Children's Work

Our Classes

Subject Information

Key Stage One

ENGLISH

We place a high priority on the enjoyment of books and follow a structured literacy programme linking reading with writing and spelling from the very beginning. Words are never dealt with in isolation and there is much sharing of stories, rhymes and poems, either read, told to, or compiled by the children themselves. We have produced a "Parents and Professionals in Partnership" reading booklet to help you to work alongside your child in these all important early stages. Our "Home/School" communication booklet is a vital document providing links between your child’s world.

Correct letter formation is encouraged from the beginning and the majority of children have fluent joined handwriting by the end of Year One. We aim for all pupils to be confident writers working in a variety of format with attention to punctuation and spelling rules. Year 1 and Year 2 pupils have weekly spellings to learn. Children’s listening and communication skills are developed through our ‘Show and Tell’ and Circle Time sessions.

MATHEMATICS

Children are encouraged to question, investigate, discover and record as they develop and consolidate mathematical concepts. We have extensive apparatus for practical work to support mathematical learning. Year 1 and Year 2 pupils have ‘10-a-day’ tests of metal arithmetic. By Year 2 children are expected to have a working knowledge of their 2, 5 and 10 times table number bonds and to be able to apply these to problem solving.

SCIENCE

Our Science Technology resources are rich and varied and readily accessible to the children and staff. Wherever possible we ensure that Scientific knowledge is acquired through first hand observation and experimentation. Science may be an integral part of our thematic work or taught as a separate subject. We have an annual Science Day when parents can explore, discover and record findings alongside their child.

P.S.H.E.

This plays an important part in our school curriculum. We hope that in dealing with aspects of health education your child will be prepared for life socially, mentally and emotionally as well as educationally. There is no specific sex education at this age but questions sometimes arise incidentally from children’s project work when they are answered sensibly as a caring parent would respond.

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Through use of our computer programs, video material, calculators and Roamer robot we hope for pupils to become competent in loading and accessing material to support their learning.

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

These subjects are often taught in conjunction with topics being studied but some work is taught as specific history or geography. We use our rich local resources, including our own school buildings and environmental study area in addition to the historical artefacts and geographical features of our town and surrounding moor.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

We are proud of the Christian ethos which is central to our work at St Rumon’s. The weekly theme for our daily Act of Worship is continued in class R.E. lessons. We have many artefacts to help children begin to develop an understanding of other faiths and religions. Parents may request their child is withdrawn from the daily act of worship if they so wish.

ART & DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

We have a wide range of art and craft materials and children can develop skills in sketching, painting, pastel work, woodwork, collage, sewing, clay and technology modelling. Pupils are trained to develop their own designs and to use scissors, tools and equipment correctly alongside choosing the most appropriate medium for a task.

P.E.

We have extensive equipment to develop fine and gross motor skills both in and out of doors. Each class has timetabled daily access to hall or playground for physical activity.

MUSIC AND DRAMA

St Rumon’s has a strong music tradition and we encourage all pupils to enjoy music making using our extensive range of instruments including ethnic material. We encourage confidence in public speaking to various audiences. Pupils sing and perform at our weekly Family Services, to senior citizen and other community groups, at festivals and local events. All pupils take part in some way in our annual Christmas Nativity.

Foundation Stage – Areas of Learning.

PERSONAL, SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This is the basis of the Foundation Curriculum. Children are helped to develop both a strong sense of self and respect for others. They explore world religions and cultures and learn to work as a member of a team and community.

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE & LITERACY

A love of books, stories, rhymes and songs is encouraged from the beginning. Children are helped to become confident speakers and attentive listeners, sharing their news and experiences with others. Phonological awareness, reading and writing skills are developed and extended through a range of play and more formal situations.

MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT

Through structured practical and play activities children become confident with the basic concepts of mathematics. They are encouraged to apply their knowledge to every day problem solving.

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

In this area of learning children are encouraged to use their senses and skills of observation and investigation to explore the world around them. They begin to develop their sense of place and time and use a range of ICT equipment to support their learning. We cook every week.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Children take part in a P.E. lesson every day to develop their gross motor skills. Fine motor control is encouraged through structured play activities such as play dough, sewing and threading, cutting, and tracing. Children also use the outside bikes and trikes.

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Children explore a variety of artistic techniques and materials. Imaginative play is a vital part of Early Years education and our ever changing role play corner and puppet show allow for any budding actor! Children explore musical instruments, sound and rhythm and are helped to perform and review music.