6-7
Prospectus
Our English work is based on the National Curriculum, which
develops the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening and
grammar. English skills are of paramount importance in our school
and our main aim is to promote high standards of language and
literacy by giving children a strong command of spoken and written
language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread
reading for enjoyment.
To help achieve this, our children receive daily phonics teaching in
reading in Y1 and Y2 and these phonic/spelling teaching strategies
are continued in Key Stage 2. Children use a colour coded reading
scheme that is closely matched to the phonic phases. The scheme
progresses through every year group, giving children the opportunity
to explore a wide range of texts.
To support the Learning Challenge Curriculum, a text is chosen for
each unit, which helps our children explore key themes. They have
reading activities based on this text, capturing ideas through drama
and conversation that develop their understanding, vocabulary and
targets for further writing.
To encourage the children to develop an interest in history and an awareness
of the past, they learn about all aspects of life in different periods, ranging from
Aztec civilisation right up to modern history in the 1940s. They are expected to
use various sources of information as they learn to describe and explain historical
changes in an ordered and critical manner.
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To develop their interest in this subject our children study physical geography,
human geography and the environment. They develop skills in map reading and
the collection of data and measurements. They are encouraged, where possible,
to make first-hand observations and look critically at sources of information.
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In their design tecąology work children are encouraged to work with artefacts,
systems and environments. They learn how to use tools safely and design and
make things in a variety of media and for different purposes. During each Key
Stage the children work on the following tecąological aspects; constructions,
mechanisms, electrical devices, textiles and food.
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During Key Stage 1 children learn about festivals and places of worship in
Christianity and at least one other world faith. They study stories from religious
traditions, signs and symbols, artefacts and music. During Key Stage 2 they
continue to learn about festivals and two other religions. They also study
sacred writings and pilgrimages. Assemblies take place daily and focus on a
range of themes.
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The teaching of mathematics at Oakley Vale Primary School gives our children the ability to be confident and competent with
problem solving, calculation, numbers and measures. Quality time is given to each area of mathematics as we follow the mastery
approach to ensure that all children consolidate, use and apply taught skills in a variety of different contexts.
Mathematics is taught in an exciting way at Oakley Vale Primary School and mathematical understanding is developed using
concrete, pictorial and abstract (or symbolic) representations. Children use real objects to help them make sense of the concept
or problem; this could be anything from real or plastic fruit, to straws, counters and cubes.
These objects can be moved, grouped and rearranged to illustrate a problem. As the child’s experience and confidence grows
they draw pictures that represent the problem. As understanding develops further, children progress to abstract representation
which includes use of mathematical symbols. Our teachers help the children acquire proficiency and fluency in this subject by
giving a sharp focus to the relevant aspects of the programmes of study for mathematics.
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Our ICT teaching offers opportunities for children to develop ICT capability, including knowledge and understanding of the
importance of information and how to select and prepare it. We develop their skills in using hardware and software to manipulate
information in problem solving, recording and expressive work. Their Information Tecąology (IT) capability and ICT skills also
support their use of language and communication, as well as their learning in other areas. We encourage our children to
explore their attitudes towards ICT and its value for themselves, for others and for society, giving them awareness of its
advantages and limitations.
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Our science curriculum covers life and living processes, physical processes and
materials and their properties. Wherever possible the skills of enquiry, investigation
and experiment are used and developed in this subject area and as much first-
hand experience as possible is incorporated into their programmes of study.
