Our Intent

At Fellgate Primary School the curriculum is designed to build upon our vision that everyone feels valued and is encouraged to be the best they can be. We aim to support children’s emotional and physical well-being and ensure our children develop the knowledge and skills which will enable them to make a valued contribution to society.

We celebrate individuality, striving for everyone to reach their full potential and “shine” in everything they do. The ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills, knowledge, concepts and values. We endeavour to provide enrichment opportunities and activities which engage learners and we strongly believe that every child is entitled to enjoy their childhood, celebrate their individuality and be the best that they can be.

Community involvement is an essential part of our curriculum, as throughout it we celebrate the history of our local area and also the importance of our school vision and values. We ensure we make connections and our pupils continually develop new skills.

It is our aim for our children that they leave Fellgate, having followed our vision and values, developed a thirst for learning, are emotionally secure and have the confidence and skills to make decisions, self-evaluate and become lifelong learners.

EYFS

In Reception, we follow the Early Years Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, published in September 2021 by the DfES. This Framework specifies the requirement for learning and development in the Early Years and provides specific areas of learning we must cover in our curriculum. These areas are:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Communication and Language Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

A vital aspect in the development of essential knowledge and skills is the use of continuous provision. This means that children are using and developing certain skills throughout the year on a daily/weekly basis.

Continuous Provision practice and principles begin in Early Years Foundation Stage and support children to develop key life skills such as independence; innovation; creativity, enquiry; analysis and problem solving.

English 

Our English lessons develop pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing and grammar and vocabulary. English is taught in a cross-curricular way, linking up with other areas of the curriculum. We teach our pupils to speak clearly, to convey their ideas fluently and confidently to ask questions. Their vocabulary is developed systematically through the books we read and each class has a word wall. A range of extra activities are used to promote literacy within the school including head teacher awards, World Book Day, library trips and author visits.

Phonics

We use Letters and Sounds as well as Jolly Phonics for our phonics programme. Phonic awareness helps the development of reading by segmenting and blending sounds.

Reading

Our pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure, to read widely and enjoy different genres across different subjects. We promote a love of reading by using our Karate Readers initiative which encourages children to read at home, talk about books and share their love of reading with adults at home. Guided reading sessions cover both fiction and non-fiction books and the children will be heard reading individually and in groups. Guided reading also develops the children’s comprehension skills and deeper understanding of texts. Parents are given clear expectations about reading at home.  Children are expected to read every day both at school and at home to develop their understanding and love of reading. As part of our English lessons we focus an entire lesson on a particular reading skill, such as inference or fact retrieval. Each class in our school is expected to have a reading display, show casing children’s work as well as demonstrating the importance of reading.

Writing

We develop writing skills so that our pupils have the stamina and ability to write at the age expected standard. To support children in moving towards independent writing we provide a wide range of activities including use of film and imagery, modelled, shared and guided writing, peer editing and discussion. We provide opportunities for writing for purpose and we encourage pupils to see themselves as authors. We promote the status of written work by providing opportunities for children’s writing to be published and read by real audiences. Handwriting sessions are incorporated into the English lessons and in standalone sessions using Letter Join.  Grammar is incorporated in English lessons at every opportunity and taught as an isolated lesson at least once a week to further develop and consolidate children’s understanding.

National Curriculum English Programmes of Study:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-english-programmesof-study/national-curriculum-in-england-english-programmes-of-study

Mathematics

At Fellgate Primary School, we embrace the Mastery approach to teaching mathematics. Our teachers will ensure that mathematical skills are taught every day following an exciting and purposeful Maths curriculum. They also use cross curricular opportunities to develop pupils’ mathematical fluency; providing real life contexts to further embed key skills. Our pupils understand the importance of mathematics, are encouraged to be confident in numeracy and apply the skills that they learn to a range of problem-solving activities. The activities cover a wide range of mathematical knowledge, many with an emphasis on practical work.  Our teachers will have a CPA approach when delivering lessons. Arithmetic is taught both during our Maths lessons when appropriate and as a separate daily session. We build on skills and understanding in a step by step and progressive way and continue to develop place value, the four number operations and the understanding of fractional parts. We ensure that all children have the opportunity to reason their mathematical thinking and deepen their understanding through a Mastery approach.  Teachers will use a range of resources to plan and deliver effective lessons whereby all children can achieve.  There are extra activities throughout the year to promote mathematical skills.

