At St John’s School our aim is to ensure the child’s development is a rich rewarding and exciting experience, where every success, no matter how small is noted and appreciated.
The school follows the National Curriculum taught in all primary schools. The Foundation Unit follows the Foundation Curriculum
The National Curriculum aims to provide a broad, balanced curriculum for children and the staff at St John’s continually work hard to ensure that the national Curriculum enriches the education of the children in our school. It is the responsibility of the staff to ensure that all children improve their basic skills according to their ability.
For each area the school has aims in mind to guide the teaching in that area.
LITERACY
We aim to encourage children to communicate effectively, both in writing and in speech. Children are encouraged to express themselves orally and in written form and are taught handwriting, spelling and grammar.
We consider that the teaching of reading is vital throughout the school and try to encourage children to read effectively and with understanding and pleasure.
We use several reading schemes and are striving to build up a stock of books to encourage the children to read at home and in school.
We teach literacy through the Literacy Hour in all classes. In this time your child will be involved in reading tasks with the whole class and in groups to develop his/her accuracy and fluency in reading for enjoyment and for information.
Writing will be taught in a similar way with whole class and group teaching to help them to write clearly, accurately and imaginatively for a wide range of purposes.
Teachers will give careful attention to teaching phonics, spelling, punctuation and handwriting.
Please support your child with the reading books taken home, attending our parents' meetings and through parental support in the classroom. Show an interest in the books and poems your child is reading. Spend a short time each day reading with your child. If you would like any other ideas about how you can actively help your child ask his/her teacher for ideas.
NUMERACY
In line with the National Numeracy Strategy a daily mathematics lesson is taught to all pupils lasting between45 and 60 minutes depending on the pupils age. The main emphasis is on teaching the children oral strategies for mental maths eg when adding 9, add 10 and take 1 away. There will be a lot of practical maths and using maths in every day situations.
If any parents would like to find out about the schools approach to teaching maths, then they are welcome to come in to a numeracy lesson.
SCIENCE
Science is taught throughout the school ensuring progressive development of scientific knowledge, skills and understanding.
We aim to develop abilities such as observation, questioning, experimentation, reasoning, evaluation and communication, plus attitudes of curiosity, originality and independence of thought.
We also aim to develop in children an enjoyment of science.
INFORMATION, CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
Our aim is to develop the confidence of pupils in the use and application of computers to prepare them for the world out of school.
We have a computer suite, which has 16 computer systems and it is used by all the children in the school. There are also computers in every classroom and ICT is an integral part of the curriculum.
We are on the internet and have acquired many new computer programs to facilitate literacy, numeracy and other core subjects.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
We aim to develop abilities such as problem solving, designing and constructing and to develop an awareness of their environment.
In school we have a Science and Technology room equipped with a cooker, fridge, and facilities for baking. We also have a wide selection of tools and equipment for technology, including facilities for baking.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY
We aim to increase the children’s understanding of the world they live in through an examination of the history, geography, natural history and social aspects of their immediate environment and a broader study of the world beyond the realms of their normal experience. To bring children more closely into contact with the community in which they live and in doing so, help to make them aware that the culture of the community is their heritage which should be
preserved and enriched.
To also develop an understanding of the interdependence of peoples and nations.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION, MUSIC AND ART
We aim to:-
- Enable children to express their own ideas in different ways and in a variety of materials.
- Give opportunities for children to express their emotions through the making of music, drama, movement and the use of creative materials.
-Enable children to appreciate the work of craftsmen and women, musicians and artists of all kinds both past and present.
We have a music room and a specialist music teacher. During the year we put on a wide range of concerts and productions and we also join in with initiatives within the borough.
As part of the Art curriculum we endeavour to involve people from the art world to work with the children. They have had the opportunity to work with local artists and sculptors and we hope to continue with these kind of projects during the coming year.
SPORT
St John’s is a member of the Radcliffe Junior Schools Sports Association. The school participates in inter- schools football and netball competitions during the winter, cricket and rounders in summer as well as the swimming gala and Jubilee sports. All children are encouraged and given the opportunity to take part.
PE and games are an important part of the National Curriculum. All classes have two PE lessons a week and cover gymnastics, dance and games.
Outside school hours there is weekly training in netball and football during the Autumn and Spring term. Cricket and rounders take place during the summer term.
The school has a playing field and two playgrounds suitable for games, depending on the activity.
Year 5 have daily swimming lessons for 4 weeks usually in the Autumn term.
They are encouraged to gain as many badges as possible during this time starting with 5 meters and working up to bronze, silver and gold.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
-To develop an understanding of the Bible through the use of stories
-To develop an understanding of Christian beliefs and the beliefs of other religions.
-To develop an understanding of the needs of other people.
The school is of Church of England foundation and there is a close connection between the Church of St Thomas and St John and the school. The children conduct services in Church during the year and all pupils are expected to attend. Church related activities take place in school, the clergy visiting weekly.
In accordance with today’s outlook, the school has a broadly based Christian philosophy. The intention is that children come to understand Christian values, as a result of both teaching and example together with a developing sense of people and their relationships in the family and the wider communities.
Parents who wish to withdraw their children from religious Education classes or assemblies should make an application to the Headteacher in writing.
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