Learning

Our Curriculum 

At Calverton we aim to deliver a challenging, rigorous and exciting new curriculum which will develop in pupils a love for learning. 

English

Our successful literacy curriculum comprises the Read Write Inc a synthetic phonics approach for younger children and the Literacy and Language scheme for the older children.

In RWI children are taught to:

• read and write letter-sound correspondences quickly
• decode effortlessly, spell and handwrite easily
• comprehend what they read
• read with fluency and expression
• write confidently using oral rehearsal
• work effectively with a partner to articulate their learning at every step

 In Literacy and  Language children are taught to:

• develop their comprehension, vocabulary, writing, critical thinking and discussion skills
• learn grammar in a fun and meaningful way
• learn what it is to be a real reader and to truly engage in the world of books

The Big Question :

The aim of the Big Question is to develop spoken language and argument skills. Children are encouraged to discuss the weekly Big Question with parents and siblings.  Children learn to justify ideas with reasons, negotiate, evaluate and build on the ideas of others, as well as think in a deeper way about abstract ideas.  We encourage children to express their opinions and enjoy a context where there may be no right or wrong answers. The Big Question will be displayed on the school website weekly.

Reading

We strive to foster a love of reading in our pupils, and children of all ages are helped to read widely, both at home and at school. We make sure that children regularly share a class reader with their teacher through reading a class book together. 

Maths

Our Mathematics curriculum is taught through the Maths No Problem scheme which is a consistent, whole-school school approach to teaching maths with high expectations for all.

In Maths children are taught to,

• deepen their conceptual understanding through a learning system of concrete objects, actions and vocabulary which develops fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills
• transform their understanding and enjoyment and encourage all them to excel and become excited about maths
• develop their 'mathematical mastery' by following the five key areas, Arithmetic 1, Geometry, Data and Measure, Arithmetic 2 and Reasoning

Science

Science, wherever possible, is taught through a hands-on approach and our children are encouraged to experiment and discover for themselves. We want children to ask BIG scientific questions and use their scientific understanding and skills to find the answers.

Foundation Subjects

We teach all our foundation subjects through a ‘Creative Curriculum’ approach. Each subject is taught as a discrete subject and where possible we try to link the topics across all subjects.

We have chosen six whole school themes which captures the essence of the vibrant learning which takes place at our school during the year, 

Through these themes we  aim to

• inspire and develop curiosity within our pupils so that they become independent learners with a real passion for learning , ‘aspirational’ and reaching their full potential
• develop children’s awareness of what is it to be British and encourage them to be respectful of the diverse cultures
• develop an awareness, appreciation and commitment to the local area through our community projects,
• prepare pupils with the skills for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in later life in Modern Britain

Learning Outside the Classroom

At Calverton we feel it is important that our pupils take part in educational visits, which give them a wide range of experience. We plan some excellent educational visits to make full use of living in London and link these trips to our curriculum.

Sex Education

Sex Education is taught as part of the Health Education programme. It aims to foster a sense of responsibility and encourage the development of a positive self-image. Our policy encourages the exploration of values and moral issues and the development of communication and decision making skills.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Sex Education lessons and are invited to discuss their concerns with the Headteacher.

Religious Education

There is a daily act of collective worship and our R.E. policy, aims to teach an understanding of all major faiths with which the children will come into contact. It also reflects that the religious traditions in this country are largely Christian. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from R.E. or collective worship by writing to the Headteacher.

Homework

Children will be expected to do homework on a regular basis. This may include: reading, spellings, quick recall of times tables, research and completion of set English and Maths work