In L5, the curriculum will include a wide variety of topics, as detailed below:
All four elements of language; reading, writing, listening and talking are taught. A structured reading scheme –Literacy World - is used as a whole language programme.
We believe in teaching spelling and there is a structured scheme in place, called Quota where children work at their own pace, setting their own limits. Formal comprehension work is continued as are grammar lessons which teach knowledge about language, punctuation and structure. This becomes increasingly important as children write at length in our creative and functional writing programme. Some of the language work revolves around topics which include, Dragons, Fire, Dinosaurs, Robert Burns and Islands. A novel study on ‘Adolphus Tips’ is also carried out.
Listening and Talking activities take place on a regular basis.
All pupils visit the school’s well-stocked Library each week where they receive instruction in Library Skills by our School Librarian and they take out books of their own choice for reading at home.
Maths is taught in ability groupings. This means that we can vary the size of groups and the content and pace of lessons to match the ability of the pupils. Our less able group is taught in a small group where pupils are given individual support and consolidation. Our most able are given a wide variety of challenges and problems to solve. The core texts in operation are Heineman Level 5 and Maths in Action C, according to the ability group.
Number work focuses on using numbers up to thousands, decimals and fractions.
Practical Maths – covering shape, length, weight, volume and time also takes place. Consolidation work within class consists of mental maths plus written number work.
In our teaching of Science, History and Geography, we aim to develop in pupils a curiosity and a greater understanding of their past and heritage and of the world around them. We develop their research and investigative skills as well as their analytical thinking skills and their evaluation of evidence. Much of the work will involve them in discussion, in working as a team, in drawing on information from different sources or in practical experiments.
Topics covered:
Term 3 Mountains, earthquakes and volcanoes.
Topics covered include Bible stories, the work of a church and a study of Islam.
Pupils go on the bus up to Mayfield, our superb Sports facility. There are two sessions each week, taught by specialist teachers, one focusing on indoor PE such as gymnastics, games and dance and the other focusing on outdoor Games such as Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Tennis. A six-week block of swimming is also undertaken.
Children are taught by a specialist teacher once a week.
Art is taught within the classroom on a regular basis. The classrooms are bright with the exciting artwork on display. Drama is taught by the class teacher using our large school hall.
Pupils visit the ICT suite each week for an exciting lesson with our specialist teacher.
Parental assistance with homework is hugely beneficial. There is a homework diary, detailing what homework is required each night. Normally homework in L5 consists of hearing reading, learning spelling, learning multiplication tables and completing a short written exercise either in Maths or Language. Occasionally research work for an environmental studies topic will be set. Homework in L5 should not take more than 30 minutes per night.