Learning at our Academy
The aim of our teachers is always to deliver lessons that children enjoy and that motivate them to achieve.
We believe that all learning should be creative, not just arts subjects. In all lessons, children are encouraged to strive for excellence.
We want all of our pupils to be confident readers, writers and mathematicians. Our teachers make sure these areas, as well as the rest of the National Curriculum, are taught in ways that engage the natural sense of curiosity that children have.
The result of this is that children become eager, confident pupils who understand the joy of learning and are prepared well for academic success.
English
We chose literacy as our specialism because we believe that learning to read, write and communicate effectively underpins all learning. Reading is taught through the teaching of traditional phonics and children are encouraged to read for pleasure and take books home. We use Power of Reading texts to deliver class Reading and Writing lessons, that also link to each half term's topic.
Maths
Maths is taught through a mastery approach where children benefit from a deep understanding of the subject through concrete, pictorial and abstract methods. We use Effective Maths to support Maths teaching and learning, with opportunities for whole class, oral, practical and partner practice opportunities, as well as individual varied learning.
Non-core Subjects
All these subjects are taught in an exciting and creative way that taps into children’s life experiences. Each class completes a half-termly topic, from the International Primary Curriculum, which forms the basis for non-core subject learning. Each topic starts with a knowledge harvest, to glean the children's current understanding and then moves on to consider new knowledge and skills. The children enjoy each launch day, often including dressing up, bringing in artefacts, or a workshop or visiting a topic-related venue. The children are encouraged to continue their learning at home with activity-based learning menus, which our families organise and complete in time for the end of each topic. The home learning projects form part of the end of topic celebration and are shared with other classes.
An Academic Head Start
As children progress through the school, one of our aims is to make sure we give them a ‘head start’ for the rest of their education.
