CURRICULUM

At St Bernadette’s academic achievement is highly valued.  Through the study of a broad, balanced and creative curriculum we aim for all pupils to make good progress, achieve the targets set for them and attain to their full potential. Across the curriculum we promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils.

The key elements, which comprise the basic curriculum, are:

• Religious Education for all pupils regardless of age.
• Pupils in the Reception class study the Foundation Curriculum.
• Pupils in Years 1 to 6 study ten subject areas.  These are – English, Mathematics, Science, Information and Communication Technology, Art and Design, History, Music, Design and Technology, Geography, Physical Education.
• All pupils in school also study French as a modern foreign language.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS

School plans, monitors and evaluates outcomes from the Every Child Matters framework to ensure all children be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being.

Every Child Matters states all pupils should enjoy learning and achieve economic wellbeing. Children can only fully achieve this if they know and understand basic skills. By basic skills we mean “the ability to read, write and speak in English and use Mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at work and in society in general.”

BASIS SKILLS QUALITY MARK

October 2007, St Bernadette’s School was awarded the Basic Skills Quality Mark for a second time. This reflects the high standards achieved in English and Mathematics.

The National Literacy Strategy and the Numeracy Strategy are followed in school as these ensure continuity, progression and extension for all pupils.  National Curriculum is addressed at all levels. The teaching and learning of English and Mathematics is considered to be of paramount importance and as such, pupils receive a daily Literacy and Numeracy lesson. Further opportunies for writing are planned across the curriculum.

English, Mathematics, Science and ICT, which help children to study all the other subjects, are known as core subjects.  The other areas of study are non-core, foundation subjects.

Personal Social and Health Education is taught both as discreet teaching and learning and through a cross-curricular approach.  (A copy of this policy and all other policies are housed in school, copies can be read or copied)

All pupils study French. The school has links with a school in France and pupils from both schools communicate with each other.  Pupils in Year 5/6 enjoy a visit to France .

School works in partnership with Our Lady’s Catholic College, a teacher from the school supports the Primary school teachers with aspects of the curriculum.

The following pages give a brief outline of the areas of the Curriculum.

ENGLISH

At St Bernadette’s we are committed to the implementation of the National Literacy Strategy.

Literacy unites the important skills of reading and writing.  It also involves speaking and listening.  Good oral work enhances pupils’ understanding of language in both oral and written forms and of the way language can be used to communicate.

We aim to give the children the ability to read with understanding and enjoyment.  We believe in a mixture of approaches including phonics, reading schemes and ‘real books’ giving every child the maximum opportunity to fulfil their potential.

We welcome parental involvement and believe that parents and teachers should work together for the benefit of each child.

MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics Curriculum follows the Framework of the National Numeracy Strategy and is designed to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in numbers and the number system, calculations, solving problems, shape, space and measures and data handling.  In keeping with the Numeracy Strategy, we teach and give practice in number facts and multiplication tables.  Mental methods of calculation are taught and emphasised.  It includes opportunities to apply this knowledge in practical and problem solving situations both within the Mathematics lesson and across the curriculum.

Children are taught as a class, in groups and individually according to the nature of the topic and to their own stage of development. 

SCIENCE

All children at St Bernadette’s are given experience through life and living processes, materials and their properties and physical science.  We aim to give children an interest in the wonders of the natural world in which we live.  Pupils are encouraged to appreciate the awe and wonder that exists in our world.

We teach Science both as a separate subject and also as part of topic work that is carried out throughout school.  Children are encouraged to carry out practical experiments and investigations alongside other types of activities such as research, observation and prediction.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Our overall aim is to offer interesting and enjoyable experiences in the computer suite, through which the children can develop the technological skills needed for the world in which we now live.

All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and have three computers linked to the internet .In addition all classes have access to a mobile library of laptops and our computer suite.

Our pupil computer ratio is higher than the national average.

