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Introduction
The School aims to provide the children with an interesting, balanced, stimulating and varied curriculum, and all areas of the National Curriculum are incorporated.
The curriculum topics have been carefully planned on a long term basis, so that each child in their seven years follows a progressive programme of work: developing concepts, knowledge, skills and understanding provide children with the confidence to play their full role in society.
High standards are established in all curriculum areas, and Bawdsey's small class sizes enables us to provide a carefully differentiated programme which allows all abilities of children to achieve their potential. Equal opportunities for all regardless of race, ability, additional needs or gender, are important at Bawdsey School. Curriculum Statement 20/21 Curriculum VisionTop
English & Literacy
Literacy has high priority and gives the basis to all learning in the school. Emphasis is put on children speaking clearly and gaining confidence to speak to various audiences; to listen to others and to respond appropriately to instructions, stories, poems and information. All children are taught to participate in general discussion and drama. We aim to establish positive lifelong attitudes to reading, ensuring that children find pleasure and that skills are developed to each child's full potential.
The school has a continually developing classified non-fiction library for all children to use. Every classroom has a wide range of fiction books and texts which are used for class and group work. We have recently introduced ‘The Power of Reading’ into KS1 and KS2 in which one book is focused upon and the lessons explore the text in depth. This allows for Literacy to be integrated into other lessons and for topics to become cross-curricular.
Early years have recently introduced the ‘Phonic Fairy’ phonics scheme. A book is carefully chosen in relation to a phonics sound, grapheme or phoneme and the scheme is designed to instil a sense of awe and wonder around books and provide children with memorable experiences which connect learning to read with pleasure.
Parents, children and teachers are encouraged to make comments regarding reading in the Home / School Log Book. Children are encouraged to read every day at school and at home.
English Long Term Plans SPaG and Literacy
Mathematics and Numeracy
Our aim is for children to enjoy mathematics, and to work creatively and confidently with numbers, and their relationships, so building up sound numerical skills.
Other mathematical work involves measuring, algebra, data handling, shape and space. The Maths Framework provides the structure. Children are given opportunities to use and apply mathematics in practical tasks and to explain their thinking to support the development of their reasoning and knowledge.Maths in the Curriculum Mastery for parents Calculation Methods
Learning mathematical language throughout the school gives children the ability to think mathematically, and increases their understanding. The children are taught numerical skills of a high standard to enable them to play a full part in today's society. Our school 2014 Numeracy Curriculum can can be viewed here,
The children are encouraged to take part in extra curricular acivities involving maths problem solving tasks such as the ‘Lego League' competitions. We have achieved considerable success in this national competition, coming third in the country in Maths in Motion in 2010 and winning the trophy for innovation at the national final of the Lego League in 2011, competing against both primary and secondary schools. In 2018 we won the Lego League ‘robotics' competition at RAF Duxford. Top
Science
Children learn to question and to ask 'why' and 'how'. They learn to investigate scientific problems, in order to satisfy their curiosity. This includes developing observational skills; acquiring techniques to record their observations; creating and discussing hypotheses; planning and carrying out experiments, and drawing their own conclusions.
The scientific programme includes studies of plant and animal life cycles using, in particular, local resources such as the school grounds, which includes a wildlife pond, a good variety of native shrubs, trees and insect life and the local fields, hedgerows, verges and seashore.
The programme explores the properties of a variety of different materials; the behaviour of light and sound, electricity and magnetism and the effect of forces and energy. Environmental issues such as saving energy, recycling and the impact of people on the environment are investigated. An understanding of the position of the Sun, Earth and Moon and their movements and influences on Earth, seasons and weather are gained. Top
Computing (Information & Communication Technology ICT)
We have an excellent computer suite and interactive smartboard technology, and Key Stage Two children access the Internet to support learning. There is a good library of current, up to date software which we use to teach the children keyboard skills. The children are taught how to independently access, use and retrieve their work and to handle information by setting up and using databases. They are also taught to manipulate images, search for information online, send and receive emails and create a musical composition and programme an on-screen Lego robot. Programming, debugging and having a working knowledge of algorithms are an integral part of the ICT curriculum and provide the children with important life skills.
