Curriculum

English is a core subject with three main elements: Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS); Reading; and Writing. Our curriculum in English is underpinned by high quality texts will bring together all the strands of the subject to create enthusiastic and successful readers who can then apply their skills to be competent fluent writers able to address different audiences and write for different purposes. They work with a variety of fiction, non-fiction and poetry texts.

All elements of English are embedded across all areas of the curriculum.   The children are given many opportunities to learn, practice and extend their English skills through both daily English lessons and afternoon learning theme sessions. In Key Stage 1, the children are taught phonics through the scheme, ‘Read Write Inc.’ and we use a range of texts for independent and guided reading including those that are decodable (Bug Club).  In Key Stage Two we look to provide a wide range of interesting and up to date texts that promote reading for life and for pleasure as well as purpose.

Our intent for maths is to provide children with a rich and challenging maths curriculum. Our children develop resilience through stimulating problem solving and we aim to foster a   positive attitude towards learning new mathematical concepts. To implement our intent we believe that through quality first teaching and intelligent practice, children learning together and early intervention, that all children have the potential to ‘go deeper’ and broaden their understanding of mathematical concepts. Models and manipulatives form an integral part of our teaching throughout all year groups and teachers use a range of methods to explore concepts such as concrete, pictorial and abstract representations. As part of our continued drive for a balanced and thematic curriculum, we endeavour to create impact in broadening children’s knowledge and understanding of how maths is used in the wider world by making rich and varied real life connections.

Science is vital in developing pupils’ ability to understand the world in which they live and to understand how it works. We aim to stimulate pupils’ natural curiosity and enthusiasm by teaching scientific skills and knowledge in creative and interesting ways. Science   teaching at Harbury pushes the children into new areas of learning by giving them freedom to explore and to investigate.

It is often initiated by the children’s own interests, taught in context, linked to other learning and to the outside environment. We also encourage children to apply their practical skills across the board and to follow independent lines of enquiry. The children are provided with opportunities to demonstrate enthusiasm for Science and we aim to challenge their thinking.

For more information about what is covered in each year group, please see the specific Topic Webs on each class page.

Check out our 'Useful Links' page for handy, subject-specific links.