Children are given experience of using ICT with a variety of equipment, this includes digital cameras.  These are used for a range of purposes including the communication and handling of information and problem solving.

Through work in other areas of the curriculum, children use ICT to organise, refine and present text, graphics and sound in different forms.  They may work individually, in pairs or small groups.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education and moral training are central to our teaching which is based on the principles of the Gospels.

Parents have prime responsibility for the religious formation of their children by sharing their own faith with them.  The role of parents is so decisive that, should it be absent, it is difficult to compensate for.

Religious Education in school is regarded as not just a subject among others competing for curriculum time, but as a constantly developing way of learning how to look at the world, ourselves and the relationship of the whole of creation to the creator God.  The teaching of religion, therefore, is not confined to the RE lesson but pervades all the work of the curriculum, which is used to stimulate religious growth and development, as well as academic and social progress School follows, “The Way, the Truth and the Life” RE programme.

WORSHIP

It is the responsibility of every Catholic school to provide for all its members a vital experience of liturgy, worship and prayer which:

• names and celebrates God present and active in authentic human experience
• is educative
• is within our Catholic tradition

The purpose of these experiences is:

• to raise our mind and heart to God
• to develop the school as a community of faith
• to assist learners in developing their relationship with God, creation and the community of the Church
• to witness to the community and the wider world

Collective Worship in our school is:

• properly planned
• adequately resourced
• recorded
• monitored
• evaluated

We ensure that the Collective Worship experienced within the school is a relevant, meaningful and positive contribution to the religious, spiritual and moral development of all members of the community.  Parents do however have a right to withdraw their child.

HISTORY

At St Bernadette’s, History is mainly taught on a topic basis with links developed with other subject areas.  The Curriculum 2000 Programme of Study provides the context for the school’s work in History.  Learning is mainly on a class basis with work graded to suit children’s individual capabilities.  A variety of sources – written, pictorial and actual artefacts – are studied.

Great importance is placed on making History an exciting, interesting and enjoyable learning experience.  Visits are often arranged to historical sites where people’s impact on the environment throughout history is studied.

GEOGRAPHY

Children are taught skills such as map work and the use of an atlas through Geography topics, which are on-going throughout the school.  Atlas skills are further developed as part of our annual celebration of European Language Day.

The starting point for our school Geography work is our own immediate locality, thus allowing children of all abilities to participate directly from their own experience.  As they grow in ability and geographical awareness, the areas of investigation expand and more secondary sources of information are introduced.

Our overall aim is to increase the children’s awareness and understanding of their surroundings and the wider world.

THE ARTS

In attempting to develop all the God-given talents of our pupils we address the imaginative, affective and creative nature of each child and so all are encouraged to come to an appreciation of Art, Music and Drama.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

The main emphasis for Technology is on teaching children skills that they can apply to design, build and evaluate models to support work in History, Geography, Science and many other areas of the curriculum.

MUSIC

Music is taught to all children.  We aim through this curricular area to present a wide range of music to all children and to enable them to experience the pleasure of music making for them through singing, playing instruments and learning to read and compose music.

The Lancashire Schools’ Music School provides instrumental music tuition in school at a cost to the parents of £60.00 per term.  This year these include violin, flute, clarinet, guitar and keyboard/piano tuition.  In addition, the children in Year 4/5 have the opportunity to play the recorder.

ART AND DESIGN

Our children are encouraged to develop their creative, imaginative and practical skills through a balanced programme of Art, Craft and Design activities.  They explore and investigate line, tone and colour, pattern, texture, shape, form and space.  Pupils are introduced to the work of artists, craft workers and designers in order to develop their artistic experience and knowledge and to give them an appreciation of the richness of our diverse cultural heritage.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Education of the whole person must include physical development alongside development in other curriculum areas.

At St Bernadette’s there is a well-developed programme of Sports and Physical Education which, in addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle, enables our pupils to accept both the success and the disappointments of not winning graciously and to co-operate with others using their best qualities to contribute to the greater good of the whole group.

