Meadowcroft Community Infant School

	Meadowcroft Community Infant School "our small and friendly school offers the best start to a child’s education"
	Meadowcroft School provides a broad and balanced curriculum, which aims to motivate and challenge each unique and individual child, promoting perseverance and independence. The planned curriculum fulfils the requirements of the Foundation Stage for the Early Years children and Key stage 1 of the National Curriculum for children aged 5-7 years. The core subjects English, Mathematics and Science are the focus of the teaching programme and are enriched and enhanced by the foundation subjects. Early Years Our youngest children work with the Early Learning Goals of the Foundation Stage. Investigation and exploration is seen as an integral part of their curriculum and the emphasis is on learning through play. The children progress in personal and social development, language and literacy, mathematics, creative development, knowledge and understanding of the world and physical development. Key Stage 1 Children entering Year 1 and Year 2 work at Key Stage 1 in the National Curriculum which encompasses English, Mathematics, Science, Information & Communication Technology, Personal, Social Health Education, History, Geography, Art, Physical Education, Music and Religious Education. The school standards of attainment in the core subjects are above the national average. English The English curriculum is central to all our teaching and is given a high priority. The subject permeates all aspects of learning. The children develop the skills of speaking and listening, reading, writing, spelling and handwriting. We aim for all to become confident in these skills and to apply them in a variety of contexts and situations. The school uses a wide range of materials to stimulate interest and enthusiasm in reading. The children are taught about fiction and non-fiction books and how to use our library. Parents stay and read with their children every Tuesday morning. The pupils are taught to write accurately and appropriately for a variety of purposes, developing a good standard of spelling and handwriting. The school uses the National Literacy Strategy as a vehicle to extend the necessary skills for English. Mathematics At Meadowcroft School the mathematics teaching is based on the National Numeracy Strategy. Children are encouraged to become competent in all areas of mathematics including number, measurement and shape and space. There is an emphasis on using mathematical language effectively and developing mental strategies. The children learn to apply the skills of investigation and problem solving and to use this knowledge throughout other curriculum subjects. Science For young children science stimulates the exploration of the world around them. It is the focus for our termly themes where we provide opportunities for the children to develop scientific skills as well as the knowledge and understanding of science. The children are taught the appropriate scientific vocabulary when discussing or recording experiments, learning through first hand experiences. Information and Communication Technology Information and Communication Technology permeates to all areas of the curriculum and supports the children in their learning. The school houses a network of computers, which enable the development of such skills as word processing, database, graphics, storing and retrieving information. The children learn to work independently or collaboratively with the computers or devices and learn to take care of the equipment. Design Technology The children are taught to work with a variety of materials, use tools safely, join materials and expand their own ideas and designs. They investigate, disassemble and evaluate everyday products as part of their learning. Art and Design Through the teaching of art the children are given the opportunity to express themselves using a variety of materials, media and techniques. The children are introduced to the work of renowned artists, to develop an appropriate knowledge and understanding of techniques and style to eventually emulate. Their own work is celebrated through our displays throughout the school. Display The school environment allows us to celebrate the children’s work and achievements. Displays are used to inform, to stimulate discussion and curiosity. They show our commitment to raise and maintain standards of quality and expectations. Geography The children study their own environment and local shops, looking at features and facilities. We also organise class and whole school trips to widen their horizons and compare their own environment with others’. The experience of family holidays is used to maximise their knowledge of the British Isles and the world beyond. The children learn appropriate vocabulary, to recognise and name features, cities and countries, use maps and plans and record in a variety of ways. History Through our teaching of history we aim to create an interest and curiosity for the past and to develop a sense of chronology. The children make use of artefacts, videos, photographs etc. to compare the past with the present and acquire historical knowledge. Physical Education Each child has the opportunity to experience a variety of physical activities including gymnastics, games and dance. The hall is equipped with a range of equipment to develop agility. Dance encourages physical and imaginative movement. The school playground and field are used to teach game skills such as catching, throwing and aiming, in preparation for more formal sports. Music The children sing, play and perform a range of music incorporating listening, composing and performing. A variety of tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments are used. Parents and friends are invited to watch assemblies and concerts. Religious Education The programme for Religious Education is Christian based and incorporates knowledge of other religions in line with the Surrey County Council’s recommended syllabus and scheme of work. We celebrate other festivals that are special to the children within our school. There is provision for the pupils to develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. Our daily act of Collective Worship enables us to meet together, share common concerns and interests and explore important aspects of social and moral education linked to Religious Education. Birthdays and personal achievements are also celebrated. Personal Social Health Education/Citizenship Through the teaching of P.S.H.E. the children acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding to become responsible members of the community. The children gain the important values that allow them to make decisions and take responsibility for themselves as individuals. We are very proud of our children who through their own efforts have raised money to sponsor a child in India. The school also has a ‘council’ who meet regularly and whose ideas and recommendations are valued in the school’s improvement plan. The school’s policy for sex education is used in conjunction with the programme for P.S.H.E and links closely with the National Curriculum for Science and R.E. The aim is to develop an awareness of personal safety and the importance of loving and caring relationships. In all our teaching we aim to raise self-esteem and to aid children to cope with a range of human emotions. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from collective worship, religious education and sex education and are invited to discuss this with the Headteacher and alternative provision can be negotiated. Curriculum Support The school holds ‘themed workshops’ at least twice a year to encourage parents to work with their children. The activities on these occasions give an opportunity for parents to appreciate the work their children carry out and for the children to feel proud of their achievements. To develop aspects of learning the school holds events such as a themed week focussed on a specific subject e.g. art, literacy or science. During these weeks the school may include visits and visitors to support the learning.

