Introduction to Art

Art stimulates creativity and imagination. It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world. Encouraging children to think outside their own immediate environment is an increasingly important aspect of the primary school’s role. By introducing children to the work of artists, makers and designers from around the world, showing them historical artefacts, and providing examples of artistic traditions, textiles and methods of working from other cultures, we can enable children to make important connections between themselves and those whose lives and experiences might otherwise seem very remote. Pupils use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think. Through art and design they learn to make informed judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions, becoming actively involved in shaping their  environment. Understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts has a powerful and valuable role to play in the overall ethos of Charlestown Primary School.

Objectives:

•  Provide a stimulating environment with exciting, high quality displays and interesting artefacts that will excite their imagination and add value to their work
•  Provide a broad and balanced range of arts activities
•  Develop pupil’s visual and tactile awareness and visual and tactile literacy
•  Develop each child’s ability to communicate ideas, opinions and feelings about their own work and that of others; and through that, develop a sense of value of their own and others’ work
•  Provide opportunities for pupils to use a wide variety of artistic media so that they acquire skills and develop techniques that will enable them to realise their ideas in both 2D and 3D work
•  Ensure pupils can use tools and materials safely and make appropriate choices to extend and enrich other subject areas by the incorporation of art

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Introduction to Computing

At Charlestown Primary, the curriculum for both computing and E Safety have been organized to ensure progression of skills and understanding year on year. Using the National Curriculum, we aim to ensure all children are equipped for the digital world. 

Technology can help children make accelerated progress in all areas of their learning. We do not know what the future holds for our children, so the aim of the Charlestown Computing Curriculum is to give the pupils the best start to life involving technology, preparing them with the skills to adapt and adjust to the technology of the future. As a school we believe that pupils should not just be ‘computer literate’, but be able to use technology to solve problems, help them access learning and stay safe online. 

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Introduction to Design Technology

Design Technology often links to other subjects.  For example, we link history learning about WW2 with rationing and learning about foods that were grown and cooked during the war.  Of course there are other links to maths (measuring) and art (designing).

The key to the process is the evaluation - how can we improve what we have designed?  As with all other areas of our learning, we try to make DT as exciting as possible.

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Introduction to Geography

At Charlestown Primary School, we are committed to providing a Geography curriculum which ensures that all of our children have a good knowledge of where places are and what they are like both in Britain and in the Wider World.  We teach children to have a comprehensive base of geographical knowledge and vocabulary which progresses into enquiry skills.

Geography helps pupils to gain a greater understanding of the ways of life and cultures of people in other places.

The study of the local area forms an important part of the geography taught at Charlestown, particularly at Key Stage 1. Enjoyable geographical activities are planned to build upon the pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the local area.

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Introduction to History

We teach high quality history lessons that inspire children to want to know more about the past and to think and act as historians. We build a history curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge and skills which enables children to enquire, research and analyse in history. Children will know more, remember more, and understand more.

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Introduction to Maths

We aim to promote a love of maths through practical activity, real life application, cross-curricular learning and enrichment. We aim for children to become fluent in the fundamentals of maths, develop conceptual understanding and have the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly. We want children to develop the component maths knowledge in a clear sequenced way in order to be able to confidently meet the composite (top level) outcomes of our maths curriculum.

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Introduction to Modern Foreign Languages

At Charlestown Primary School we believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our pupils.  It helps them to develop communication skills and extends their knowledge of how language works.  Learning another language gives children a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others.

Taking this into consideration Charlestown Primary school aims to enhance pupils’ awareness of the multilingual and multicultural world in which we live. Through the introduction of an international dimension to their learning, pupils will be given an insight into their own culture and those of others. They will also develop linguistic competence, extending their knowledge of how language works and exploring differences and similarities between the other languages and English.