We provide a full and varied programme of PE.  Throughout their primary years, children develop skills in gymnastics, dance, games, swimming and outdoor pursuits.  They learn to work individually, with a partner, in a group or as a class.

Children are taught skills and then asked to apply them in game situations.  In Year 6 pupils develop skills in tennis at the local courts.  Pupils at St Bernadette’s benefit from the close links we have with Our Lady’s Catholic Sports College.  Teachers from the college work closely with staff and pupils in school by sharing their expertise to provide specialist teaching and learning for our pupils in Key Stage 2. 

ASSESSMENT

Teachers mark and evaluate pupil’s work daily.  Our thinking is, “ascertain what a child knows and teach him/her accordingly”.

More detailed assessments are carried out termly or half-termly in the core subjects.  This ensures pupils remain focused to achieving their targets.

Pupils in years 2, 3, 4 and 5 are more formally assessed in the summer term.  Pupils in years 2 – 4 complete test papers in English, reading, comprehension, writing and spelling.  They also complete a Mathematics test paper.  The data from these tests is shared with pupils and parents and further used to provide information for future pupil target setting.

Pupils in Year 5 undertake tests in English, Mathematics and Science.

Pupils in the Foundation class are assessed on entry to school and at the end of the year.  Teacher assessment is ongoing throughout the year and the teachers complete a Pupil Profile to show progress and achievement and to set future targets.

Performance Indicator Papers are used throughout the school to measure progress and as indicators of further attainment.

STATUTORY ASSESSMENT

Pupils in Year 6 complete Statutory Assessment Papers in English, Mathematics and Science.  Teacher assessment scores and testing scores are provided for the High School.

HOMEWORK

At St Bernadette’s we require children to undertake regular homework.  As children get older they are to be given homework tasks on a regular basis.  Hopefully, they will want to share this interest with you.  Any help that you can give to encourage your child to complete work is of great advantage.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

In addition to class lessons in gymnastics, dance, games and swimming there are a wide range of extra-curricular activities including netball, football, rounders, athletics and cross-country. 

Pupils in upper Key Stage 2 can partake in rock-climbing at Our Lady’s Catholic College for half a term in a year.

Other out of school activities include:

• Italian club
• Gardening Club
• Art Club
• Football Club
• Cricket
• Netball
• Clay Animation/ICT club
• Musical Theatre
• Choir

PASTORAL CARE

All members of staff at St Bernadette’s are involved in the pastoral care of our pupils under the direction of the Head teacher.  The school is also served by an Educational Psychologist, a Welfare Officer, a School Doctor, a Health Visitor and Safety Officer.  The school endeavours to serve you, the parents/guardians, and also the children.

Individual children may have problems during their school career.  We are here, with your support, to help them with their problems.  If you, as parents/guardians, or we as teachers, are concerned about specific problems, an appointment will be made where these problems can be discussed confidentially with the Head teacher.

One of the aims of the school is to maintain a caring school community and it is in this regard that we are most dependent upon your support.

PASTORAL CARE AND DISCIPLINE

The highest standards of behaviour are expected of all the pupils.  Positive values are modelled to pupils.  Children are taught to develop self-respect, respect for each other and for those in authority.  Formal school/class rules are kept to a minimum.  All members of staff follow the guidelines contained in the Behaviour Management Handbook.  Throughout school, procedures are fair and consistent, with positive reinforcement being provided for the children through the study of Personal Social and Health Education, Circle Time and Religious Education.

