Curriculum                                                                                          Click here to download a copy of the school curriculum.

The school is taught in a cross curricular way when appropriate with different subjects being linked together. Recent examples of this include a fascinating Anglo Saxons project where the children discovered artifacts in the school grounds with the help of archeologists. They spent the term researching the objects (history skills) and finding out more about them using the Internet (ICT). They wrote accounts of the objects and imagined how people’s lives would be at this time (English); some of these were composed on the computer (ICT). Observational drawings were made (Art). Through these activities the children learnt the appropriate skills for their age in these subject areas.

English
This is based on six main areas, speaking, listening, reading, writing, spelling and handwriting.

The children’s learning is carefully structured in each area to help them to progress. Much learning in English is based on the National Literacy Strategy requirements. Reading is an important area where we look for co-operation and support from parents. We use a number of schemes along-side non-scheme books throughout the school. Children will bring home their reading book home.

We ask that parents hear their children read at home, parents and teachers can exchange comments in the record book. With the older children we hope parents will still find time to discuss their books with them as well as hear them read parts of their book.

Drama
Drama is part of the children’s regular activities as it enables them to gain confidence in their own abilities, particularly verbal and non-verbal communication. They have the opportunity to participate in group, class and school activities through class assemblies and school productions. Parents are frequently invited to come and share these events.

Mathematics
Maths is taught using the National Numeracy Strategy. Numeracy is a proficiency, which involves confidence and competence with numbers and measures. A variety of resources is used to support this. Early practical work is built on and developed through the use of activities and problem solving. We recognise the importance of the knowledge and the quick recall of number facts, and Mental Maths takes place daily. To support mathematical development, use is made of calculators and computers where appropriate. We set layered targets throughout the school to support individual learning and to help parents support their child at home.

Our aim is to develop the mathematical skills and understanding necessary for adult life and employment, and to foster appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of mathematics .

Science
We use the Wiltshire Scheme of Work to deliver the National Curriculum in Science. We teach the skills for attainment target 1, experimental and investigative science; explicitly and then encourage children to practise them within the context of an investigation, which may or may not be linked to topic work.

We want the children in our school to look at the world as a scientist. We aim to develop the skills of observation, sorting and classifying, questioning and predicting, estimation and measurement, and fair testing. Children are then taught to notice and explain trends in their results, recording findings in drawings, words, tables and charts.

Art and Design
Art is taught to develop creativity and aesthetic awareness. Children use a variety of media in practical work, and use a selection of works of art in order to develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Design Technology
Design technology is taught to develop knowledge of the properties of materials and construction equipment. Children design and make practical solutions to problems met through the curriculum and everyday situations. Through evaluating, disassembling and investigating, children will have the opportunity to learn how simple products function and appreciate the contribution of technology to the quality of their lives.

Geography
Geography is taught through an enquiry approach, which enables the children to develop an awareness of the world around them, and the people who live in it. Children are taught about their locality and localities outside their immediate area. They are also taught about the influences that man has on the environment and the influences that the environment has on man. Geographical skills and fieldwork form an important part of the subject.

History
History is taught to enable the children to develop an awareness and knowledge of how the past influences the present, what past societies were like and how their beliefs and cultures influenced people’s actions. As they do this, they will learn historical skills and the themes of interpretation, continuity and change. They will also develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people. Visits to places of historical interest may be arranged.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Children at Longleaze benefit from a purpose designed computer suite. They are taught to use a range of ICT tools and information sources, such as computer software and the Internet, to support their work in other subjects. They are taught how to check the quality of and filter information, learning how to present it in a way that suits its purpose. They develop many skills including those of research and communication. Children also explore and compare the different ways ICT is used in and out of school. They use control technology to monitor, light, sound and temperature. Each class has a digital camera and children use a scanner to enable them to edit images for use in a variety of different types of presentations, including web pages.

Music
Music is taught through a programme of activities, which include: -
• Class lessons;
• Recorders for Year 3 and 4
• weekly singing practice;
• links with class topic work;
Instrumental tuition and extra curricular activities, e.g. recorder groups, ensembles, choir and orchestra, are available.

Physical Education
PE is taught through these areas: -
• gymnastics
• games
• swimming – for all children Y1 – Y4, using ASA Awards;
• dance -
• athletics - using Shine Awards.
• outdoor and adventurous activities.

Sports Coaches may be employed to teach tennis for all age groups over the year. Children may be selected to represent the school in the Area Sports Competition as well as in football, rugby, hockey, netball and kwik cricket teams. These take place as extra curricular activities.

Modern Foreign Languages
Longleaze School recognises the importance of children learning a modern foreign language at an early age and has developed a scheme of work as required by the Department for Education and Science’s (DCSF) “Framework for Languages”.

Currently Years 3 - 6 are taught French by a member staff with language specialism and work is followed up by the class teacher.

Religious Education
Religious Education (RE) is taught following the locally agreed syllabus "Thinking Together" (Wilts LA) and using the Wiltshire scheme of work. RE aims to assist children in their search for meaning and purpose in life and to develop awe and wonder. It also aims to provide children with knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other World Religions, eg. Judaism and Islam.

We respect the right of parents to withdraw their child from RE and parents wishing to do so should contact the head teacher so that arrangements may be made.

Personal, Social and Health Education
Personal, social and health education (PSHE) includes everything we do to promote children’s good health and well being. A Scheme of Work has been developed and visits may be arranged, eg the Life Education Centre and theatre groups, to support the children’s learning.

Sex and Relationships Education
Sex and relationships education is taught as part of the health education programme and also as part of science in the National Curriculum. A range of resources is used including videos, which are followed up by discussions with the class teacher and possibly the school nurse. Parents are invited to watch the videos before the children do so. Members of the governing body approve all resources.

We respect the right of parents to withdraw their child from sex and relationships education and parents wishing to do so should contact the head teacher so that arrangements may be made.

Click here to download a copy of the school curriculum.