Foundation Subjects

Foundation Subjects

There are three core subjects and eight Foundation Subjects that make up the National Curriculum; The Core subjects are Maths, English and Science. While the Foundation subjects are Design and Technology, PSHE (Personal, Social  and Health Education), Computing, History, Geography, P.E., Art and Design and Music. We also teach Spanish as our Modern Foreign Language in KS2. Foundation Subjects are usually found as part of topic work but sometimes occur separately.

 

 As  a school we are working on tracking documents to outline the progression of both skills and knowledge within each subject across the school. These are working documents that we are developing over time. The latest version of the document for each subject area is available here.

 

Science

Our approach to Science in the National Curriculum is subject based, but with the opportunity for the class teacher to use a cross-curricular approach where appropriate. This facilitates a variety of teaching methods including class, group and individual teaching.

The children will experience the National Curriculum through observation, investigation and discovery.

 

R.E.

We teach the children to understand the needs of themselves and others in the world, through learning about Christianity and other world religions. Through the study of world religions the children learn about different religions but also consider what they can learn from the different religious beliefs.

History

History is taught through a topic approach. Each year group focuses on different aspects throughout the year. We aim to develop the children’s historical understanding through the use of artefacts and secondary sources in order to foster research skills and an empathy with the past.

 

Geography

Geography is taught through a cross-curricular approach, or as a separate subject where appropriate.

We endeavour to match geography with other related subjects such as Science to ensure a depth of experience without unnecessary duplication.

We cover the Geography National Curriculum through a series of projects looking at both the local environment and the wider world.

Historical and Geographical skills are usually developed through topic work, building an awareness of local surroundings which widens as children progress through the school, together with an understanding and knowledge of the world in which they live.

Design and Technology

Design Technology is met within a cross-curricular approach in which we aim to develop the children’s skills as they progress.

Design Technology involves the investigation of a need and the skills of planning, making and evaluating to realise it practically. DT is taught using a wide range of media, e.g. clay, textiles, wood, paper and construction materials

 

Music

Music is usually taught as a class activity. Our aim is to enable children to enjoy music through the development of listening skills and musical appreciation. Children are encouraged to compose and perform both vocal and instrumental pieces are introduced to a wide variety of styles, including listening and appreciating the work of well-known composers.

 

P.S.H.E (Personal, Social and Health Education)

Learning to know and understand ourselves and others is a difficult task as children grow up. PSHE aims to develop awareness of personal relationships and a healthy lifestyle. It aims to develop children in the following areas:

  • Developing confidence and responsibility and making the most of their abilities
  • Preparing to play an active role as citizens
  • Developing a healthy, safe lifestyle
  • Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people.

 

P.E. (Physical Education)

We use the Cambridgeshire scheme of work to provide a balance and engaging programme. Children will develop their skills and understanding of competitive team games (e.g. Netball and Cricket) as well as Outdoor and Adventurous Activities, Dance and Gymnastics.

 

As a school we have worked to create knowledge and skills tracking documents to ensure that the teaching in each year group builds on the learning from the year before. These tracking documents outline the key skills and knowledge in each subject area that children are expected to learn in each year group.

Modern Foreign Languages

Languages are a lifelong skill - to be used in work and for pleasure - and promote and encourage multi-cultural understanding. We use Spanish to teach skills which help with learning any language in Key Stage 2.

Computing

We believe that computing is an essential part of the national curriculum. Computing is an integral part of modern day life and therefore provides a wealth of learning opportunities, explicitly within computing and also across other curriculum subjects. Through the study of computing, children are able to develop a wide range of fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding that they will need for the rest of their lives. Computers have become a part of everyday life. For most of us, technology is essential to our daily lives, at home and at work. ‘Computational Thinking’ is a skill children must be taught in order to provide them with essential knowledge and skills that will enable them to participate effectively in the digital world.

Art and Design

Art and Design provides the children with the opportunities to develop and extend skills and an opportunity to express their individual interests, thought and ideas. Art lessons are an important part of developing our children’s ability to develop their individual creativity, express their ideas and understanding and to work both individually and collaboratively with others.

Each year group plans art lessons, which aim to ensure that children are able to develop key skills using specific media. Lesson aim to inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. They also use the work of famous artists as a source of inspiration and should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.