Curriculum
The National Curriculum consists of English, Mathematics, Science and Information/Communication Technology (known as the ‘core subjects’), History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education and Technology (known as the ‘foundation’ subjects). Religious Education is a statutory part of the curriculum with a mandatory framework devised at local level.
We have always ensured that our curriculum is enhanced in breadth and balance through programmes of social education and citizenship often addressed in our timetabled ‘Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)’ lessons. We also take pride in our residential ‘social education’ programme each year, when every child from Year 2 to Year 6 has the opportunity of a residential experience.
Our curriculum uses the national frameworks to ensure that every child develops the key learning steps defined within that documentation, but we have developed a more expansive approach to its delivery that ensures our children receive experiences and opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and attributes in ways that will guarantee learning is relevant and poignant.
We ensure that learning at The Oaklands broadens the aspirations, values and opportunities for every child as they grow and develop.
English
At The Oaklands we view the teaching of English as an exciting opportunity to explore and develop the skills of:
• speaking and listening
• reading
• writing
In line with all Primary schools in the country, we follow the National Literacy Framework, which has very specific guidelines about daily Literacy lessons.
There is both an emphasis on whole class teaching, and on group and guided activities. The acquisition of phonic and spelling skills and good handwriting are given a high priority.
We aim to provide the children with interesting learning opportunities and use a variety of teaching methods and stimulating resources in order to maximise learning potential. Literacy lessons include a range of activities such as visual literacy, drama role-play, circle time, discussions and debates and research.
Our work is based on the interests and needs of the children, developing their confidence in oracy and literacy, in order to provide them with the skills for
life.
.png)
We recognise the valuable contribution parents make to their children’s language development and therefore encourage children to take books and spellings home regularly to read and share with their family.Mathematics
In mathematics lessons children learn the skills necessary to problem solve which they will build on in later life. In line with all Primary schools in the country, we follow the National Numeracy Framework, which has very specific guidelines about daily maths lessons. Activities enable children to:
• develop confidence in the ability to tackle number problems
• express ideas using the language of maths
.png)
• develop a fascination and enthusiasm for the subject
• develop mental strategies
• learn how to use a range of written methods
• develop problem solving skills
• undertake practical and investigative work
Science
As with the other core subjects, our view is that the children’s Science work is not just the gaining of knowledge, but is also the development of skills and the nurturing of enthusiastic and enquiring minds. We aim to make Science work as real as possible by using situations and materials
already known to the children. We encourage an emphasis on doing rather than watching Science work. 
We are committed to making Science fun!
ICT
Information technology is an important aspect of the curriculum at The Oaklands. We endeavour to incorporate ICT in to all subjects in order to enhance children’s learning and engage pupils.
The school’s IT network has been upgraded to provide wireless connection and every classroom has an interactive whiteboard for pupils and teachers to use. We have an IT suite which is used by all classes to develop their IT skills and we also have a whole class set of laptops available for use in classrooms.
Children are given the opportunity to develop and extend their IT skills in Word processing, Data-handling, Computer programming and Control and Filming. ICT capabilities are recognised as an essential skill in today’s society and are an excellent medium for promoting enthusiasm and self confidence in the school environment.
IPC (International Primary Curriculum)
Our curriculum is constantly evolving to ensure that we are responding to a rapidly developing world around us and that we are offering our children the best start to their lives as successful citizens in the 21st Century. To that end our curriculum is developed around the principles of the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
History, Geography, Art and Technology lessons are taught through a
‘topic’ based approach to the curriculum. Cross-curricular links are made whenever possible and pupils are encouraged to have an international approach to their learning.Year groups follow a programme of topics across the year that ensures a balanced coverage of National Curriculum subjects.
PSHE
PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and Citizenship helps children to develop their sense of identity as well as developing their role as members of society.
We teach this through our topics:• Getting on and Falling out
• Say No to Bullying
• Going for Goals
• Staying Safe and Keeping Healthy
• It’s Good to be Me
• Relationships
The Governing Body has revised its Sex Education Policy to reflect the inclusion of sex education, within a broad framework of -relationships, self-esteem and rudimentary reproduction within the PSHE scheme of work.
Music
At The Oaklands we aim to help children develop an enjoyment and appreciation of music. They have many opportunities to compose, perform and appraise their own and others work aided by a structured scheme.
We try to provide a range of experiences for children to see and hear professional musicians through trips to concerts, participating in Gala concerts and visitors to school.
Physical Education
Every child at The Oaklands has the opportunity to participate in a range of physical activities throughout the year.
We have a very structured approach to PE lessons and pupils are able to participate in:
• games
• gymnastics
• athletics
• dance
• adventurous activities
• swimming
We also offer children a selection of ‘out of hours’ activities, for example: walk to school week, sports day and after school clubs (eg. cricket, cheerleading, netball, basketball) Children are able to participate in adventurous activities on some of our residential trips and are encouraged to join in with playground activities.
We also have links with other local schools and sometimes visit them for special events or initiatives.
Religious Education
Religious Education is a compulsory subject and legislation states that it is broadly Christian, reflecting a multi-faith society. At The Oaklands we follow the new scheme of work that is prescribed by our local Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education. The scheme encourages children to:
• Develop morally, socially and culturally• Act responsibly
• Be responsive to the values and needs of other cultures.
Parents may withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons if they so wish. Please speak to the Headteacher who will make the necessary arrangements.
Modern Foreign Languages
At The Oaklands our aim is to inspire children and develop their interest and language skills in another tongue. By learning an additional language the children are given the opportunity to develop a range of skills:-
- speaking and listening
- an understanding of the world around us
- gain knowledge and become aware of other cultures.
Spanish is taught throughout Key Stage 2. Children are taught Spanish using a range of teaching methods including talk partners, singing and playing games.
