Subjects

English

The creative elements of English are developed without the sacrifice of technical skills. Pupils learn to spell and use grammar and punctuation as a natural part of their linguistic development, while exercising their interests and skills in creative writing, drama, verse and other forms of expression. By the time they leave Year 6, they have reached levels and explored areas of the subject which are truly exceptional for children of their age group. In addition, they are prepared for English 11+ entry to senior schools, and have repeatedly produced superb results.

Mathematics
Mathematics, like English, is one of the two most important subjects on the timetable and children are introduced to its fascinations with early numeracy skills in the Early Years. These are gradually and carefully enhanced as each child works his / her way through the Nursery and Reception classes and then onto the Years 1 and 2. By the time the child has emerged from Year 2 we expect them to be working nearly a year ahead of their chronological age.

In the Juniors, Years 3 to 6, the children receive just as much care as they gradually acquire greater mathematical skills. Our expectations of the children are increasingly high and we find that the children greatly enjoy the challenges set for them. By the time they are in Year 6 they are well into their preparation for the entrance examinations at the senior schools. At this stage, the children can be working up to one or two years ahead of their chronological age.

The mathematics department is therefore a key area within the school, where expectation is high and consequent results are extremely good.

Science
Pupils in Foundation Stage, Year 1 and Year 2 are taught Science by their Form Teachers and adopt the heading Knowledge and Understanding of The World. Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 have the benefit of a fully equipped Science Laboratory and are often taught by a Specialist Teacher. The curriculum is based on understanding through practical work and pupils are encouraged to carry out their own investigations. Children are divided into smaller groups for practical Science, Art. Design Technology and ICT to ensure safety and good practical experiences.

Art
All pupils are encouraged to express their artistic imagination through the use of a wide variety of media in their Art classes. We have a very well equipped Art Room which encourages the high standard of work. Much of the children's work is displayed throughout the school.

Design & Food Technology
Pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 are given further opportunities for practical study through the use of a specialist room.  Many aspects of design and presentation are covered, along with the very important aspect of safety. Children are encouraged to design and make a variety of artifacts which they often take home or even sell as part of a business project.
Drama

Children from the age of 3 appear in productions on stage. Drama is introduced into the timetable for from Year 3 onwards.  A musical and/or drama productions are always well attended by parents and friends and the high standard of our shows is well known locally. Pupils who choose not to appear on stage often volunteer to help with backstage requirements.

Public performance of any kind greatly assists the building of confidence. Opportunities are given to all children to take part in assemblies and productions as well as an extra curricular activity in Speech and Drama classes.

Geography
Geography is taught as a discrete subject from Year 3 upwards, and by a specialist teacher.

In Years 4, 5 and 6, children are taught about their local environment and its position in relation to the wider world. The impact of their own activity in relation to natural resources, pollution and environmental issues is taught so that they can begin to understand the importance of being environmentally aware. Map reading and compass skills are also taught and all the geographical skills are reinforced by a variety of field trips.

History
History is taught as a separate and distinct subject from Year 3 upwards and is from that point given a chronological framework upon which children can build their overall understanding of the historical process. Pupils also learn to relate their own lives and personal history to the development of their society. Older children are taught something of the disciplines of the analytical historian.

Information Communication Technology (ICT)
The School has a fully equipped ICT room, using Windows XP Pro machines, where up to 12 pupils (1/2 maximum class size) can work individually. There are facilities for Internet searching and the use of e-mails to help communication skills. All classes, including Nursery pupils, have access to a PC to in their classrooms.  Interactive Whiteboards are used in classrooms to allow other curriculum areas to use the technology appropriately.  Apart from being taught computing skills and techniques, ICT is used to support work being done in all areas of the curriculum.  Children are also taught and encouraged to use other pieces of technological equipment such as digital cameras, tape recorders, videos and programmable toys.

Music
All pupils are encouraged to participate in some form of musical activity, either in groups or individually with Music being a timetabled subject throughout the school. The school orchestra and choirs give children the opportunity of playing or singing together. The children often perform in public with the choir, orchestra or individually. Individual instrumental teaching takes place during the week as an activity after school.

Physical Education
Sport is one of the great strengths of the school, for we believe that all children should take part in regular sporting activity. The teaching staff devote much of their spare time to the development of pupils' skills in a wide range of sports. There is a strong fixture list in all the major sports: cricket, football, netball, rugby and rounders. Regular swimming lessons are also included on the curriculum and with the annual swimming gala taking place at the Commonwealth Pool in Manchester. Children have also performed in dance festivals.

Teaching staff are fully qualified in their respective field of sport with pupils receiving specialist coaching.  It is our intention that all children get a chance to represent the school in matches and competitions appropriate to their ability. Within school, inter-house matches are keenly contested.

As with all aspects of the school it is important that children learn to play within the laws and the spirit and whilst we want them to try hard they need to acknowledge defeat with graciousness.

Religious Education & PSHE
From Year 3 upwards R.E. becomes a separate subject in its own right. The content is largely Christian but links are constantly made with other religions, particularly Judaism, Hinduism and Islam. Many opportunities are taken for the discussion of moral and social issues arising from the areas studied. The major Christian festivals are also elaborated upon each year, though in greater depth as the pupils are older and more able to understand the significance of the event being celebrated.

Many assemblies are used to acknowledge different faiths and beliefs with parents often taking a leading role.