Internet safety is also an important element of the curriculum as the majority of primary school children regularly use the internet on laptops, tablets and mobile phones; easy access to digital worlds they can explore without parental guidance or supervision. We teach the children how to stay safe online and how to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. We also focus on creating a safe online community on Safer Internet Day (annually on the 5th February).
With this in mind, here are a few websites to support any parents interested in finding out more about e-safety to help their children. One of the most comprehensive sites for parents is www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/ which includes an interactive area especially for children to play games to learn more about e-safety for themselves. The Child Online and Exploitation Protection Centre (CEOP) www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ includes advice about how to make a report if you or your child feels threatened or are bullied whilst online. For information about how to set parental controls and technological advice, visit the parents page at www.saferinternet.org.uk/ or to watch a short animated film about the ‘Digital Universe of Your Children' you can click on this link www.saferinternet.org/digitaluniverse which makes a good starting point to initiate a family chat about safety online.
Physical Education
The children have a varied programme of physical activity to develop their physical awareness and abilities. We have a sensible approach to competitive sports, so the children compete in team games very successfully against several other schools in the Farlingaye pyramid as well as in tournaments. We also have a very popular traditional sports day every July.
We are using most of the money to buy in Premier Sport to provide sports and PE to enhance the curriculum. By doing this they are also able to run an after-school club, although this will have to be self-financing. Premier Sport will focus upon areas that we do not cover well at the moment.
Some of the money is being spent on our share of the cost of employing a sports co-ordinator across the pyramid. They organise tournaments and some staff training. We should also have a small amount of money left to cover transport costs in the few instances when parent transport is not possible.
The remainder of the grant will be spent subsidising the residential trips to PGL, which include a considerable number of outdoor and adventurous activities but are very expensive to both pupils and the school.
At Key Stage 1 the focus is on taught skills with small apparatus and how to create and engage in group games. At Key Stage 2 skills and team games are taught including netball, short tennis, football, rounders, hockey, kwik cricket. Outdoor and Adventurous activities include cycling proficiency, tasks set in and around the school grounds and planned use of the Adventure Playground. Dance, both traditional and creative, is an important element of the P.E. curriculum. During the summer, athletics, cross country and running are part of the Key Stage 2 programme. All Key Stage 2 children also have weekly swimming sessions at the Deben pool in woodbridge during the autumn and summer terms.
During the residential visit, children in Years 5 & 6 take part in activities such as canoeing, abseiling, archery, trapeze, zip line, and assault course. All the children in Years 5 & 6 also complete a comprehensive cycling course held at Bawdsey School, and take part in a cycling and camping weekend when they are in Year 6. Top
Modern & Foreign Languages
Children from Year 1 are taught French and have the opportunity to take part in a 5 day educational visit to France with other primary schools in the Farlingaye pyramid. This provides a great opportunity for them to use their language skills, experience the French culture and take part in some exciting outdoor activities. Not only do they have a wonderful time, but they also forge important friendships with children from other local primary schools that they later meet when they transfer to Farlingaye High School. The visit is funded through voluntary contributions and a monthly payment scheme helps to spread the cost.
Read fluently
- This concept involves recognising key vocabulary and phrases.
Write imaginatively
- This concept involves using key vocabulary and phrases to write ideas.
Speak confidently
- This concept involves using key vocabulary and phrases to verbally communicate ideas.
Understand the culture of the countries in which the language is spoken
- This concept involves the background knowledge and cultural capital needed to infer meaning from interactions.
History
A carefully planned approach to the National Curriculum topics gives children an understanding of time, historical populations, people and events.British history together with European and non-European ancient civilisations are studied. Use is made of the superb historical environment at Bawdsey School so that history becomes meaningful to the children.
Artefacts and visits to places in the villages and historical sites enhance the children`s understanding of events and people from the past locally, nationally and internationally. Top
Geography
In geography we teach the children about their own environment, studying the coastline, the villages and rivers, seasons and weather. We compare and contrast this work through visiting urban areas. During their time here the children study France, a European element of the curriculum. A residential visit to France is offered to Year Six pupils in conjunction with other local village schools. Children`s knowledge of the world in which they live is also extended by studying developing countries, India and the Caribbean. As well as looking at weather, climate, land forms and land use, children learn how and why lifestyles vary around the world. Top
Music
Music is taught throughout the school. The curriculum is planned around the key concepts
- Perform
- This concept involves understanding that music is created to be performed.
