AT Broomhill Infant School we believe in the concept of lifelong learning and the idea that both adults and children learn new things every day.  We maintain that learning should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for everyone.

In order to bring together the school’s approach to learning and the requirements of the National Curriculum teachers plan a yearly overview for each year group, and then produce half-termly and weekly plans.  This ensures that the requirements are met and the curriculum is broad and balanced.

The core subjects of English and Mathematics are taught daily (usually in the morning).  Other subjects are incorporated within half-termly topics.  Parents are informed of the topics to be covered through the Headteacher’s newletters and by notices on each base’s parent board.  We encourage involvement of the family with topics being taught wherever possible and for parents to share any relevant expertise they have on subjects with the children.

The children are taught as a whole class, in small groups (mixed or by ability) and individually.  We acknowledge that people learn in many different ways and we recognise the need to develop strategies that allow children to learn in ways that best suit them. Teachers therefore choose the most appropriate method for the subject and children being taught.  Great emphasis is placed on first-hand experiences wherever possible.

National Curriculum

School life is now divided into five stages, each with appropriate targets and levels of attainment.  The foundation stage is pre-Key Stage 1 for children aged 3-5.  The reception year is now part of the foundation stage and the children work towards the early learning goals.  Teachers plan for six areas in Reception:

·       personal, social and emotional

·       communication, language and literacy

·       mathematical development

·       knowledge and understanding of the world

·       physical development

·       creative development.

Key Stage 1 starts with Year 1 pupils.  The National Curriculum which was first introduced by the Education Reform Act 1988 lays down guidelines for what must be taught.  It consists of four core subjects:  

·       English

·       Maths

·       Science

·      Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

and six foundation subjects:  

·       Geography

·       History

·       Music

·       Art

·       Physical Education

·       Design & Technology

In addition to these all pupils must be offered Religious Education (RE).

Each subject has a detailed programme of study with a set of objectives known as attainment targets.  Children are assessed as an integral part of the teacher's classroom work in order to inform future planning.  Children’s levels of attainment are assessed in their last year through the Standard Assessment Tasks (SAT’s).  This assessment is carried out by the class teacher.