Class Curriculum Letters - see the Navigation Bar above
At St. Alban's School, we offer a broad-based curriculum
which promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural and physical
development of our pupils and prepares them for the
opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of secondary
education leading towards adult life.
The National Curriculum is taught throughout the Infant
and Junior departments. This comprises the three core
subjects of English, Mathematics and Science with the
other foundation subjects of Technology, History, Geography,
Music, Art and Physical Education. These subjects are
taught according to the Programmes of Study, so that
each pupil will acquire the knowledge and skills, appropriate
to his/her age and ability.
Of course Religious Education is central to the life
of our school.
Literacy
Following the introduction of the Primary Strategy,
children will look at different aspects
of Literacy this will include word level work using
the Letters and Sounds approach ~ a phonics scheme.
Word level is where children will read and phonetically
split up words. Sentence level looks
at the structure of sentences, its grammar and its usage
while text level work introduces the use of different
texts the idea of looking for the author and illustrator.
Our aim is to get the children to apply the skills used
in literacy across the whole of the curriculum.
A core reading scheme operates throughout
the school; each level being supplemented
by a variety of reading material thus
providing both breadth and depth within
each level. All reading books in the school are coloured-coded
to correspond with the core scheme (Oxford Reading scheme)
where possible.
A whole school approach to handwriting
and spelling has been adopted. This encourages
all children to write in a cursive style
as early as possible.
Numeracy
The mathematics taught at KS1 & KS2 are based on
the guidelines provided in the Primary
Strategy. The framework covers all aspects of the National
Curriculum for mathematics. Throughout the school, a
variety of approaches are used to teach mathematics
to the children. These are based on class, groups or
individual activities.
Both KS1 (ages 5 to 7) & KS2 (ages 7 to 11) departments provide
opportunities for the children in discussion, problem solving,
investigation, handling data, computer & calculator.
Children are encouraged to master their knowledge of
tables from an early age.
In the Foundation Stage (ages 3 to 5),
children experience mathematics through
construction, games, discussions and
play. Their mathematics is based on the guidelines outlined
in the Early Years Framework.
Science
The QCA scheme used in the school explores and develops
the subject through various topics.
It covers comprehensively the programme of study in
the National Curriculum.
The scheme has a carefully selected range of activities
and experiences appropriate to the child at each key
stage.
The topics are approached through class, group and
individual work.
In the Nursery and Reception science is explored through
an investigative approach
Geography
Geography is taught through topics, which explain
the physical, environmental and human aspects of the
subject. It is developed using our local environment
as well as field trips and information regarding countries
abroad. In years 5 & 6 the children are invited
to participate in an educational visit to North Wales
(year 5) and the Briars Diocesan Youth Centre (year
6). The children will study pictures and photographs
and begin to use maps and measuring instruments.
The school would welcome postcards, photographs or
items from parent's visits to different parts of Britain
or anywhere in the world.
History
The children are given an opportunity to develop an
understanding and awareness of the past through historical
topics.
Our aim is for the pupils to gain an interest
and knowledge of different periods and cultures
as well as investigating the local history of Chaddesden
and Derby.
At each Key Stage the key elements cover the
following aspects of history
• Chronology ~ understanding where
people, events and places fit onto a time line.
• Range and depth of historical
knowledge and understanding ~ looking at how ideas,
beliefs, attitudes have changed. Reasons for and results
of events and making links between major events.
• Interpretations of history ~
Pupils are able to compare and comment on different
interpretations of an event.
• Historical enquiry ~ Children
look at a range of sources and begin to find answers
to questions about the past.
• Organisation and communication
~ the children are able to recall, select and organise
historical information. Children are able to use appropriate
terms to describe and explain historical information.
The use of ICT and the Internet now plays
an increasing, vital role in searching for information.
The school tries also tries to bring the history topics
to life by having a day centred on some of the topics. Topics
are outlined in the topic plan available from school.
The school would be delighted to accept any historical
items, which parents no longer want.
Technology
The pupils will be given opportunities to design and
make items. This will extend the children's knowledge
and understanding of different materials, food and structures
as well as health and safety aspects.
Information and Computer Technology (ICT)
As part of a world that is increasingly using information
technology as a means of communication, the school's
aim is to teach the children to use the equipment confidently.
We aim to familiarise the children with the relevant
skills needed to use the computers & software from
an early age and increasing those skills throughout
the school.
Information communication technology (I.C.T.) will
be developed in a variety of situations from selecting
information in topic work to supporting concepts in
Mathematics and English.
To support the teaching of ICT each child has the
opportunity to use the IT suite at least once a week.
Parents who are willing to help with any aspect of
ICT are welcome to get in touch with Miss Lawson the
ICT coordinator.
Physical Education (PE)
The children will develop skills in various games,
gymnastics, and dance.
In years 5 and 6 the pupils will visit the Queen's
Leisure Centre there they will learn about water safety
and develop swimming skills.
A number of extra curricular clubs are organised after
school, these are normally for years 3 – 6.
The school enters a variety of sporting competitions
i.e. Catholic Schools Netball and football, five-a-side
tournament, kwik cricket and short tennis
Music
The children will develop their understanding, experience,
knowledge and enjoyment of music through performing
and composing as well as listening and appraising work.
The music is normally taught through the Nelson Music
Scheme but the school also uses radio programmes, which
have a story line with them. This introduces the children
to different aspects through a central theme.
Children have the opportunity to learn instruments
within school. Currently recorders and guitars are learnt
free of charge, whilst keyboard, flute and violin lessons
are available for a small charge.
The school has close links with Derby Music Association,
through which children can learn other instruments and
play in orchestras and groups.
The music coordinator can be contacted for further
information on these matters.
