The School Curriculum
The National Curriculum
This is divided into four core subjects, English, Mathematics, R.E, Science and Foundation subjects, Computing, Art & Design, Design & Technology, History, Geography, Music, Languages (French), Physical Education.
The children are divided into three main groups:
Foundation Stage
Key Stage 1 Age 5 to 7
Key Stage 2 Age 7+ to 11
At the end of Key Stage 1 and 2 the children undergo National Standard Assessment Tasks. There are `foundation profiles` for the early years children.
At Selsted, we have a cross-curricular approach to our curriculum. A large proportion of the timetable is spent on the three core subjects English, Maths and Science, ensuring that the children acquire the basic skills needed.
The rest of the curriculum (where possible) is taught through a thematic approach, linking subjects wherever possible.
We try and use the outside area as much as possible in our learning and encourage the use of practical activities to support learning.
Phonics & Reading
In EYFS and KS1 we teach phonics using the Letters & Sounds programme.
Reading books are banded for children so they are aware of which books are accessible for them to read. Books are readily available for the children in Class Libraries and the School Library.
Swimming
Swimming is an integral part of the curriculum within key Stage 2 and visits to a nearby pool are arranged for three terms for each class. Details of this particular timetable are issued through our newsletters and Home Link Books. A voluntary donation is necessary to make this activity viable.
Personal, Social and Health Education (P.H.S.E.)
Health Education is taught within the general education programme and is included as part of the Citizenship and PHSE class lessons. Any questions will be answered in as honest and natural a manner as possible. The school uses various materials to support PSHE, including SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning). We also use national initiatives such as anti bullying week to support the curriculum. British values are also supported through this PSHE.
Relationship and Sex Education (RSE)
As a school we feel it is our responsibility to provide children with the opportunity to learn about RSE in a safe and secure environment. Although not a statutory subject it is vital that we support children in all aspects of their lives.
As a school we have adopted a scheme called 'The Christopher Winter project' to support teaching staff in the delivery of this subject.
Children will be taught in their year groups rather than classes for RSE to ensure appropriate content is taught to the appropriate age of the child.
Parents have the opportunity to opt their children out of either specific lessons in RSE or the entire content. Letters will be sent home at the beginning of each academic year with an opt out form attached.
Mathematics
At Selsted we place a high priority on Mathematical ability. The children have daily Maths lessons, which include developing number skills, reasoning and problem solving. In Key Stage 1 and 2, the children are regularly given Maths homework.We aim to make Mathematics enjoyable and interesting by teaching the subject through games, practical activities, exploration and discussion, as well as more formal written work.
We aim to promote mental dexterity with numbers, including teaching a sound knowledge of number facts and multiplication tables.Children are encouraged to think logically and develop an ability to reason with numbers.
Problem solving is at the heart of our teaching. Through independent and collaborative work, the children are taught to apply their Mathematical skills to real life situations and practical problems.
Science
As a result of mixed year groups through the school from Year 1 to Year 6, curriculum areas are taught over a two year cycle.
The teaching of Science is based upon the Kent Science Plan in addition to detail from the National Curriculum. Programmes of study are followed and pupils are assessed against the stated attainment targets.
The scientific experience of children at Selsted involves the need to raise questions, carry out fair tests and make sound observations; to gather information and undertake different forms of identification and classification. Science skills and knowledge grows over the years as pupils carry out work related to plants, animals, habitats, seasons, humans and everyday materials. Naturally, the school site, environment and locality lend to a wonderful opportunity for children to benefit from.
As pupils progress through school, science activities broaden and increase to include work with electricity, light, sound, forces, magnets, states of matter and rocks – as well as evolution, earth and space.
The rich science experience provided at Selsted is based on expectations and content found in the National Curriculum. All this is brought to life through lessons designed and developed by teaching staff who, through practical activities, ensure a good level of enjoyment and understanding. By Year 6 children have been well prepared for the world they are growing up in.
Computing
Each year Selsted includes regular guidance about how to keep safe on line (e-safety) as part of the Computing curriculum.
In the early stages children are taught how to use a computer effectively: mastering keyboard skills, mouse control, saving and retrieving work, printing and aspects of control technology.
From this early experience, lessons move on to include the use of programmes that provide opportunities for children to write, calculate, create and follow instructions as well as collect and analyse data. Children also learn how to solve problems, carry out research as well as publish their work; Ultimately, children are encouraged to be masters of the computer. All this aims to provide confidence and a proficiency in the use of technology both now and for the future.
Design Technology
Design technology relates to many skills and areas of learning at Selsted and can therefore be found within topics or other subjects being taught at the same time. Design technology can enrich the learning experience and particularly benefit children who learn in a far more practical way.
Over their years at Selsted, children will use Design technology skills and experience, to design, construct, evaluate and apply previous knowledge. Activities around school include using computers to simulate situations, producing jewellery and pottery, making 'safe' toys for younger children, cooking and solving problems of a practical and ‘real-world’ nature.
Music
Children are encouraged to appreciate a wide variety of sounds and music. They compose music with a range of musical instruments and in Key Stage 2 children are taught to play an instrument. In the past these have included recorders and ocarinas, however currently year 3 are learning to play the guitar over a 20 week block of lessons. In addition,visiting specialist teachers teach groups and individual children to play other instruments, including guitars, violins and flutes. Music plays an important part in our collective worship, drama productions and other celebrations. The children also have many opportunities to sing together and there is a school choir that takes part in festivals and competitions.
Each class takes place in a musical performance each year with Foundation and Key Stage One performing a traditional nativity at Christmas time, Year 3 and 4 a musical linked to the curriculum at the end of term four and year 5 and 6 a finale production at the end of the year.
French
In French lessons, the children engage in a range of practical activities, including games, songs, drama and listening to stories. The children are taught many everyday words and phrases and practise asking and answering simple questions. Children in Key Stage 1 and 2 have links with French schools in Bordeaux and regularly correspond with their French pen friends.
Enrichment
At Selsted School we feel it is important that the children are exposed to a rich curriculum, including some things that may not be in the national curriculum. This may include developing additional social skills, learning a new skill or being exposed to something completely new. To ensure this happens and that it remains a priority for us we hold enrichment weeks at the end of every term. These are not usually subject based and are chosen by the children at the beginning of each academic year. Past weeks have included; enterprise, outdoor learning, health and well-being, The arts, Christmas around the world to name a few.
School Curriculum Plans
Curriculum Plans for each class can be found under the 'Classes' tab.
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