- Compose
- This concept involves appreciating that music is created through a process which has a number of techniques.
- Transcribe
- This concept involves understanding that compositions need to be understood by others and that there are techniques and a language for communicating them.
- Describe music
- This concept involves appreciating the features and effectiveness of musical elements.
In all parts of the school pupils are given opportunities to undertake a balanced programme of activities working individually, in groups and as a whole class making appropriate use of technology to create and record music. They perform and listen to music in a variety of styles from different periods and cultures.
Opportunities are taken to perform at Snape Maltings and at local community events such as the Farlingaye High School Choral Concert, and to invite the local communities to various assemblies and the school Christmas performances
Art
In art children are taught to develop their knowledge and skills in drawing, painting, print making, collage, 3 Dimensional work and design in a variety of media including textiles and clay. Children begin with experimenting with colour, pattern, texture, shape and form. They are introduced to and taught different media skills and techniques throughout their primary years. The children develop an appreciation of their cultural heritage by studying the work of artists throughout time and from different cultures. Top
Design & Technology
All pupils are taught to identify and plan designs through investigations for specific needs. During their time at Bawdsey School children work with fabrics, wood, recyclable materials and construction sets.
These skills can then be applied to projects such as the ‘Lego League' - where Bawdsey year on year comes in well-placed even against secondary schools - with a victory in 2011. Top
Cookery
All pupils are given the opportunity to try their hands at cookery, as well as discussions and information on diet and nutrition. With our new cooking kitchen the children will have accces to the excellent new kitchen facilities
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Personal, Health and Social Education & Citizenship
Relationship Education (RSE) is often taught across the curriculum through other subjects and topics where links can be naturally made. Our school values of: Equality, resilience, courage and kindness are embedded throughout the school and these will incorporate many objectives from our RSE planning. RSE is also taught discreetly through PSHE sessions. Beginning in early years with ‘pantosaurus’, over many years the school has successfully taught a program of Sex Education to ensure pupils are prepared for life. This builds on the RSE Relationship planning and is brought in during Year 5, when puberty is taught in more detail, and in Year 6, when we teach how babies are made and how they are born. Parents have the right to request their child is removed from these sessions.
The RSE curriculum covers 5 specific objectives: To ensure pupils know about
1) Families and people who care for me
2) Caring Friendships
3) Respectful Relationships
4) Online Relationships
5) Being Safe.
Class PSHE sessions are always representative of the cohort and may be adapted to meet any specific cohort need.
We also provide additional pastoral support for children using additional resources such as: reflection corners in the classroom, Lego Therapy and mindfulness activities in each classroom. This year we encouraged mental health awareness on World Mental Health day and enjoyed a yoga session that taught us important breathing techniques.
Sex Education
Sex Education is taught in accordance with the National Curriculum. As questions arise they are answered naturally and appropriately to the child's age and understanding. The ethos of the school is founded upon respect for the individual and caring relationships. Parents may choose to withdraw their children from this part of the curriculum. Top
Pupils with Special Needs
If a child has additional needs we provide work and opportunities to address these and make reasonable adjustments so they are fully included in the whole curriculum. Gifted and talented children, as well as those with academic difficulties, those who do not speak English as their first language, and those who have physical disabilities, are all welcomed into our school and given assistance relevant to their needs. The small class sizes enable this to take place. Bawdsey School also prides itself on the regular support which is provided for children with special needs. Sessions providing carefully structured programmes of work for a range of difficulties are a feature of the school. The progress of these children is regularly monitored for impact in the pupils' learning.
At all stages parents are fully consulted and regular meetings held with the parents and teachers working with the individual child.
Religious Education
Religious Education is taught according to the Diocesan Emmanuel resources. Pupils study aspects of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddism and Hinduism in relation to themes such as celebrations, leaders, rules and stories. Top
Collective Worship
Arrangements for collective worship are made by the school in accordance with requirements laid down in the Education Reform Act of 1988 and are consistent with the Trust Deed at the school. Links are established with Bawdsey Church which include decorating the font for festivals.
Visitors of different denominations are invited into school to take Community Assembly. Each year, classes take assemblies and parents are invited to these. Parents may, if they wish, withdraw their children from collective worship.
Early Years