The curriculum is delivered in a variety of ways:

• whole class teaching

• group teaching

• individual teaching

• guided exploration

• independent self directed activities

Teachers ensure that there is a balance between the introduction of new ideas, skills and knowledge and the reinforcement, practice and repetition of what has previously been taught.

The National Curriculum forms the basis for Curriculum planning throughout the school. The core subjects of Maths, English and Science are the main priority with the children gaining a basic knowledge and skills in all other subject areas. Our enquiry based approach to curriculum planning aims to maximize cross-curricular links.

In Yr R the children continue their learning in the Foundation Stage through the Early Learning Goals with activities planned to meet each child’s educational needs. This prepares them for the National Curriculum usually when they begin Yr 1 but may be sooner. The emphasis on individual needs continues throughout the school and is reflected in the School’s Policies.

Through the National Curriculum the children are expected to acquire skills and knowledge and to develop into self-motivated learners. We aim to develop the whole child emotionally, socially, spiritually and academically.

At the start of each half term parents are provided with a brief outline of the topics and areas of study the children will be cover.

Careful assessments and records are kept of your child’s attainment and progress. You are kept as fully informed as possible through parent interviews and the end of year annual report. Further information and appointments are provided as and when necessary. A copy of the school’s most recent National Assessment results with comparative national data can be found on our website.

Throughout the school, home learning plays a developing role in supporting the children’s schoolwork and learning. Children are expected to:

     -  read regularly at home, ideally every day.

    -   practice their phonic skills

    -   practice times tables and weekly spellings

    -   complete a weekly maths 

At the beginning of each school year (or when a child joins the school) they are given a Home/School Planner. There is clear guidance on any homework set as well as a place to record the books your child has read in the planner.

To support and enrich the curriculum there are number of special events and visitors into school each year. Focused study weeks provide opportunities for more in-depth study of a particular topic and a chance for the whole school to celebrate their learning together. Visitors are able to share their expertise and show the children the relevance of their learning in the outside world.

English

Science

The science curriculum provides children with a progression of skills in observation, prediction, hypothesising, fair testing, seeking and recording evidence, interpreting results and drawing conclusions. The wide range of practical scientific investigations and demonstrations that the children experience are designed to help them develop a wide knowledge of scientific principles that helps them make sense of everything around them.

Longitudinal studies in YR-5 are carried out across the school year.

Religious Education

Religious Education aims to develop the spiritual side of each child. Children develop knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith whilst appreciating other religions within our society. Throughout their time at South Wonston the children’s learning focuses on finding out about aspects of Hinduism, Judaism and Islam as comparisons to Christianity. The children are encouraged to develop an attitude of caring, co-operation and appreciation of others.

Religious Education is taught following the Hampshire County Council "Living Difference" scheme of work.
 

Computing

The school has a Computer suite containing 30 desktop computers which are linked to the Internet, allowing us to both teach computer skills and to use them to support other areas of the curriculum. Each class uses this suite for at least 1 hour each week. The school has a wide range of Educational and PC software as well as a range of other equipment: Beebots (Programmable toys) and digital cameras to support the use of computing in the curriculum. Each class has an Interactive Whiteboard panel which is used by the teacher and pupils during lessons. In order to support their learning further the children have access to Purple Mash both at school and at home. 

History
Learning about the past and the methods used to study it helps pupils make sense of the world in which they live. They are introduced to what is involved in understanding and interpreting the past and this helps them to establish their own ideas, beliefs and values and to form an understanding as to why the world is as it is. As well as developing knowledge of the past the children learn historical skills which help them understand and interpret historical information. The History curriculum is taught following a programme which includes first hand experiences provided by school visits and speakers which enrich the learning. Where appropriate, cross-curricular links such as ICT and drama help to consolidate the pupils’ understanding.

Geography
Geography is taught through topics that focus on environmental issues, the study of places and the human and physical processes, which shape them and the people who live in them. Skills and knowledge are taught through first -hand experience wherever possible allowing children to develop appropriate fieldwork skills.

Design and Technology

Throughout Key Stages 1 and 2 children complete design and technology projects in materials, textiles, food and control mechanisms. These projects provide opportunities for the children to design and make products, learn and develop practical skills and investigate and evaluate simple products. South Wonston School has a kitchen area available for use by the children.

Art and Design

We aim to develop each child’s creativity and imagination through a range of visual, tactile and sensory experiences. These opportunities help them to understand and respond to the world by expressing their ideas and feelings.
In Key Stage 1 the children begin to develop an understanding of colour, form, texture and pattern through a variety of media including paint, clay, textiles, and sculpture. During Key Stage 2 children build on their knowledge, skills and understanding of materials and processes through a wide range of experiences including visits to art galleries, museums and workshops. By exploring the ideas and meaning of the work of other artists, craftspeople and designers they learn about their different roles and about the functions of art, craft and design in their own lives and in different times and cultures.

Music

Children across Key Stage 1 and 2 have a class music lesson each week. All children have the opportunity to listen to and learn to sing a wide variety of songs from around the world. Appreciating the efforts of others and performing in front of an audience is actively encouraged.

Across the school we use the 'Charanga' Music Scheme of work. The learning within this Scheme is based on: Listening and Appraising Musical Activities — creating and exploring Singing, Playing Instruments and Performing. 

In addition to class music lessons there are opportunities for children to learn to play brass, string, wind instruments, keyboard or the drums. Tuition is provided by peripatetic teachers who visit the school each week. Children do not normally begin learning an instrument until they are in Yr 3. There is a charge for these lessons.

We celebrate children's music achievements in a number of ways:

-   class assemblies to parents  where the class showcases their learning from their weekly music lesson

-   Whole school assemblies where children are invited to perform for their peers

-   An end of year Musical Concert where any child who wishes to perform can take part. We include those who        have lessons out side of school if they would like to perform.

We organize opportunities across the year for the children to hear live music in whole school assemblies.  For example:

-  our peripatetic music teachers perform individually, showcasing music for their particular instrument.

- group performances from Hampshire Music Services Teachers.

- an annual Theatre production which takes place during the Autumn term

- Children attend Hampshire Music Services events where schools from across the county come together to perform with an orchestra   eg 'The Big Sing'  at the Anvil Theatre.

French

In Key Stage 2 the children are introduced to the French language through a weekly lesson. We base the lessons around the ilanguage scheme of Work which encourages the children to use both the spoken and written French language.

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

Careful attention is given to Personal, Social and Health Education. Aspects of children’s safety, health and personal development are studied through schemes and involves liaison with outside bodies such as the Police, Health Authority and various Charities. Children are taught about aspects of personal care and to have an awareness of the dangers of today’s society. Citizenship and having respect for one another, different cultures and diversity, is an important part of this education and is explored through a variety of activities including the School Council. The School Council is made up of representative children from Yr 1 to Yr 6, elected by their peers. They meet regularly with members of staff to discuss school issues.

Special Educational Needs (SEND)

PE and Games

Physical Education and Games are an important part of the school curriculum. All children are expected to take part in an indoor gym or dance session and an outdoor games session each week, unless there are special circumstances. All children are encouraged to participate in a wide range of physical activities to the best of their ability. They are taught why exercise is important and how they should maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Building on their enthusiasm for movement Key Stage 1 children begin to work with others in pairs and small groups. By listening, watching and experimenting with movement and ideas they develop their skills co-ordination and ball and racket skills. In Key Stage 2, children learn new skills, find out how to use them in different ways, and link them to make actions, phrases and sequences of movement. Children are encouraged to enjoy both collaborating and competing with each other, learning how to evaluate and recognise their own and others’ success.