Primary School

Teaching and Learning in Key Stages One and Two

Pupils in keystage 1 are aged from 5-7 years, pupils in keystage 2 are aged from 7-11 years old.

Teaching and learning will look different depending on the pupils learning needs. We run 'pre formal', 'semi formal' and 'formal' curriculums in the classes across the Primary school.

The youngest pupils in year 1 can share the space with the EYFS department. This allows for a smooth transition to the most appropriate ‘formal’ curriculum while still providing opportunities for explorative and imaginative play.

As pupils continue through Primary school they will have lessons focusing on the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. They will also have lessons on Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) to help them to learn to be independent, resilient and safe. All the other subjects in the national curriculum are taught through a thematic approach which supports our pupils to make connections between what they are learning. Each half term has a different ‘topic’ which subject such as history, geography and ICT are taught through.

Primary school pupils accessing the 'formal' or 'semi-formal' curriculum will complete core subjects of Maths and English in the morning. There is a snack and outdoor playtime at 10.30am, snack time is seen as a learning opportunity and this is typically around Personal, social, health and citizenship targets. The afternoon begins with a reading session in the classes accessing a 'formal' curriculum and this is then followed two other curriculum subjects, with an afternoon snack/ outside play at 2.30-2.45pm.

Pupils in 'Semi formal' and 'Pre formal' classes have a more integrated approach to the curriculum. They also access termly topics which encompass all curriculum subject areas.

A range of teaching and learning styles are used in order to meet the needs of the pupils. 

Each pupil has an English, Maths and subject work books in which their learning is recorded. This recording takes the form of pupils work, observations, annotated photos and activity recording sheets. 

Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their learning and whether they have achieved the objective and how they could make their work even better. Acheivement in all areas is celebrated, whether in class, within groups, during assemblies. Pupils are awarded 'Citizen of the Week' certificates in weekly assemblies alongside 'Star of the week' certificates awarded in class. We also send home 'Good News' postcards to parents celebrate a pupils success. Pupils are also given verbal praise, stickers and other small prizes and notes of their achievements are made to parents through the home-school diary.

Class teachers also liaise closely with the school Speech and Language Therapist and Occupational Therapist for advice on individual pupils needs.