Each term, the class teachers write to the parents to tell them about what the children will be learning. Please click here to find out more about our curriculum for this term.
The curriculum at Berkeley Primary School is broad and balanced. Teachers plan learning opportunities carefully to meet the needs of all children and develop their full potential. Our pupils learn to cooperate and collaborate with others, develop good social skills and demonstrate mutual respect. We send out termly information to parents and carers giving details of the curriculum in each year group.
The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
Children in Nursery and Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum which which allows the children to learn through structured play, by taking part in hands-on activities. Children are offered carefully planned indoor and outdoor activities, based on their personal interests. The curriculum covers six areas of learning:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication, Language and Literacy
- Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
- Knowledge and Understanding of the World
- Creative Development
- Physical Development
The National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
Children in Key Stage 1 (aged 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (aged 7-11) follow the National Curriculum which sets out a clear framework for learning in each subject.
English: The English curriculum, sometimes referred to as literacy, consists of five main areas. These are speaking and listening, reading, writing, spelling and handwriting. One of the greatest gifts we can give a child is the ability to read, and we aim for pupils to develop a love of reading and literature. We follow a systematic approach to the teaching of phonics within a language-rich environment. Every child has a book bag and it is expected that children will read regularly to an adult at home.
Mathematics: The mathematics curriculum includes learning about number, shape, measures and data. We aim to equip the children with skills they need in every day life, such as telling the time and handling money. We want them to be confident and enthusiastic mathematicians.
ICT: Children use computers throughout the day to support their learning. The school is well-resourced, with computers and interactive whiteboards in each classroom, laptops and a dedicated computer suite. We equip children to participate in a rapidly-changing world where work and leisure activities are increasingly transformed by technology.
We also teach science, history, geography, music, art, design and technology, physical education, religious education, social skills and citizenship.
We offer a range of additional and extra-curriculuar activities at lunchtime and after-school, including sports coaching, art and crafts, computers, musical instrument lessons including guitar and recorder, and eco-club. All children take part in trips and visits to places of interest which support the curriculum.
Home Learning
We expect all parents and carers to support children with their learning at home. Children should read at home every day and complete any homework that has been set.
Special Educational Needs and Inclusion
We are committed to providing an inclusive education for all our pupils to enable them to learn and succeed. We plan appropriate activities, challenges and support for every child, including those with special educational needs, those who are new to the country or who speak little English, and those who are more able or who have a special talent.