Maths
We consider Maths to be a crucial part of education, both in a technical and in a practical sense. At Castle Park School, our intent for mathematics is to teach a rich, balanced and progressive curriculum using maths to reason, problem solve and develop fluent conceptual understanding in each area, equipping them with skills that will enrich their experiences beyond school. Our curriculum allows children to better make sense of the world around them by making connections between mathematics and everyday life.
Our policies, resources and schemes support our vision and clearly outline where maths can be incorporated across different curriculum areas. The structure of the mathematics curriculum across school shows clear progression in line with age related expectations. Teaching curriculum content in blocks allows children to explore skills and knowledge in depth and gain a secure understanding of particular subject matter. Key knowledge and skills are also revisited regularly allowing repetition to embed learning. A concrete, pictorial, abstract approach provides children with a clear structure in which they can develop their depth of understanding of mathematical concepts.
We aim to ensure that mathematics is a high-profile subject which children view positively and with a ‘Can do’ attitude. Enjoyment is key and we make learning maths fun and memorable, encouraging questions and a deeper understanding of the subject through problem solving and reasoning.
English
English is the key to unlocking all aspects of education and empowering learners. We encourage and foster a love of stories and books which in turn, helps children understand the building blocks of language. Through storytelling, communication and exploration, we create confident and creative speakers and writers.
Reading, writing, spelling, handwriting and grammar are all covered extensively and children are given the tools to present their learning in a clear, articulate manner.
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Sciences
At Castle Park School, we believe that teaching and learning in Science should stimulate and excite children’s curiosity about their environment. It provides first-hand experiences where children can develop enquiring minds, learning how to question and discuss science through collaboration. A planned range of practical experiences set in meaningful contexts helps to develop a range of investigative skills, allowing children to take risks, learn from their mistakes and develop their independence as learners.
Promoting the learning of science through fun, practical activities is a key tool, as is observing natural phenomena through a scientific lens. We encourage respect for living organisms and the natural world, as well as showing children how to evaluate evidence, harnessing their natural curiosity.
Our vision for science mirrors our whole school approach to learning as it is taught in relevant, meaningful, engaging contexts, therefore staff are aware of our overall intent as it is part of well established, good practice. It is also evident that staff understand, are passionate about, and ensure that science is practical, first hand and stimulating for the children.
This is detailed within the science policy, was shared and discussed at a staff meeting. Staff agreed that the statement reflected our approach to and delivery of science at Castle Park. The ‘Principles for Science at Castle Park School’ were also reviewed. Overall, a consensus was reached around the content of these. It was felt that extra statements should be added to highlight how science supports our learning in our everyday lives and to reflect the progressive nature of our curriculum, which builds upon previous learning. Through the use of the CUSP program we feel we are able to meet our expectations successfully as we strive for our children to progress and develop their personal scientific skills, knowledge and understanding.
Elements behind our intent, and certain core features, are highlighted and given priority when planning and delivering science. The delivery of knowledge-based learning is strong and is based on our principles. Our intent and principles are continually considered and used, shared to ensure practise reflects our current learning climate, the views of our learners and teachers and the needs of the children that we teach.
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Geography
Geography, both local and worldwide, is an important complementary subject at Castle Park. Teaching children about the world around them, whether close or distant, is a key part of their growth as global citizens, encouraging them to be curious and open-minded to the environment around them. Using maps, field study, classroom materials and site visits helps to give a broad overview of the concepts involved.
History
We believe that learning about history will help children to put their moment in context, teaching them about life in the past and about the wider world. We encourage independent thinking, bringing historical figures and places to life through field visits and classroom materials. Learning about the past, whether good or bad, is a key educational touchstone.
Religion and Worldviews
Religious literacy, which encourages children to engage critically with the big questions in life, is at the heart of our Religion and Worldview Education.
Through their learning at Castle Park School, pupils will develop the ability to hold balanced and well-informed conversations about religion and worldviews (both religious and non-religious), which will prepare them for life, both within our country and also in the wider world, where they will encounter a huge range of complex ideas and beliefs.
Through our enquiry approach, children are taught to value the lived experience and diversity within and between religious and non-religious worldviews and to explore their own personal worldview. Children are encouraged to reflect on the significance of interfaith dialogue and the important contribution this can make to combating prejudice and discrimination. Through this approach children become tolerant and accepting towards people with different religious or non-religious worldviews to their own.
PSHE
At Castle Park School we believe that PSHE education is a fundamental part of every child’s education, as it can support academic attainment by removing barriers to learning. Our PSHE curriculum helps children to become confident and happy citizens, who are able to stay safe and healthy in our ever-changing society and be prepared for life’s opportunities.
