating speaking and listening, reading with comprehension, spelling, handwriting, writing, punctuation and grammar.
Lessons are pitched and presented at an appropriate level; this approach maximises learning opportunities for every child. Of course, English also continues to be taught within the classroom.
The support given by parents to the home/school reading scheme is invaluable. English is also taught through other subjects. We continually monitor and assess English throughout each academic year. This gives a rounded picture of your child’s development in English and keeps you informed of how your child is progressing. |
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| Mathematics |
Mathematics is taught according to the recommendations of the National Numeracy Strategy. Each lesson is structured so that time is given to mental calculations, to a main activity and to a plenary session at the end of the lesson.
While our children still need to acquire a good grasp of number and its uses in everyday life, other areas of Mathematics offer explanation and understanding of the world in which we live.
We teach children to look for order, relationships, pattern, to think logically and to understand graphs and diagrams, all ways in which Mathematics affects our daily lives.
Mathematics is often involved in an applied way in work in other subjects and is used to solve “real” problems.
We teach Mathematics in groups for five sessions a week. There are four groups in Lower School and five in Upper School. Each teaching team regularly reviews the groups so that children can be identified should they not be in a suitable group. |
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| Science |
Science is not taught as part of a topic but as a separate subject, although at times, of course, there will be overlap with other subjects such as Design and Technology and P.E. For Science, each class has an intensive, weekly, two-hour and twenty minute session which is carefully structured to follow specific areas of the National Curriculum programme of study at the appropriate level.
A hutted classroom has been converted to become a well-resourced science room and so many of our Science lessons take place in the best possible learning environment. |
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| Information and Communication Technology |
The school prides itself on its provision for the teaching of Information and Communication Technology which is applied across the curriculum using a diverse range of software. The school is equipped with multi-media equipment which is timetabled for use by children throughout the school in a dedicated networked I.C.T. Suite. There is access to the internet via a broadband line and interactive whiteboards have recently been installed in every classroom. |
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| Religious Education |
R.E. is a regular part of class work and is non-denominational being based on the Hampshire Agreed Syllabus “Living Difference”, which may be borrowed from school. Assemblies, which are held daily, are informal and aim to create an awareness and understanding of religious principles and form part of our Personal, Social and Cultural education programme.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from R.E. and Assemblies. If any parent wishes to do so, please make a written request to the Headteacher.
The Rev. John Curtis, Vicar of Marchwood, also leads an assembly for us every Wednesday and is involved in many of our special celebrations and works closely with each class every term. |
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| Other Subjects of the Taught Curriculum |
History and Geography are taught as termly units of work, incorporating the specified content and skills of the National Curriculum Programmes of Study.
Children will either be studying a History or a Geography unit each term. Music, Art and Craft, Drama, P.E., Design and Technology, Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship are all timetabled and follow clearly defined and detailed areas of study.
The use of visits and visitors may be planned to support particular areas of study. At times, some of these subject areas may be integrated to form topics; this is done when learning will be enhanced by subject overlap. See the article on the Good Citizens Partnership Project (between parish council and school). |
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| Learning to play a Musical Instrument |
All children take Music as part of their class activities throughout the school. Those who want to learn to play the recorder are given the opportunity and there are several groups at different levels.
Instrumental tuition is also available on Brass, Violin, Cello and Woodwind from specialist teachers who visit us once a week. There is a termly charge for such lessons.
A lot of encouragement at home is also necessary to keep practice going but the satisfaction and pleasure to be gained are well worth the effort.
An orchestra and a choir may also run throughout the year. |
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| Learning to Swim |
All children will be taken swimming during their time at Marchwood Junior School, thus, we hope giving most of them the security of being able to swim before they leave.
It may be necessary to ask for a small parental contribution to help with the cost of transport to and from the baths and to help pay for instruction. Parents will be notified accordingly. |
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| Other Activities and Opportunities |
All children follow courses in P.E. and Games throughout the school. Small games and ball skills are also catered for by after school clubs, and teams represent us throughout the year at local events at various times.
This year there have been teams for Football, Netball, Cross Country Running, Rounders, Athletics, Tag Rugby, Hockey and Trailblazers. (Other after-school activities are offered from time to time including, Chess Club, Orchestra and Choir).
Cycling Proficiency lessons are offered to a number of Year 6 pupils and younger children subject to availability of qualified instructors. |
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