The Junior Years

L2

The L2 curriculum includes a wide variety of topics.

Language

All four elements of language - reading, writing, listening and talking - are taught in L2, building upon the foundations laid in L1. A structured reading scheme, Oxford Reading Tree, is used as a whole language programme.

We believe in teaching spelling and from L2 there is a structured scheme in place, beginning with Spelling Ladder.  Phonics continue to be an integral part of our teaching at this stage.

Formal comprehension work and grammar lessons start in L2. Lessons are often active, thus maintaining each child's interest and strengthening motivation. 

Listening and Talking activities take place on a regular basis.

Creative writing becomes an important element of our language programme and children write books based on varying themes.

Reading for pleasure continues to be a major focus. Stories, poems and rhymes are read daily to the pupils and all pupils visit the school’s well-stocked Library each week where they receive instruction by our School Librarian and they take out books of their own choice for reading at home.

Maths

Throughout the Junior Years a core Maths scheme is in place. Heinemann Maths – Revised Level 2, which concentrates on addition and subtraction within 20, the use of money, and recognising and ordering numbers up to 100, is used. We firmly believe that children should have a very secure knowledge of number bonds up to 20 as this will be of major benefit to them as they progress in Maths.

Practical Maths lessons, covering shape, length, weight, volume and time, also takes place. Problem solving is a prominent feature of L2 as children use their knowledge in practical situations. Consolidation work within class consists of mental maths plus written number work.

Environmental Studies

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 the pupils in discussion, in working as a team, in drawing on information from different sources or in practical experiments. Topics covered:

Term 1
Friends – an exploration of what makes a good friend.
Food and Farming - which looks at where our food comes from.
Senses - which explores and experiments with our different senses.

Term 2   
Famous People - which has a history bias.

Term 3  
HSD and the community - which looks at school and the local community.

RE and Personal and Social Development

Topics covered include Bible stories, some major Festivals and an introduction to Islam.

PE

There are two sessions each week, taught by a specialist teacher in the large gym within the main building. This covers gymnastics, games and dance.

Music

Children are taught songs, rhythms and about musical instruments by a specialist teacher once a week.

Art and Drama

These are taught within the classroom on a regular basis. The classrooms are bright with the exciting artwork on display.

ICT

Pupils visit the ICT suite each week for an exciting lesson with our specialist teacher. 

Play

We recognise that, in the Early Years, structured play helps our pupils to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. We have a specifically designed Activity Room where play is led by a qualified Early Years Practitioner – quartering pizzas or buying items from the shop makes early Maths much more fun!

Homework

Parental assistance with homework is hugely beneficial. A homework diary details the homework required each night. This is a two-way communication as we value your comments on how your child is coping with homework.  Normally homework in L2 consists of hearing reading, learning spelling, working on sounds, and number bonds.  Children complete a written Maths and Language activity each week as part of their homework. Homework in L2 should not take more than 15 minutes per night.