National Curriculum Mathematics Programmes of Study:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-mathematicsprogrammes-of-study

Science 

Science will be taught as a separate lesson but will be linked to our Topic work where appropriate. We will encourage our pupils to be curious about natural phenomena and to be excited by the process of understanding the world around them. Key scientific terminology will be introduced each lesson and knowledge will be built upon throughout the school. Pupils will be encouraged to work scientifically and will able to carry out simple tests and experiments using equipment and to gather and record data. Whilst at Fellgate Primary School, children will learn about plants, animals including humans, materials, seasonal change, habitats, rocks, light, forces, states of matter, sound, electricity, earth and space and evolution and inheritance. Visits by specialists alongside close links with local secondary schools will enhance the delivery of our science curriculum.  We will also have dedicated science days throughout the year.

National Curriculum Science Programmes of Study:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-scienceprogrammes-of-study

Art and Design 

Art has a very important place in our curriculum. We see art as an opportunity for individual expression and creativity. It is an important form of cultural exploration and gives children the opportunity to explore a wide range of different materials and media. Our teaching provides an understanding of all the diverse art forms so that the children can experience drawing, painting, collage, textiles, 3D sculpture and digital media. We link art to topics and the wider curriculum, including using art as a communication tool for some children. We are currently working towards an arts award for the school and have links with The Baltic.

Our design and technology lessons encourage the designing and making of products to solve real and relevant problems. Our pupils learn to plan and develop their ideas and select and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristic. We encourage life skills through D&T and ensure the skills taught are transferable. We have a Lifestyle Flat, with fully fitted kitchen, to further develop cookery skills.

Through both subjects staff encourage resilience ensuring children understand there is no right or wrong and strengths are celebrated.

National Curriculum Art Programmes of Study  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-art-and-designprogrammes-of-study

Drama 

Drama is used as a key tool in developing oral skills, vocabulary development, building confidence and self- esteem, and as an essential tool in developing imaginative, expressive, and persuasive spoken and written language. ‘Hot seating’, and ‘response in role’ drama techniques are used in literacy lessons aid the development of speaking and listening, reading and writing skills. Imaginative role play is fundamental to developing the whole child, not just in Early Years and KS1 education, but also as they children develop, and our curriculum provides opportunities to perform to wider audiences through assemblies and events around key festivals. There are increasing opportunities for our pupils to perform as they progress through the school.

Computing

Across the school we have discrete computing sessions for the development of ICT skills but our approach is to integrate computing into all lessons. We use a variety of hardware on a daily basis which is an important learning tool and shows children from an early age that technology is a part of everyday life. The software we use in school supports the teaching and learning of all subjects. From Reception, children are encouraged to use the correct terminology for different aspects of computing and this progresses through the school.

Whilst at Fellgate Primary School we aim to ensure that all pupils: can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. We teach children to analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. We encourage the children to become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.  We are also supported by ICT in Schools at the Open Zone and they provide curriculum days for children to access which are always fun and engaging.

E-safety is a key priority within computing and as a school we teach the children how to use technology safely and respectfully. Children are taught where to go for help and support if they have any concerns regarding online activity. We also have a dedicated e-safety week which coincides with Safer Internet Day and during this week assemblies and a range of activities across all classes focus on a specific e-safety theme.  At Fellgate Primary School we pride ourselves on being a Kidsafe registered school.  This fantastic programme covers a variety of aspects on keeping children safe including staying safe online and cyberbullying. The children always enjoy meeting KS the monkey!

National Curriculum Computing Programmes of Study: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-computingprogrammes-of-study

Modern Foreign Language 

From Year 3 to Year 6 we teach French to all children. Our approach is to make learning a new language fun! Pupils are very receptive to learning a new language; they like to mimic pronunciation and can easily pick up and replicate new sounds and words. They feel a sense of accomplishment when they learn to say something new. We have discrete lessons on the timetable but also integrate the language into everyday routines where appropriate. We also access support from the link local authority adviser, to develop the skills of staff and team teach lessons.