Objectives

The objectives of learning a Modern Foreign Language in primary school are to:

• foster an interest in learning other languages
• introduce young children to another language in a way that is enjoyable and fun
• stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language
• encourage children to be aware that language has structure and that the structure differs from one language to another
• help the children develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries
• develop their speaking and listening skills lay the foundations for future study

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Introduction to Music

At Charlestown Primary School we believe that a high quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and talents as musicians. Out children's knowledge and experiences of music are nurtured and developed and so increase their self confidence, creativity and sense of achievement.

Our music curriculum informed by the National Curriculum aims, will give children opportunities to perform, listen to, review and evaluate different styles of music whilst simultaneously learning to sing and play musical instruments. They will have the opportunity to create and compose music with others and on their own and gain an understanding of the technical elements needed to do this.  Alongside this, pupils have the opportunity to experience extra-curricular clubs such as our school choir, peripatetic instrumental lessons or First Access whole class lessons which enhances the curriculum on offer.   

We hope to foster a lifelong love of music through diverse musical experiences and will encourage our children on their individual musical journeys, as well as giving them opportunities to connect with others. 

 

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Introduction to Physical Education

At Charlestown Primary School, we believe that PE, experienced in a safe and supportive environment, is vital and unique in its contribution to a pupil’s physical and emotional health.  The PE curriculum aims to provide for pupils’ increasing self-confidence through an ability to manage themselves in a variety of situations.  A balance of individual, team, co-operative and competitive activities aims to cater for individual pupils’ needs and abilities.  The scheme of work is based on progressive learning objectives which, combined with varied and flexible teaching styles, endeavor to provide appropriate, stimulating, challenging and enjoyable learning situations for all pupils.  The scheme aims to promote an understanding of the benefits of exercise and encourage the learning of new skills across a range of relevant activities, which the children can then adapt to different situations and contexts.

 We are committed to working with other schools, Poltair School Sports Partnership (PSSP) and the School Games.  As a result, we encourage our children to take their skills into the community, for example by joining other clubs, and we welcome the expertise of members of the community (such as experienced coaches) into school.

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Introduction to Reading

Reading is the one skill we want all children to develop to the best of their ability - as it is the key to all learning.  We aim for children to become independent and confident readers, so that they develop a love of reading.

To view information on the Silver Stories project, please click here.

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Introduction to Religious Education

‘Religious education contributes dynamically to children and young people’s education in schools by provoking challenging questions about meaning and purpose in life, beliefs about God, ultimate reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human’ (SACRE 2020).

We use the 2020 SACRE, which offers a broad and rich RE curriculum using a scaffolded approach to build on children’s knowledge and understanding of a range of faiths, including religious and non-religious world view. Lessons offer provision of high quality, coherent and progressive experience of R.E, with scope for cross-curricular and experiential learning, as well as identifying links between different faiths. Through each unit, children will know about and understand a range of religions and world views. There is a strong emphasis on respecting the views of others and learning to discuss differences of view confidently and respectfully to ensure children develop positive attitudes and values and to reflect on and relate their learning in RE to their own experiences. The intent is to make sure that children understand the relevance of RE in today’s modern world and how it affects our lives.

Each unit has a ‘Big Question’ (which is broken down into smaller focus questions in all religious and non- religious units except the Understanding Christianity Units). Smaller questions build pupils learning to answer their ‘Big Question’ and all lessons begin and end with this focus. Skills progression includes theology, philosophy and social science. Learning builds through the year with a thematic focus by the summer term. This gives pupils the opportunity to learn about a range of faiths which they compare and contrast in their final unit.

Objectives

• Pupils learn about religions and beliefs in local, national and global contexts, to discover, explore and consider different answers to these questions.
• Pupils learn to weigh up the value of wisdom from different sources, to develop and express their insights in response and to agree or disagree respectfully.
• Teaching should equip pupils with systematic knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and beliefs, enabling them to develop their ideas, values and identities.
• RE should develop in pupils an aptitude for dialogue so that they can participate positively in our society, with its diverse religions and beliefs.
• Pupils should gain and deploy the skills needed to understand, interpret and evaluate texts, sources of wisdom and authority and other evidence. They should learn to articulate clearly and coherently their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences while respecting the right of others to differ.

