In Key Stage One we build on the skills and independence that the children have already achieved in Foundation and foster and develop further the children’s excitement and love of learning.
In Key Stage One we build on the skills and independence that the children have already achieved in the Foundation Stage and foster and develop further the children’s excitement and love of learning.
In Key Stage One there are three classes per year group; each has a qualified teacher who is aided by a classroom assistant. The style of learning remains practical, experiential and play-based, using the classroom and outdoors, to aid cognitive development in the transition between concrete and formal operations.
We aim to develop independent learners and encourage this independence in all aspects of the curriculum. Through our Pedagogical values and PSHE lessons children develop an understanding of our values and behavioural expectations. The children are prepared and able to use the skills they have learnt in their everyday lives. They feel secure enough to take risks and embrace challenge whilst developing a strong sense of self-worth and belief. PSHE helps our children to navigate their life in a changing world.
“The national curriculum is just one element in the education of every child. There is time and space in the school day and in each week, term and year to range beyond the national curriculum specifications. The national curriculum provides an outline of core knowledge around which teachers can develop exciting and stimulating lessons to promote the development of pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills as part of the wider school curriculum”
Statutory guidance – National curriculum for England: Framework for key stages 1-4; 3.2
In KS1 the curriculum builds upon the seven areas of learning in EYFS towards the ten areas of learning in the National Curriculum for England: Framework for KS1 to 4.
Art and Design
Design and Technology
In addition to these subjects PSHE and RE are incorporated into curriculum time and assemblies for both Year 1 and 2.
In Year 1 the children have one Portuguese language session a week. In Year 2 the children begin formal Portuguese language lessons twice a week.
Literacy and Mathematics are taught as separate subjects but are also often linked to cross curricular themes which incorporate Science, History, Geography, Art, and Design Technology.
Computing, Music, Physical Education and Portuguese are taught by specialist teachers.
English Language is at the forefront of our Primary School Curriculum and is integral to all that we teach. Our teachers receive training in teaching English as an additional language and integrate this knowledge when planning the whole curriculum.
We believe that language is of vital importance in our learning process. It enables children to communicate their thoughts and ideas and make sense of written and spoken language in all its forms. As a core we use the National Curriculum 2014 from which teachers plan. Children are provided with a dynamic, engaging English curriculum, enriched through a wealth of texts. This develops children’s reading, writing, spelling and listening skills. Additionally there is an emphasis on spelling, grammar and punctuation. We have a passion for reading, equipping them with language to effectively communicate through the written and spoken word.
Our aim in Mathematics is for each child to achieve their potential, to attain the basic skills and concepts in Mathematics and to develop the insight to apply these skills in a variety of situations. Differentiated, stimulating and exciting activities help children at St. Julian’s enjoy Mathematics and to see the fun and beauty in it. They are able to use it to help understand and explain the world around them. They feel secure enough to take risks, embrace challenge and develop deductive reasoning skills. Children are continually developing skills in all areas of Mathematics; this helps them to see how Mathematics is such an important part of everything we do. Numbers are the key to unlock the door of mathematical problems.
Within the Primary school assessment is both Formative and Summative. Formative assessment by teachers is assessment for learning on a day to day basis and incorporates integrated feedback; the teachers adapt their planning accordingly. Summative assessment is carried out termly. It is assessment of learning, it supports and informs teacher assessment. At the end of Year 2 summative tests are taken in English and Mathematics. Pupil progress is evaluated against Age Related Expectations which set out the expected standards of pupils' performance. Assessment is not meant to be used as a measure of your child’s ability at school but as a means to improve their ability to learn: to help them acquire knowledge, deepen understanding and develop skills.
If at any time during Key Stage One children are experiencing problems or need support in an area of the curriculum we may, after consulting with their parents, seek advice from our Student Support Department as to ways in which we can best help them.
We aim to ensure that the children leave Key Stage One with a positive self-image, are resilient and have the confidence needed to tackle new situations and problems. We value the partnership we have with parents, your help is essential in developing a love of learning that will last a lifetime. Together we hope to develop the understanding that school is about much more than learning, it's about the whole child.
KS1 Assistant Principal