Curriculum

At The Grange Community Infant School...

"The curriculum is a strength of the school. Whilst there is appropriate focus on literacy and numeracy, pupils experience an engaging and wide range of experiences through topics such as 'Dangerous animals' in Year 2 and 'Castles, princes and princesses' in Reception.' The curriculum is further enhanced by frequent visitors and a wide range of clubs." (Ofsted 2014)

At The Grange the children enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum and we are creative in the way that we plan and teach all subjects. We believe that this approach motivates and inspires our children to learn. Our vision is to promote a love of learning that will continue throughout life. We believe that every child has their own unique gifts and abilities and should be valued for their individuality. Information is given on the weekly newsletter about the specific topics and areas of learning that will be taught the following week. Should you wish to find out more about the curriculum at The Grange do please ask you child's teacher. The regular after school Drop-ins would be an opportunity to do this.

Should you wish to find out more about a subject included within the National Curriculum then please ask at the school office for a paper copy.

We promote learning to learn behaviour and introduce the 'Achievosaurs'.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Children  have a natural curiosity for learning and we encourage them to broaden their experiences through a range of practical activities. We structure and model the language for learning when the children are enjoying exploring new concepts and ideas.

All children have a Learning Journal. We hope to collaborate with you on recording evidence of your child’s learning at home. At The Grange we place great importance on supporting the reception children as they begin their learning journey through school. In addition to our well-resourced classrooms called Ladybirds, Owls and Hedgehogs, the children's learning opportunities and experiences are extended through the outside classroom area. We offer a range of structured and well-planned activities both inside and outside balanced between adult-led and  child-initiated.

We continuously measure the progress and success that children make towards the Early Learning Goals.  We share targets with parents every term so that children's learning can be consolidated. Achievements are reported to parents in July before they move into Year 1. The stage reached in all areas of learning for all 17 Early Learning Goals is reported. This is described as emerging, expected  or exceeding. (See Early Years Foundation Stage Framework)

Key Stage 1- Year One and Year Two

Across the school we use a variety and range of teaching styles to support learning.  Learning and teaching take place in the inside and outside environment sometimes as a whole class, small group or individually.

All children make good progress because teachers carefully monitor children’s learning and ensure that next steps are appropriate for each child.

English

In Reception, children are taught to form their letters correctly.  Once they begin to join their letters we encourage them to use a cursive style of writing (see our 'How to help your child at home' page for more information). Children learn to write for a range of purposes and audiences. They learn through writing stories, poems, lists, letters and recounts with the emphasis being on writing for a purpose.

Reading, writing and spoken language are developed using a creative, cross curricular approach.

We aim to foster a love of reading and offer a wide range of reading material including our core reading scheme Oxford Reading Tree. Reading and comprehension skills are developed using a variety of methods, including the teaching of phonics. Some of the resources we use include Jolly Phonics, Letters and Sounds, Phonics Play and Big Cat Phonics.

We aim for children to become clear, fluent and confident speakers and our children take part in many presentations and school performances. Good listening is developed in many ways such as listening to stories being read or discussion in learning circles.

Maths

We aim to make Maths relevant and enjoyable and promote a cross curricular approach in learning whenever possible. Children enjoy many practical experiences to acquire skills and understanding in number, shape and space (geometry), measure and data handling/statistics. They are encouraged to use these skills so that they can manipulate numbers easily, make reasoned arguments and solve problems. Children are given opportunities to learn individually, in groups and as a class through mathematical challenges.

Religious Education

RE is a compulsory component of the curriculum in all schools. RE at The Grange is taught in accordance with the Surrey Syllabus which is updated every five years. At each Key Stage, teachers may draw from other religions and viewpoints, as appropriate to recognise and celebrate the diversity of the school community, especially those views represented in their own class. Whilst R.E encourages the understanding  of difference and diversity within and across religions it is important that mainstream views and practices predominate through the units studied. 

Within Early Years children are taught Religious Education thematically through the topics of 'Specialness', 'Celebration' and 'Belonging'. Topics are based upon children's own lives and experiences  and are introduced to Christianity and other religions and beliefs represented in their own class. 

For Key Stage One, children follow the Surrey Syllabus Units and are introduced to the study of Christianity and aspects of Judaism and Islam and where appropriate consider non-religious worldviews. 

Across both stages children are engaged in comparative topics where they discuss big questions such as 'Who looks after our world?' and 'What can we learn from stories?'

All pupils, unless parents have requested that they should be excluded, take part in a daily act of collective worship - this usually takes the form of an Assembly. Parents are invited to join us for some special assemblies such as Christmas or class assemblies.

Science

In Science children cover a range of topics including seasonal changes, plants, everyday materials, humans and other animals, living things and their habitats. They work scientifically by observing, asking questions and performing simple tests.

Computing

Computing includes teaching children to understand how to give instructions to computers and programs, keep safe on the internet and use modern technology such as iPads, netbooks, cameras and programmable toys.