National Curriculum Language Programmes of Study  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-languagesprogammes-of-study

Music

The Department of Education states that: Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. A high-quality music education should engage and inspire pupils to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity
and sense of achievement. As pupils progress, they should develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon. (DFE-00175-2013)

Therefore, at Fellgate Primary School music will be embedded throughout the school day to create mood, atmosphere and to improve the children’s thinking skills in a variety of lessons. Music will be taught across the school, enabling all children to explore a range of musical instruments and styles.  All children will be taught to compose and improvise using the inter-related dimensions of music with both voice and instruments.  They will explore how to play musically and will be encouraged to play together in ensemble groups as well as independently as a soloist. During assembly, children will use their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs in a range of genres. Children in Key stage 2 will have the opportunity to join our school choir. The children will have opportunities throughout the year to perform for wider audiences in a range of venues through a celebration of their musical prowess.

The musical programme ‘Charanga’ will support our teaching of music across the school.

National Curriculum Music Programmes of Study:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-music-programmesof-study

Physical Education (PE)

PE is delivered by a Specialist HLTA, a qualified coach and class Teachers. Our PE sessions take place both indoor and outdoor.

EYFS and Key Stage 1 lessons focus on mastering basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and coordination through dance and gymnastics.  Pupils are encouraged to participate in team games and to develop simple tactics for being an effective team member.

Key Stage 2 lessons focus on using basic skills in isolation and in combination through competitive games such as badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, rounders and tennis.  Pupils learn to apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending, and develop flexibility, strength, technique and control through athletics, gymnastics and dance.  In addition, Key Stage 2 pupils take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team; swimming is introduced to the timetable from KS2.

We ensure wider participation in the community by taking part inter-school sports and tournaments alongside Local Authority based competitions and festivals.

National Curriculum P.E. Programme of Study https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-physical-education-programmes-of-study

PSHCE
PSHCE, or personal, social, health, citizenship and education, is a planned programme of learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives. As part of a whole school approach, PSHE develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. It prepares them to manage many of the most critical opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they will face growing up in such rapidly changing and challenging times. It also helps them to connect and apply the knowledge and understanding they learn in all subjects to practical, real-life situations while helping them to feel safe and secure enough to fulfil their academic potential.

Our scheme follows 7 key strands: Sex and relationship education, Drug, alcohol and tobacco education, Keeping safe and managing risk, Mental health and emotional wellbeing, Physical health and wellbeing, Careers, financial capability and economic wellbeing, and Identity, society and equality.

In our programmes, we actively promote British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs to prepare our pupils for life in modern day Britain. Our citizenship lessons enable our pupils to understand the British democratic process and how to effect peaceful changes in society.

All our year groups have timetabled PSHE time but we encourage a cross-curricular approach to the development of PSHE skills and understanding. Circle time is used to listen to others and to be heard with the help of class friends. Pupils learn about similarities and differences between people and cultures to gain the skills they need to live peacefully and happily in modern Britain

National Curriculum PSHE programmes of Study:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-social-health-and-economic-educationpshe

Religious Education  

We follow the South Tyneside Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (SACRE). Religious Education (RE) is taught to all children, however parents have the right to remove their children from RE lessons. Our teaching promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils. It reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of other principal religions represented in Great Britain. We will not convert or steer pupils towards a particular religious belief. Our teaching enables pupils to acquire knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, attitudes, practices and rituals and give them the opportunity to develop their own beliefs and values. They will also be aware that some people have no attachment to religious beliefs and follow secular philosophies.

Religious Education DfE Guidance:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/religious-education-guidance-in-english-schools-nonstatutory-guidance-2010

Topic

We aim to use topic work to teach history and geography skills and understanding across the school, but where this is not possible we use discrete subject lessons. Our curriculum is carefully balanced and planned to be age appropriate across the years and long term plans are used to show areas of learning and the knowledge and skills covered in each class. Where appropriate art, music, literacy, maths and science skills are developed and linked in topic teaching. For example, a history topic about the stone age could include a class novel such as ‘Stone Age Boy’, a science lesson about fossils and an art lesson creating cave paintings. We teach location and place knowledge, weather and climate skills and knowledge and about significant historical events, people and places in our own locality. Educational visits are also used to enhance the curriculum.

History programme of study: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-history-programmes-of-study

Geography programme of study: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-geography-programmes-of-study