Foundation Subject Overview

Geography 

At St. Mary's, geography is taught as part of a thematic curriculum. We make every effort to ensure this is a rich and stimulating curriculum, aiming to inspire our children’s curiosity, encouraging them to engage with the world around them. As geographers, children learn about cultural differences between people and places around the world as well as physical processes that shape the environment. Throughout the school there are opportunities for an exciting variety of trips which bring the children’s learning to life and offer opportunities for pupils to hone fieldwork techniques and learn from first hand experiences.

History

At St. Mary's, history is taught as part of a thematic curriculum. We make every effort to ensure this is a rich and stimulating curriculum, aiming to inspire our children’s curiosity, encouraging them to engage with the world around them and look back at the past. We help children to think critically and ask perceptive questions as historians, developing a sense of chronology through learning about key dates, people and locations both in the UK and around the world. Throughout the school there are opportunities for an exciting variety of trips which bring the children’s learning to life and offer opportunities for pupils to hone fieldwork techniques and learn from first hand experiences.

Design and Technology

We follow the new Design and Technology National Curriculum at key stages 1 and 2.  DT learning incorporates food, mechanisms, structures and textiles at key stages 1 and 2; in addition electrical systems is taught at key stage 2. The key learning that takes place in DT incorporates: prior learning, designing, making, evaluating and technical knowledge and understanding.  In DT we include:

Activities which involve investigating and evaluating existing products.

• Focused practical tasks in which children develop particular aspects of knowledge and skills.
• Designing and making activities in which children design and make “something” for “somebody” for “some purpose”.

Modern Foreign Language

“To have another language is to possess a second soul.” – Charlemagne

At St Mary's, children start to learn French in Reception and continue right through to the end of year 6.  The children learn to exchange information in simple terms about topics relating to themselves, their families, their hobbies and where they live.  They are also introduced to the culture of French and French-speaking countries.

The main emphasis is to have fun and to instil a love of language learning and ignite curiosity about other languages and cultures.  The emphasis is on developing vocabulary and basic grammatical structures, with the ultimate goal being authentic communication at a basic level.  When the children leave St Mary's, they will have acquired the language learning skills they need for secondary school.

Music

“Music can change lives, whether you are having a good or a bad day, the power of music can change ones mood” Jess Bowen

Aim

Our aim is the enable each child to enjoy music and participate with enjoyment and enthusiasm and to develop a love of music.   We aim to broaden their understanding and appreciation of a wide range of different kinds of music, and to acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to make music.  We aim to develop skills, attitudes and attributes that can support learning in other areas of the curriculum.

Each class spends one term per year learning a group instrument:

Class 1: Rhythm and percussion

Class 2: Recorder

Class 3: Recorder

Class 4: Ukulele

Class 5: Saxophone

In addition, music lessons are available in school time with a peripatetic teacher from Warwickshire Music. Pupils in key stage two can choose from keyboard, guitar, recorder or drums at a cost of £60 per term.

For the last two years our choir has sang at Stratford Arts House with the African Children's Choir.

The National Curriculum Requirements

Key Stage 1

Pupils will be taught how to control sounds through singing and performing.  They will be given opportunities to create and develop their musical ideas and learn how to review and respond to their own and others work.  During this Key stage children will learn to engage with different genres of music by listening to recordings and live performances.

Key Stage 2

Children will continue to build upon the basic skills they have already acquired in Key Stage 1.  Children will be given the opportunities to develop their performing skills and their ability to sing in unison and in two parts.  Children will be given the opportunies to see and take part in live performances within the school environment and within the wider community. 

Teaching and Learning methods

We use the key skills document to ensure all children have a wide experience of music.  Teachers use this document to plan a variety of lessons and cover the key skills the children in each age group need to aquire. 

Children have opportunities to participate in musical instrumental lessons, singing in choirs and other performances led by Warwickshire County Music Services.

We aim to develop each child to their full potential.  All children with special needs irrespective of their abilities, will have equal access to the Music Curriculum, using a variety of strategies to ensure their participation.