Meadowcroft School provides a broad and balanced curriculum, which aims to motivate and challenge each unique and individual child, promoting perseverance and independence. The planned curriculum fulfils the requirements of the Foundation Stage for the Early Years children and Key stage 1 of the National Curriculum for children aged 5-7 years. The core subjects English, Mathematics and Science are the focus of the teaching programme and are enriched and enhanced by the foundation subjects.

Early Years

Our youngest children work with the Early Learning Goals of the Foundation Stage. Investigation and exploration is seen as an integral part of their curriculum and the emphasis is on learning through play. The children progress in personal and social development, language and literacy, mathematics, creative development, knowledge and understanding of the world and physical development.

Key Stage 1

Children entering Year 1 and Year 2 work at Key Stage 1 in the National Curriculum which encompasses English, Mathematics, Science, Information & Communication Technology, Personal, Social Health Education, History, Geography, Art, Physical Education, Music and Religious Education. The school standards of attainment in the core subjects are above the national average.

English

The English curriculum is central to all our teaching and is given a high priority. The subject permeates all aspects of learning. The children develop the skills of speaking and listening, reading, writing, spelling and handwriting. We aim for all to become confident in these skills and to apply them in a variety of contexts and situations. The school uses a wide range of materials to stimulate interest and enthusiasm in reading. The children are taught about fiction and non-fiction books and how to use our library. Parents stay and read with their children every Tuesday morning. The pupils are taught to write accurately and appropriately for a variety of purposes, developing a good standard of spelling and handwriting. The school uses the National Literacy Strategy as a vehicle to extend the necessary skills for English.

Mathematics

At Meadowcroft School the mathematics teaching is based on the National Numeracy Strategy. Children are encouraged to become competent in all areas of mathematics including number, measurement and shape and space. There is an emphasis on using mathematical language effectively and developing mental strategies. The children learn to apply the skills of investigation and problem solving and to use this knowledge throughout other curriculum subjects.

Science

For young children science stimulates the exploration of the world around them. It is the focus for our termly themes where we provide opportunities for the children to develop scientific skills as well as the knowledge and understanding of science. The children are taught the appropriate scientific vocabulary when discussing or recording experiments, learning through first hand experiences.

Information and Communication Technology

Information and Communication Technology permeates to all areas of the curriculum and supports the children in their learning. The school houses a network of computers, which enable the development of such skills as word processing, database, graphics, storing and retrieving information. The children learn to work independently or collaboratively with the computers or devices and learn to take care of the equipment.

Design Technology

The children are taught to work with a variety of materials, use tools safely, join materials and expand their own ideas and designs. They investigate, disassemble and evaluate everyday products as part of their learning.

Art and Design

Through the teaching of art the children are given the opportunity to express themselves using a variety of materials, media and techniques. The children are introduced to the work of renowned artists, to develop an appropriate knowledge and understanding of techniques and style to eventually emulate. Their own work is celebrated through our displays throughout the school.

Display

The school environment allows us to celebrate the children’s work and achievements. Displays are used to inform, to stimulate discussion and curiosity. They show our commitment to raise and maintain standards of quality and expectations.

Geography

The children study their own environment and local shops, looking at features and facilities. We also organise class and whole school trips to widen their horizons and compare their own environment with others’. The experience of family holidays is used to maximise their knowledge of the British Isles and the world beyond. The children learn appropriate vocabulary, to recognise and name features, cities and countries, use maps and plans and record in a variety of ways.

History

Through our teaching of history we aim to create an interest and curiosity for the past and to develop a sense of chronology. The children make use of artefacts, videos, photographs etc. to compare the past with the present and acquire historical knowledge.

Physical Education

Each child has the opportunity to experience a variety of physical activities including gymnastics, games and dance. The hall is equipped with a range of equipment to develop agility. Dance encourages physical and imaginative movement. The school playground and field are used to teach game skills such as catching, throwing and aiming, in preparation for more formal sports.

Music

The children sing, play and perform a range of music incorporating listening, composing and performing. A variety of tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments are used. Parents and friends are invited to watch assemblies and concerts.

Religious Education

The programme for Religious Education is Christian based and incorporates knowledge of other religions in line with the Surrey County Council’s recommended syllabus and scheme of work. We celebrate other festivals that are special to the children within our school. There is provision for the pupils to develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. Our daily act of Collective Worship enables us to meet together, share common concerns and interests and explore important aspects of social and moral education linked to Religious Education. Birthdays and personal achievements are also celebrated.

Personal Social Health Education/Citizenship

Through the teaching of P.S.H.E. the children acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding to become responsible members of the community. The children gain the important values that allow them to make decisions and take responsibility for themselves as individuals. We are very proud of our children who through their own efforts have raised money to sponsor a child in India. The school also has a ‘council’ who meet regularly and whose ideas and recommendations are valued in the school’s improvement plan.

The school’s policy for sex education is used in conjunction with the programme for P.S.H.E and links closely with the National Curriculum for Science and R.E. The aim is to develop an awareness of personal safety and the importance of loving and caring relationships. In all our teaching we aim to raise self-esteem and to aid children to cope with a range of human emotions.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from collective worship, religious education and sex education and are invited to discuss this with the Headteacher and alternative provision can be negotiated.

Curriculum Support

The school holds ‘themed workshops’ at least twice a year to encourage parents to work with their children. The activities on these occasions give an opportunity for parents to appreciate the work their children carry out and for the children to feel proud of their achievements.

To develop aspects of learning the school holds events such as a themed week focussed on a specific subject e.g. art, literacy or science. During these weeks the school may include visits and visitors to support the learning.