Planning
(1) Long Term
Projects and Units
Each term features units of work from each subject area. We take one of these units each half-term and make it a particular focus of interest for the class. We call the specially selected unit of work the project for the half-term. We try to make links between subjects when studying the topic.
(2) Medium Term
Knowledge and Skills
In each unit or project, we are looking to teach key pieces of knowledge and skills. By knowledge, we mean to know something. By skills, we mean to be able to do something. As adults, we may know the Highway Code and be able to drive. The first is knowledge, the second a skill. Children acquire new knowledge and skills at school each half term. In a history unit of work, they may come to know that the Victorian age was one of great change and in a Personal, Social and Health lesson, they may learn what makes a good friend. Both of these would be examples of acquiring new knowledge. However, in a mathematics lesson, they may learn how to how to calculate ratios, a useful skill.
Attitudes and Behaviours
In addition to knowledge and skills, children also acquire attitudes both in lessons and elsewhere in our school. Such attitudes will shape their behaviours. The attitudes that we look to cultivate are based on our values or those of British society.
Beliefs
As a Catholic school, we look to provide a climate where our children can grow in their faith, building upon their beliefs. At the same time, we work hard to ensure that they learn about the beliefs of others in order that they may come to respect them.