Curriculum

We are dedicated to achieving the full potential of all children, by providing education of the highest quality, within a rewarding, enjoyable and meaningful curriculum that fosters a love for learning.

Good standards of teaching, supported by rigorous assessment procedures ensure good progress and are enhanced through opportunities for pupils to personalise and extend their learning.

Themed projects, activity days, research, new technologies and a range of engaging teaching and learning styles are used to enrich pupil's experience.

The national curriculum divides into core and foundation subject areas at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. We teach each of these subjects as both discreet subjects and within topics that encourage children to develop their skills, motivation and resilience through a cross-curricular approach.

Children in the Foundation stage classes follow the six areas of experience within the Early Year Foundation Stage curriculum: Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Creative, Physical, and Personal, Social and Emotional. A variety of teaching methods are used to explore these areas which include both teacher and child initiated activities. We also have a specialist outdoor play area and Forest school.

Core Subjects

Literacy

We aim to make Literacy fun! We teach Literacy skills in daily lessons, and use our skills in other subjects right across the curriculum. We use the National Literary Framework which covers the essential areas of reading, comprehension, speaking and listening, spelling, grammar, writing, handwriting and drama. A range of texts are studied to develop reading and writing skills. A wide selection of books from various reading schemes and children's Literature help to promote the development of reading.

Mathematics

We use the National Numeracy Framework as the basis for teaching maths. This includes mental maths, numbers, shapes, measurement and data handling. We give the children plenty of practical experience and time to apply their learning and problem solving skills. We make very good use of our excellent computer facilities for teaching and to reinforce learning using educational software.

Reception children developing their writing skills in Literacy.

Year 3 organising a shop to learn about money in Maths.

Science

In Science we aim to develop the children's knowledge and understanding of topics within three main areas: life processes and living things, materials and their properties and physical processes. We place a great deal of emphasis on scientific enquiry and so children are taught the necessary skills to plan, carry out and record their investigative work.

ICT

Our Information and Communication Technology lessons aim to develop a child's ICT capability, ranging from Word Processing, how to select and prepare information, accessing the Internet, manipulating information in problem solving, producing presentations and using spreadsheets. We also believe ICT should be embedded into all subjects and use computers to help teach other aspects of the curriculum and to develop research and more personalised learning.

Using a sensor to measure changes in Science.

Year 6 using control technology to program a vehicle in ICT.

Religious Education

As a Church of England Aided School, we aim to promote spiritual development and to learn about the distinct aspects of the Christian faith. Collective worship and religious education are based on the Christian faith but the beliefs and traditions of other faiths are also covered. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the daily Act of Worship should they wish. Special School Services are held termly at the parish church and parents are invited to attend these.

Foundation Subjects

Art

Art covers a variety of technical and creative skills including printing, colour mixing, sculpture and collage. In each of these media, children study and evaluate the work of artists, craftspeople and designers, experiment with techniques and carry out design tasks. We believe it stimulates creativity and imagination and gives the children a chance to express themselves freely. Art and Design is often taught as part of topic or a theme.

Design Technology

Each year group studies a variety of products, to evaluate their design and use. They develop the skills through a series of focused practical tasks and use knowledge gained to design and make products for a set purpose. Work is often linked to literacy, science or history and uses skills from other subjects too.

Making leaf pictures in Art.

Biscuits designed and made by Year 4 in DT.

French

Conversational French is taught from simple beginnings in the infants learning basic vocabulary, to the use of a scheme in the junior classes.

Geography

By developing a sense of place and through studies of the local area, distant places, maps and themes such as global awareness, children are taught the both the knowledge and practical skills of geography. Geography is also linked to other areas of the curriculum such as Maths, Science, Literacy and ICT.

History

In History we use a 'hands on' approach, using themed days, visits, role play and historical artefacts. The younger children are introduced to history by studying the way of life experienced by their parents and grandparents, working at topics such as toys and home life. This is extended in the juniors to studies of periods of British history, Ancient Civilisations and local history, where chronology and the notion of change and interpretation of history are key concepts.

Music

Children benefit from instrumental teaching, composing and demonstrations and we also encourage children to develop their musical ability by performing to different audiences. In Year 2 children learn the ocarina and in Year 4 they use a range of string instruments as part of the Wider Opportunities scheme. Lessons are also available to Key Stage 2 children in guitar, drums, keyboard, violin and woodwind. All children take part in a range of singing activities.

Children re-enacting a Bible story in RE.

Indian Handpainting during our Arts Festival Week.

PE

Bidford on Avon Primary school is fortunate to have its own sports field, and makes good use of it. We aim to combine having fun, giving children exercise and a healthy lifestyle, with an understanding of how to compete fairly. The children learn Gymnastics, swimming, games, dance, athletics and in the juniors, outdoor and adventurous pursuits. Swimming takes place at Stratford upon Avon Leisure Centre using qualified instructors. We have a sports day each year which parents look forward to attending. We have also achieved Active sport mark for our provision of physical education in school.

PSHCE

We aim to equip children with the skills they need to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being. Pupils experience a variety of opportunities: role play, debate and information gathering that develop the Social, Emotional, Aspects of their learning.

Attempting a daring jump during a residential trip.

Year 2 children learning about being healthy in PSHCE.