Our curriculum is structured and delivered in a developmentally appropriate way in order to give children the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to improve their life chances. We enable children to develop their sense of self-worth by encouraging them to play a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community.
Our curriculum covers a wide range of topics relating to physical and mental health, wellbeing, safeguarding and healthy relationships, whilst also meeting the statutory guidance for Relationships and sex education (RSE).
Art
At Castle Park we value the arts as a central part of school life and our school motto ‘Learning for Life’. By developing an arts-rich curriculum and a creative learning environment we believe we can contribute to the quality of a child’s life, both within and beyond school. Arts education is a powerful tool for raising self-esteem as it allows all children to express themselves and to succeed.
During their time at Castle Park Children experience a wealth of opportunities to develop their understanding, knowledge, skill and appreciation of art, craft and design. They explore a variety of tools, media and techniques to create sculptures, drawings, paintings, collages, prints and textiles.
Children are encouraged to express their ideas and feelings using these skills and techniques, even in other areas of the curriculum. Over time they will have looked closely at, and responded to, the work of a large range of artists from varied and diverse cultures and backgrounds, past and present.
The curriculum is designed to foster a life-long interest and appreciation for the Arts in our children – encouraging an active and independent involvement in cultural opportunities within school and our local arts community.
EYFS PreSchool (Kingfishers) EAD Art and Design LTP
EYFS Nursery (Ducklings) EAD Art and Design LTP
Music
At Castle Park School, music is valued as a powerful and unique form of communication that may influence the way that pupils think, feel and act; music can inspire and motivate where other stimuli are ineffective. As a vehicle for personal expression, it promotes emotional development and encourages creativity and, therefore, makes a valuable contribution to the wider curriculum by building self-respect and supporting the development of self-control and positive social attitudes. Teaching of music enables children to listen to, create, play, perform and enjoy a wide range of music, along with developing the skills to appreciate different musical forms and begin to make informed and open-minded judgements about the quality of music. It is also recognised that the teaching of music enables children to develop and practice skills which support their learning across the curriculum.
With this in mind, we aim to:
- Develop an enjoyment of music by providing opportunities to listen to a variety of music and to play a variety of instruments, both individually and co-operatively.
- Develop and extend children’s musical skills, understanding and knowledge in line with the Government’s Model Music Curriculum including the four key areas of singing, listening, composing and performing.
- Promote children’s social development by listening to, participating in and responding to music as a group.
- Develop children’s cultural and spiritual awareness by listening and responding to different types of music from around the world.
- Develop the learning skills of productive listening and concentration by composing and performing for different audiences and appraising and evaluating their own and others’ work.
- Offer a wide range of extra-curricular music opportunities as pupils move through the school.
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PE
Physical Education is an important life skill, nurturing healthy attitudes to exercise, sport, healthy living and play. We encourage children to take part and to develop a love of physical activity, with a focused and constructive use of their natural energy.
We provide high quality and inclusive P.E. that allows all children to get involved, evaluate performances and experience success..
Design and Technology
Design and Technology are relevant across many key subjects, and provide a practical demonstration of them in action. Whether through textiles, resistant materials, graphics or food, we take a broad and practical approach to the subject. Children are encouraged to pick up the core concepts and to try out practical approaches for themselves, guided towards important results and findings.
Whether in science, engineering, art or computing, other important subjects are enriched by Castle Park’s approach to D&T.
Computing
We recognise that technology is everywhere and will play a pivotal role in our pupils’ lives. Therefore, we want to ensure that our curriculum models and educates our pupils on how to use technology positively, responsibly and safely.
We believe that our engaging and motivating computing curriculum will enable our pupils to:
- Use computational thinking creatively in order to understand the changing world and to make deeper links with the wider curriculum.
- Be responsible digital citizens with a solid understanding of how to be safe and polite online and to understand the risks and benefits of online communication.
- Become digitally literate so they can use, express themselves and develop ideas through information and communication technology and by using a variety of apps/programs.
- Use their digital literacy skills to approach new or unfamiliar technologies with understanding and confidence.
- Develop independent and logical thinking through reasoning, decision making and problem solving.
- Use technology to support their learning in school and remotely from home (if required).
- Solve problems in a creative, logical and collaborative way through repeated programming opportunities, allowing pupils to build understanding and apply the concepts of computer science
- Build upon previous skills progressively, across all three areas of computing, as they move through the school.
- Leave our school with a confidence that allows them to flourish in the digital world.
