Foundation Subjects
We teach a creative curriculum that enables children to learn academically, socially, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Each lesson has a specific learning goal linked to each subject (see below) and reflects the children’s current and future needs and allows them to take responsibility for their own learning. Each class studies a collection of topics that include elements of science, computing, design and technology, history, geography, art and design and music modelling how different areas of the world around us are interwoven to create the bigger picture.
Design & Technology
We encourage children to solve practical problems by developing technical skills and being creative. This involves planning, designing, creating, modifying and evaluating, choosing appropriate materials and working at their own level. Children are given the opportunity to work in a range of relevant contexts and use a wide range of materials and components. Children also learn about where food comes from, principles of a healthy diet and food preparation.
History and Geography
Through history and geography children are encouraged to use evidence from a number of sources to discover a range of concepts for themselves. They are given opportunities for critical thinking and development of analytical, evaluative and enquiry skills. Pupils expand on their understanding of the development of Britain, Europe and the rest of the world. They acquire knowledge on significant events throughout history and progress their understanding of the connection between cultural, economic and social aspects of the past. Their learning is also developed through physical and human geography, through looking at environmental issues, effects of human activity and natural processes and understanding long-term and short-term changes in the world around us. The subjects inspire the children’s curiosity to learn about the past and present of their world.
Computing
The National Curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including: abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. Pupils can analyse problems in computational terms, and have practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems. Pupils can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems. Pupils have frequent use of computers, Clevertouch boards and other digital equipment, to research, present information, enhance learning and experiment with new ideas. Pupils are taught to be responsible, safe, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
Art & Design
Our curriculum allows the children to produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences, become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques. Pupils evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design and know about great artists, craft makers and designers. All work is linked to the separate topics giving them a wide range of experiences and opportunities.
Music
St Edmund's music curriculum aims to instil our pupils with a deep love of music and develop their individual musical potential. All age groups have weekly music lessons where they learn both music theory and performance skills which further their self-confidence, creativity and positive mental well-being. This is enriched by assemblies, performances, workshops, the school choir and opportunities for individual musical instrument tuition. Music is a foundation subject within the National Curriculum. Our music learning is directly informed by (but not constrained to) the requirements of the National Curriculum.