School Curriculum
The school aims to offer a broad and balanced curriculum in line with government expectations. Teachers plan their work in teams in order to ensure progression and continuity through school. Children will often take part in visits and we welcome visitors to school; in this way the curriculum is enhanced.
There is a mixture of whole class teaching, group work and one-to-one teaching. Teachers choose the most appropriate method to ensure successful learning. There are also a number of support staff who work under the direction of the class teacher and support various groups of pupils.
The content of lessons is in line with the National Curriculum programmes of study. We place emphasis on literacy and numeracy but teach all aspects of the National Curriculum - Science, History, Geography, P.E., Technology, Information,Technology, Art, Music, Religious Education and French in KS2. There is also a programme for PHSE (Personal, Health and Social Education). Some of these subjects are taught directly, and some as part of integrated topic work.
PUPILS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The school follows the DCSF (Department for Children, School and Families) Code of Practice for the identification and assessment of pupils with special educational needs. Special needs may include learning, physical or emotional difficulties. The school has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator, Mrs. Marion Drake, who co-ordinates the work and liaises with parents, staff and support agencies. There may be occasions where the school will call on the support of an external agency to give advice.
Children with a statement of special needs and others on the register have Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) drawn up to target areas of particular need. Parents are consulted and involved in annual reviews so that school and home can work together to support the child.
The school has a policy for Special Educational Needs, a copy of which can be obtained from the school office.
EXCEPTIONALLY ABLE PUPILS
Throughout the year pupils will be assessed by their class teacher to establish progress made, to highlight any difficulties that arise and to plan appropriate work that enables pupils to improve their attainment.
Sometimes a teacher may identify a pupil who may have exceptional ability. In these cases, and after discussion with the headteacher, it may be appropriate to call upon external advice. School has access to an advisor for gifted pupils who can make assessments and help establish programmes of study.
No action is taken, or advice sought, until parents have been consulted.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
R.E. at Eye provides pupils with an insight to the six major religions of the world through a variety of teaching methods. We aim to inspire the pupils by allowing them to experience the religions first hand with visits and speakers who represent the different faiths. There is also the opportunity during these lessons for pupils to reflect through the use of art, music and drama.
R.E. is planned to follow the guidelines set out in the “Peterborough Agreed Syllabus”.
WORSHIP
At Eye School we hold a daily act of Christian worship. We feel that this is an important part of school life in keeping with our stated ethos. This is a special time when the whole school is able to gather together, providing an opportunity for pupils and staff to worship God both individually and as part of a school family. Through our worship we aim to develop good community spirit, promote a common ethos, share values, and reinforce positive attitudes towards others.
Children are encouraged to consider spiritual and moral issues and to explore their own personal beliefs. We encourage the children to participate and respond by joining in or listening to the various aspects of our worship.
Our worship times include singing, opportunities for prayer and quiet reflection, stories, drama, music dance, Bible readings, poetry and encouraging the use of our senses.
Parents do have the right to withdraw their children from worship assemblies. Their wishes need to stated clearly in writing to the Headteacher.
PSHE AND SEX EDUCATION
We aim to help children to mature and develop in a positive and responsible way, understanding the changes they will experience as they grow. This is an area of education where the partnership between school and home is particularly important.
Children in Year 6 are sometimes divided into separate groups for boys and girls where more sensitive areas can be discussed, usually with the help of the school nurse.
We follow the legal framework (section 241 of Reform Act 1993). Parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of the sex education outside the National Curriculum. Parents wishing to do so should discuss this with the headteacher.
There is a school policy for sex education; a copy of which can be obtained from the school office.
SPORT AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Pupils follow the National Curriculum guidelines for P.E. This covers gymnastics, dance, games and swimming. A fit and healthy lifestyle is important and sports contribute to this. Sport often helps pupils to be successful outside the classroom, as well as establishing lifelong interests or hobbies.
All pupils in Key Stage 2 have the opportunity to take part in football and netball as after school clubs. Pupils in years 1 and 2 can take part in multi-skills as an extra-curricular activity.
Our football and netball teams play matches against other teams from local primary schools. We take part in the city sports programme, which involves opportunities for most year groups to take part in sports festivals with other primary schools.
HOMEWORK
Work at home plays an important part in children’s education and we value parents’ support. We try to provide a scheme of homework that will benefit the children without disrupting family life. For this reason no homework is set for weekends. We hope that all parents will be able to support their children in improving their standards of achievement.
All pupils are given a homework book which should be returned every Monday morning to allow teachers to check work. Teachers are always happy to explain homework tasks if necessary.
Foundation Stage (Reception classes)
During this first year, children will be introduced to working at home with shared reading for at least 10 minutes each evening and one other weekly activity. We hope all parents will support their child by reading with him/her at home. Parents new to school are given guidance on this.
Key Stage 1 (Infants)
Homework is set for about 20 minutes each week-day evening. The main focus is reading though there are also regular spelling, writing and maths tasks.
At Key Stage 2 (Juniors)
Homework is set for about 30 minutes each week-day evening. The main focus is still reading though there are additional regular spelling, English, Maths and mental arithmetic tasks.