SCHOOL RULES

• Lessons commence at 8.55 am, please ensure your child arrives by 8.50 am and no earlier than 8.45 am, if left unattended.
• If your child arrives late, please ask them to tell their teacher and the school secretary so that the register can be marked and if necessary a dinner ordered.  (We would rather have your child in school late than not at all.)
• Children should keep their desks tidy, sit properly on chairs and put them away tidily at home time.
• When moving around school, children should walk quietly, never running or shouting.
• If for any reason your child cannot do PE or go swimming we must have a letter from yourselves and if the situation persists, one from your doctor.
• If your child is absent from school for any reason, contact must be made on the first day of absence by telephone, followed up by written confirmation on your childs return to school. If absence is prolonged please keep school informed.
• Make sure all your child’s belongings are named so that if we find them, we know to whom they should be returned.
• Sweets are not allowed in school, except when celebrating a birthday.  Similarly, toys and games should not be brought into school.
• If children bring money in for a specific reason, it should be in a clearly marked envelope.
• Jewellery may not be worn in school.  Watches are allowed at the owner’s risk.  School takes no responsibility for loss or damage.
• Children should always behave in a polite, respectful and responsible way.

GOLDEN RULES IN OUR CLASSROOMS

• We will love others as Jesus loves us.
• We will always work hard and do our best to finish our work and achieve the targets set for us.
• We will be polite and helpful to everyone.
• We will work quietly and sensibly.
• We will look after our building, books, equipment, gardens and school grounds, clothes and belongings and have respect for those of others.
• We will listen carefully to our teachers, other staff and pupils.
• We will talk to our teachers or Headteacher if we feel worried.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

All children are special.  At St Bernadette’s we aim to maintain high expectations of all our children.  We recognise that many children have special educational needs.  These needs may be physical, intellectual, emotional, or behavioural difficulties, social and cultural background, religious or ethnic origin.  Children with needs and those who are identified as being talented or more able are provided with the appropriate differentiated curriculum.

We suggest that special educational needs should be fulfilled through a whole school approach where pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and the principles of equal opportunities are upheld.  Children with special educational needs are integrated into classroom programmes.  A flexible approach is essential and depending on individual needs the class teacher will engage various effective teaching and learning strategies.  These encourage, stimulate and motivate pupils in a happy environment.

Mrs Halsall, the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, organises provision for children with special needs.  This includes liaising with parents, colleagues, external agencies, other support agencies, the health and social services and voluntary bodies. If a child has complex needs, our school has access to the Educational Psychology Service, who offer advice and support where appropriate.

The school’s Special Educational Needs policy is in accordance with the County and Department for Education ‘Code of Practice’ in respect of children with special educational needs.

Despite the class teacher’s support and differentiated planning some children have difficulty in learning.  If this happens we will provide additional help and support.  We will discuss this with parents and devise an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for the child.  This will be reviewed at Parents’ Evenings and once per term by Mrs Halsall - the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) and the class teacher.  Parents will be invited to this meeting but if they cannot attend, a copy of the reviewed IEP and new IEP will be sent home and any comments will be welcomed. This is called “School Action”.

If, despite this help, we are still concerned that a child is not making progress we will increase the help that is given to a child.  We will do this if we feel that a child is falling significantly behind the rest of the class and we do not feel that we have sufficient expertise in school to plan appropriate curriculum activities.  If this is the case we will ask for advice from professionals not directly employed by the school.  We will continue to use IEP’s but they will be more detailed.  This is called “School Action Plus”.

In a small number of cases where a child meets the LEA criteria for action we will refer the child to the LEA so they can consider making a detailed diagnostic assessment.  Provision at this stage is known as “Enhanced School Action Plus”.  This will be fully discussed with the parents beforehand.

For pupils who have a “Statement of Special Educational Needs”, the school will hold statutory reviews and meet all statutory requirements.

We value the help that parents can give us and appreciate them sharing any problems a child may have had previously or during their time with us.  Should a parent have concerns about the progress of their child they should discuss them with the class teacher.  If there continues to be a cause for concern then this should be brought to the attention of the SENCO (Mrs S Halsall).  Complaints about the special educational needs provision made by the school should be discussed with the Headteacher (Mrs S Halsall).  In the unlikely event that the Headteacher is unable to resolve the complaint, then the parent should write to the School’s SEN Governor (Mrs V White).

HEALTH EDUCATION