Core Subjects
English
English within school covers the development of children’s spoken language, reading, writing, phonics and spelling skills.
The children’s learning is planned using the National Curriculum and interests of the children as a hook to learning. Within writing we use the ‘Text Types and Progression Document‘ and Medium term Planning documents provided by Sunderland LA to provide a breakdown that ensure progression and challenge across Year One and Year Two.
Within Reading we used the Reading Long Term Plan provided by Sunderland LEA to structure our Reading curriculum. Alongside this the ‘Text Types and Progression Document’ provides a breakdown of Reading coverage that ensures progression and challenge across Year One and Year Two.
The Academy also follows the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics scheme. This scheme includes a requirement for all children in Reception and Year One to read phonically decodable reading books that are consistent with their level of phonic understanding, three times a week. Each of the three weekly sessions focuses on a different element of reading – decoding, prosody and comprehension. Once children have a complete understanding of Phase 5 phonics and have passed the phonics screening check they move onto a wider range of reading books.
The school uses the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonic scheme to structure all phonics sessions across the school. Spelling within Year One is linked to this while No Nonsense Spelling is used within Year Two. The school uses Letter Join to develop handwriting across the school.
Mathematics
In mathematics we follow a mastery approach to teaching and learning. ‘Mastering maths’ means children acquire a deep, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. To underpin this we use a Concrete, Pictorial Abstract approach (CPA approach). The CPA approach allows children to make connections across areas of mathematical learning using practical apparatus, diagrams and in more abstract forms such as using numbers and symbols to record.
Developing fluency is an important part of the maths curriculum we offer at Barnes. We use NECTM Mastering Number at Key Stage 1 materials to support this aspect of learning. Carefully chosen representations are used to help children understand the relationship between numbers and develop their ‘number sense’, including recall and automaticity of additive facts.
Problem solving and reasoning are also at the heart of our curriculum. Children access planned opportunities to solve a wide and varied range of problems. This is used to develop crucial problem solving skills.
The use of appropriate and precise mathematical vocabulary in lessons is paramount. Teachers acknowledge that children of all ages can use mathematical vocabulary accurately.
To help support the delivery of the 2014 National Curriculum for Mathematics, teachers refer to the following schemes of work; White Rose Hub and Curriculum Prioritisation materials. Teaching is tailored to meet the needs of the class, groups and individuals.
Please click on the links below for further information.
Science
Our science curriculum develops children’s curiosity and understanding of the world around them. Through carefully sequenced units, pupils build secure knowledge about plants, animals, materials, habitats and seasonal change.
Learning is organised around important scientific concepts and enquiry questions. Children observe closely, ask questions, compare findings and begin to explain patterns in the natural world.
Across Key Stage One, pupils deepen their understanding through practical investigation and observation over time. They learn to think and work like scientists by making predictions, carrying out simple tests, recording their findings and using scientific vocabulary to explain what they have discovered.
Find out More about our Science Curriculum: