It is the policy of the Staff and Governing Body of Byfleet Primary School to offer a broad balanced, stimulating curriculum. Following statutory requirements the National Curriculum is followed in Art, Information Communication Technology, Physical Education, History, Geography, Music, Science and Design Technology. The National Literacy Strategy and The National Numeracy Strategy have been fully implemented. Religious Education is taught in accordance with the agreed Surrey Syllabus. Social, moral, cultural and spiritual education is incorporated within all aspects of the curriculum.
Each subject is led by a co-ordinator and carefully prepared schemes of work are implemented in all curriculum areas.
Our Teaching and Learning policy reflects the School’s aims. The children will be taught in a variety of styles and will receive whole class lessons, group lessons or be given individual tasks to complete.
All classes are involved in field trips to enhance their studies. We believe that learning through first hand experience is very valuable.
Literacy
The Literacy Strategy is fully implemented. The Literacy hour is taught in mixed ability classes in Years R to 2. In Years 3 and 4, 5 and 6 the children are ability grouped for Literacy (see Key Stage 2 leaflet). During the week all children will receive teaching on handwriting, phonics, reading, guided reading, writing - creative or non-fiction, spelling, grammar and punctuation. In all years some literacy-based homework will be sent home each week. The ICT is incorporated into all literacy teaching.
Numeracy
The Numeracy strategy is fully implemented. The Numeracy hour is taught in mixed ability classes in Years R to 2. In Years 3 and 4, 5 and 6 the children are ability grouped for Numeracy (see Key Stage 2 leaflet). Key Stage 1 pupils receive 45 minutes teaching a day rising to 60 minutes in Key Stage 2. Each lesson includes a mental arithmetic session. The programme of study includes work on Number, Shape and Space, Measurements and Data Handling. The ICT is incorporated into all numeracy teaching.
Science
The school has an excellent scheme of work for science, which allows the pupils to study all aspects of the subject. Our award winning environmental area has enhanced the teaching of environmental science. In Key Stage 2 National tests (SATS) the school has had excellent results in Science, above the National average.
Information Communication Technology
ICT is an important part of all curriculum areas. We have a technology area, which consists of 10 computers, DT-tools and resources and a cookery area. This is used by each class weekly and over the term the pupils will carry out activities in ICT, Design Technology and cookery.
The school has multimedia computers in every classroom and the library areas have computers shared by the whole school. All of the Key Stage 2 Classes and the library computers are connected to the Internet and have E-Mail facilities for the pupils to use. Each class receives a skills lesson each week to teach new IT skills. Information Communication Technology skills at the most recent OFSTED inspection were found to be above the National average. Pupils are fully independent computer users.
History and Geography
History, Geography and some aspects of Science are taught as topics. In Years 1 to 6 they are taught on a 2-year cycle.
The list of topics to be covered this year can be found in the School Brochure.
Art and Music
All pupils in the school enjoy Art. The scheme of work provides careful skills teaching so that the pupils are confident to use a variety of materials and techniques. Art enhances all areas of the curriculum.
Music is taught to all classes. The school also has weekly hymn practises. The school has a school choir. Peripatetic teachers attend the school to give instruction in the guitar, flute and piano. These lessons have set fees.
Physical Education
Byfleet Primary believes that physical education is a very important part of the curriculum. Each class has weekly lessons in games and gymnastics/dance. During the summer term a qualified swimming coach teaches swimming and the pupils carry out activities in outdoor and adventurous activities. Coaches from Puma sports, Chobham Rugby Club and Surrey Cricket Team also work in the school throughout the year. At the lunchtime play, physical activities and organised games are encouraged. We have competitive teams in netball, football, rugby, athletics, cricket and rounders. An annual sports day is held. In Key Stage 2 we have a competitive sports day. We also hold a whole school afternoon where children in mixed age teams compete in various activities.
Religious Education
All classes are taught from a scheme of work based on the Surrey Syllabus. Children learn principally about Christianity but are also taught about others cultures. Visits to St. Mary’s Church, the Methodist Church, the Mosque and Synagogue are part of the curriculum.
Collective worship is carried out daily. Parents have a right to withdraw their pupils from collective worship, on religious grounds.
Sex Education
Parents, Governors and Staff in 2001, agreed the sex education policy. It is taught as part of the Health Education programme and links with the Science scheme of work. Parents are invited to preview any videos used by the school to support sex education. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Sex education.