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Introduction to RSHE

RSHE (Relationship, Sex, Health and Economics) is a vital part of the school’s curriculum. It delivers a holistic ethos to enable individuals to feel valued and respected. Here at Charlestown Primary School, the RSHE education is inclusive and enables all our children to become healthy, independent, and responsible members of society. It aims to help them understand how they are developing personally and socially, and tackles many of the moral, social, and cultural issues that are part of growing up. We provide our children with opportunities for them to learn about British Values and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society. In doing so they are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community.   

At Charlestown Primary School we seek to use RSHE education to build, where appropriate, on the basic school curriculum and in statutory guidance on: drug education, financial education, relationship and sex education (RSE) and the importance of physical activity and diet for a healthy lifestyle. We follow the Jigsaw curriculum, which consists of six half-term units of work (Puzzles), each containing six lessons (Pieces) covering each academic year.  

1.          Being Me in my World 

2.          Celebrating Difference 

3.          Dreams and Goals 

4.          Healthy Me 

5.          Relationships 

6.          Changing Me  

Every Piece has two Learning Intentions, one specific to Relationships and Health Education (RSHE) and the other designed to develop emotional literacy and social skills (British Values). 

The RSHE curriculum is delivered through highly effective ‘quality first teaching’ which aims to develop our children’s understanding of themselves and the wider world around them. With lessons consisting of open discussion, engaging in difficult conversations, and enabling all our children to fill safe and supported with any worries or concerns they might have. 

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Introduction to Science

Science also provides children with the opportunity to access a practical way of finding reliable answers to questions we may ask about the world around us.

Science and Engineering are rapidly growing and important industries in the modern world. Even if children do not become scientists or engineers, they will grow up in a world that requires scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. Science is all around us and helps children to make sense of the world. Charlestown Primary School recognises the importance of Science and strives to maintain a high profile for the subject. Our intent to enthuse and inspire children to develop a love of science is reflected in our curriculum and enrichment activities.

At Charlestown Primary School, children learn through practical activities that link to the real world and through discussion. Working scientifically skills are embedded in our curriculum. A scientist questions, predicts, observes, records, analyses and evaluates. All children can be scientists by following their own natural curiosity and at Charlestown, teachers emphasise these skills in order for children to flourish. Our school strongly encourages the use of subject specific vocabulary and through effective teaching of science we develop children’s knowledge and key skills during each unit of science.

Objectives 

• To nurture children’s natural inclination to explore the world and examine changes in the world.
• To ensure children acquire knowledge as a result of finding answers to questions about the world around them.
• To engage pupils with learning about science, using an array of techniques to link ideas with practical experiences.
• To support pupils to question and explore scientific issues that are likely to impact upon their own lives.
• To help pupils develop and evaluate scientific ideas, using a number of different scientific techniques, such as investigative skills.
• To have strong cross-curricular links and improves children’s communication skills, numeracy, problem solving and ICT skills. 

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Introduction to Writing

At Charlestown Primary School, we believe that writing is an essential life skill not just for academic success but also as a means to enriching lives. We believe that effective writing gives children a voice to share their ideas and opinions with the world. Writing winds its way through our curriculum, giving a richer and more purposeful learning experience. We aim to nurture a lifelong love for writing, equipping our children with the knowledge and skills needed to be effective authors of their own. We want children to have an understanding that writing has a real-life purpose and therefore we provide them with inspiring stimuli, powerful examples from influential authors and opportunities to share and take pride in their own compositions. 
 

Children are taught writing using the Talk for Writing approach and the three stages of imitation, innovation, and invention. This approach enables children to read and write independently for a variety of audiences and purposes within different subjects. Children are taught to write through a variety of genres and story types. This approach ensures the familiar structures become fully embedded in the long-term memory so that the children can later apply these structures to their own writing whilst developing specific writing techniques taught for the area of focus. For example, children may be writing using the structure of a portal story whilst developing their understanding of what makes an effective setting description.   

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