• THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM

   

  • The National Curriculum outlines the programmes of study in maintained/state primary and secondary schools in  England.
  • It sets out what children should learn in Key Stages 1 and 2.

   

• The content within the National Curriculum

  • The National Curriculum identifies what to teach but not how to teach.
  • In primary schools, it consists of eleven subject areas and Religious Education.
  • English, Maths and Science are the three core subject areas, with detailed programmes of study. As a Catholic school, we consider the teaching of RE to be a core subject area too.

   

• National Curriculum 2014

  •  From September 2014, it was compulsory for children in Years 1, 3, 4 & 5 to follow the new National Curriculum.
  • As of September 2015, all year groups, Years 1 - 6, will follow the new National Curriculum, as will the government testing, which will be modified against the new expectations.

   

  
  

  Science is an integral part of the curriculum at St. Joseph’s. It is the systematic investigation of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the world which relies on first-hand experiences and on other sources of information. Through Science, pupils at St Joseph’s develop knowledge and understanding of important scientific ideas, processes and skills and relate these to everyday experiences. In their Science lessons, children are given opportunities to develop the skills of sorting, classifying, planning, predicting, questioning, inferring, concluding and evaluating through investigative activities.

   

  History and Geography are subject areas that excite children’s curiosity and help them to better understand the world around them. History is the study of

  the past and of the people and events that helped to shape our world and our sense of identity. It enables children to consider how the past influences the present and allows them to develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people. Geography is the study of the physical features of the Earth and its natural processes. It enables children to develop their use of geographical tools and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Whilst implementing the National Curriculum for Physical Education, we emphsise the necessity of a broad and balanced programme in order to develop each child’s abilities. Through movement, gymnastics and dance we aim to develop the skills essential to agility and physical coordination and encourage self expression. Together with individual activities we encourage participation in team games and aim to develop a sense of co-operation and sensitivity to the needs of others through team situations.

Swimming is provided as part of the curriculum in Years 5, as well as this, we encourage all swimmers to join a swimming club out of school. Activities in a wide range of sports including netball, kickboxing, football and cricket activities are also held after school at various times throughout the year.

The P.E. uniform is detailed later in this prospectus. Trunks (not bermudas) or a one piece swimming costume are required in Years 5 for swimming lessons. We ask that parents send a note to school if their child is to be excluded from physical activities on medical grounds and appreciate parental support in ensuring that children bring the appropriate clothes to school for all activities.