“The school curriculum comprises all learning and other experiences that each school plans for its pupils. The national curriculum forms one part of the school curriculum.” Introduction to the National Curriculum framework document, 2014
At The Priory CE School we aim to provide our pupils with a curriculum that is broad and balanced. We ensure that it matches the expectations of the National Curriculum, and also that it follows the aims and vision of our own Curriculum Policy. This policy defines the skills and attributes we would wish to develop in all our learners, as well as defining important principles and expectations.
The curriculum is reviewed annually to ensure that what we teach is aligned to the National Curriculum 2014. Subject leaders advise so that they can plan a curriculum which meets pupils’ needs and is enriched by opportunities to learn in a range of ways.
Art and Design
Art and Design makes a unique contribution to the development of the child. All of the children at The Priory are encouraged to enjoy and appreciate Art and Design, and to respond and express themselves creatively.
During their time at The Priory, pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works. In class, Art and Design is sometimes taught as a discrete activity, but may also be incorporated into the topic-based curriculum and through cross-curricular learning. Pupils are taught to use materials, tools and techniques for practical work in accordance with current health and safety requirements.
Geography
Geography is a valued part of the curriculum, providing a purposeful means for exploring, appreciating and understanding the world in which we live and how it has evolved. Geography explores the relationship between the Earth and its people through the study of place, space and environment. The national curriculum for geography aims to ensure that all pupils by the end of each key stage, know, can apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programmes of study.
History
History is a foundation subject within the National Curriculum 2014. History will be taught through a topic based approach whenever possible using a range of resources to support planning, teaching and assessment. The study of History aims to give children a sense of their own identity within our social, political, cultural and economic background. We ensure the progressive development of historical concepts, knowledge, skills and attitudes and provide a History curriculum which is broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated.
Music
Music is a unique method of communicating that can inspire and motivate children. It allows for personal expression, and it can play an important part in the personal development of pupils. From the day they arrive in Reception, pupils are taught a wide range of techniques. At the Priory, music is taught through performing, composing and music is created, produced and communicated. Pupils are taught to sing, and to use tuned and untuned percussion instruments individually and in groups. Through performing and listening children learn the elements of music, which include pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations. Music also plays a vital role in many weekly and yearly events of the school calendar. Songs are chosen for whole-school-singing that contribute to the topics explored in assemblies and there are many opportunities to perform at various events throughout the year, these may include our Nativity Service or drama production. Pupils also have the chance to take part in various workshops and festivals while in school, as well as having the option of joining Glee Club.
Peripatetic lessons are also available in Guitar, Violin, Flute, Clarinet, Recorder and Piano. There is a charge for these peripatetic lessons but no child will be denied the opportunity to learn an instrument due to an inability to pay.
The Priory School R.E. curriculum:
Humanities
| Humanities subjects are about how people of different cultures and societies relate to each other and the world in which we live and have evolved through history. Our aim is to encourage children to apply their experience of the world around them and extend their understanding of it in personal, local, national and global contexts. As a school we aim to develop the skills and understanding needed to equip children to play an active, well-informed role in the community and prepare them for further lifelong learning. |
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Year R | All About Me Harvest/Elmer/Christmas | Fairy tales/Space | Mini beasts/Water fun sealife |
| Year 1 | Great fire of London | sunflowers and stickmen | Wacky Races – Technology |
| Year 2 | Explorers | Castles and Palaces | Animals |
| Year 3 | Vikings | Extreme Earth | Romans |
| Year 4 | Water Cycle | Around the World | Egyptians |
| Year 5 | Ancient Greece | People and Places | Entrepreneurial/fair trade |
| Year 6 | People and places | Ancient Greece | Earth matters |