St Mary's, Clymping
Church of England Primary School
Subject Overview  

Language : 

The acquisition of skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening are seen to play a vital role in all learning. Children are encouraged from the earliest age to read and to listen to a variety of literature from which pleasure and positive attitudes towards reading are derived. Writing is encouraged as a vehicle for thought and children are involved across the curriculum in writing for a variety of purposes. They are also encouraged to appreciate that to share their work effectively final written drafts must be neatly and appropriately presented.

Mathematics : 

In accordance with the National Curriculum, children's work is designed to develop skills in number work and other essential areas of mathematics, for example shape and space, use of measure and data handling. Through practical experiences and study of mathematics through topic work, in addition to use of the maths scheme, we aim to build understanding of mathematical concepts and increase the childrens' ability to apply mathematical knowledge to every day situations. Appropriate use is made of computers and calculators but we also value and encourage processes of mental arithmetic. All children in Key Stages 1 and 2 follow the programmes of the National Numeracy Strategy.

History, Geography, Science :

Much emphasis is placed on cross-curricular work, and our approach to the above subjects is generally topic based. Work will normally involve first hand experiences gained from visits made to places of interest including use of our local environment, and from experiences generated within school. Children will be involved in work to develop a range of skills such as investigation, classification, prediction, and observation. Children will also be taught to make appropriate use of a range of secondary sources such as reference material.

Personal, Social and Health Education :

Work on PSHE Education will be included in project work undertaken by the children. This will generally cover areas such as road safety, safety in the home, physical growth and development, dental hygiene, and a need for a healthy diet, sleep and recreation.
Sex Education forms a part of the curriculum for children in years 5 and 6. This will be studied as part of an on going topic on "Ourselves" which includes aspects of physical growth and development. Opportunities will be given for parents to discuss in advance the work to be covered and view any sources e.g. television broadcasts which are to be used.

Music, Art and Physical Activities: 

Children are involved in a range of activities to develop skills, knowledge and enjoyment. Much of their work will be linked to topics being studied. In addition we aim to provide opportunities for children to learn to play the recorder and other instruments and to read music. Children take part in organised swimming lessons at Littlehampton Swimming Pool on a weekly basis for one term each year. In addition children take part in a range of physical activities including the use of large apparatus, movement and drama activities, outdoor sport, games and P.E. lessons. Children are encouraged to become competent in craft skills and to use these to develop their creativity and express themselves visually. The school is fortunate in having a craft room and kiln.

Design and Information Technology :

From the earliest age children are encouraged to use a variety of appropriate materials for construction purposes. They will also be encouraged to make and redraft designs relating to constructions. A range of computers and word processors are used across the curriculum for a variety of purposes including research, data handling and drafting of writing. Recent innovations have included film making in year 5 and 6, and we anticipate the arrival of our new interactive whiteboards in summer 2005.

St Mary's C of E School, Brookpit Lane, Clymping, West Sussex, BN175QU, UK
www.stmarysclymping.org.uk    headteacher@stmarysclymping.org.uk
T: 01903 714 325  F: 01903 732017