Northlands Junior School
Winifred Road
Pitsea
Basildon
Essex
SS13 3JQ

Tel:  01268 553366
Fax: 01268 552671

Email: Email Us

Curriculum

The Curriculum Subjects

The core subjects are English, Mathematics, Science and ICT. English, Mathematics, Science, Information Communication Technology, Music, Art, PSHE (Personal Social Health Education), Physical Education, Design Technology, MFL and Religious Education are taught ongoing throughout the year. History and Geography are taught as topics, there being a main and subsidiary for each subject.

English

The teaching and learning of English is considered of vital importance. Since the implementation of the National Literacy Strategy in September 1999, a variety of stimulating texts and audio visual resources have been purchased to develop and promote Literacy skills throughout the school. Literacy is taught in units of work based on the different writing genres, covering narrative, non-fiction and poetry. Within these there are units, including recounts, stories from other cultures, persuasive writing and creating images amongst others.

Writing is taught mainly through giving children a purpose for their writing and by providing and demonstrating good models both in shared texts and teachers’ own shared writing. A stimulus for this is often drama, speaking and listening and media texts including DVD’s. Reading is directly taught in Guided Reading sessions each day. Learning Support Assistants are used during this time to focus on groups of children needing extra support with their reading skills. A wide range of reading books are available and children are encouraged to read to an adult at home each night. Homework is set weekly and the children are formally assessed in Reading and Writing every term. Targets are set each term and children and parents are made aware of these.

The teaching of reading is very important at Northlands. A phonics programme is taught in the lower school and is integrated into lessons through spelling and reading activities.  Parent and community readers are encouraged to hear children read on a regular basis and we hold daily guided reading sessions in all year groups. Both Letters and Sounds and Support for Spelling are used to extend pupils phonic knowledge and encourage high standards in reading.

Mathematics

Maths is taught in ability groups.  Within these groups we promote teaching which has clear differentiation according to all children’s needs and abilities. A daily Maths lesson based on the National Framework is split into three main parts – the oral / mental starter, the main teaching activity and the plenary which acts to consolidate understanding and identify next steps.  We try to use Attainment Target One (Using and Applying Mathematics) in our teaching by promoting problem solving in real life situations and by asking challenging and thought provoking questions, which encourage mathematical thinking.  Children cover a range of mathematical themes ranging from numbers and the number system, shape, space and measures to handling data. Progress in maths is assessed every term.

Information Communication Technology - ICT

The school has a fully equipped ICT Suite, with flat screen monitors The children have regular opportunities to use these facilities with classes being timetabled to ensure everyone has equal access. In the mornings the emphasis is on Numeracy and Literacy related ICT activities whilst the afternoon sessions focus on a wide range of other ICT applications supporting class work and topics.  The school has wireless connection in all classrooms

Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard and technology has opened up a whole new world of opportunities providing teachers access to a wealth of resources, as each board is also linked to the Internet.

PSHE

The programme aims to help children to do the following: stay healthy and safe, develop worthwhile and fulfilling relationships; respect differences between people; play an active role as members of a democratic society; to make the most of their own and others’ abilities and to develop a positive self-esteem along with the ability to reflect on themselves and the situations they are faced with.

Science

This subject covers electricity, light and sound, materials and their properties, life and living processes. Pupils in the school take part in investigational work, completing at least two formal investigations each year.

Design and Technology (D&T)

Children are taught to develop their D&T capability through combining their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design, make and evaluate products. By the end of the Key Stage they should have a knowledge and understanding of materials and components, control, structures, products and applications, quality and Health and Safety.

Geography

Children are encouraged to learn about the world in which they live. They should have knowledge and understanding of maps, rivers, the weather, mountains, water, and different localities around the world. There is also an opportunity to study the local area and environment; local visits are used where possible to do this.

History

Through this subject we aim to give children an understanding and appreciation of the past.  Year 3 children spend time studying the ancient Egyptians, The Vikings and what the local area was like in the past.  Year 4 children focus on The Romans, The Tudors, in particular the wives of Henry VIII, and what the local area was like during Victorian times.  In Year 5 The Ancient Greeks are a focus of study along with the Second World War and the life of a famous person, for example John Lennon.  Finally in Year 6 the children spend time learning about Victorian Times and the lives of the Aztecs.  The children also experience History in other curriculum areas, such as Literacy as part of a cross curricular approach to learning.  History studies are further enhanced by trips and the use of artefacts in the classroom.

Music

We have a purpose-built Music Studio with a range of instruments.  All children follow a Music Scheme – ‘Music Express’.  Extra curricular activities are offered through a school choir participating in local festivals and a recorder club.

PE

We are fortunate to have a large well-equipped hall and large field. PE is categorised into areas of activity: Games, Gymnastics, Dance, Athletics, Swimming and Outdoor Activities. These are taught throughout the year. No jewellery (including earrings) is allowed to be worn during these lessons.  The children in Year 4 go swimming on a weekly basis throughout the year.

RE

RE offers the opportunity to explore and understand the influence of religion in the world. By following the syllabus set by the Essex County Council Scheme of Work, children predominantly learn about Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism. Through RE children are also encouraged to explore their own sets of beliefs and values, whilst respect and tolerance of others is very much promoted.

MFL

Spanish is now taught throughout the school with HLTA’s and teachers involved in this recently implemented process.

Collective Worship / Assemblies

An act of Collective Worship takes place every day, commonly referred to as Assembly. The Assemblies take place first thing in the morning straight after registration. Throughout the year a wide variety of themes are covered during the Assemblies, often delivered as part of a moral based story. The choice of theme can be dependent upon a number of factors such as the time of year, e.g. to reflect a particular religious festival taking place, or more commonly, to raise children’s awareness of an issue or concern such as ‘The importance of School Rules’ and ‘Stranger Danger’. Parents do have the right to withdraw their children from Collective Worship, but we do request that the school is notified of this decision in writing. Alternative provision will be made for such children.

Art and Design

Children are given opportunities to stimulate their creativity and imagination by using visual, tactile and sensory experiences, giving a unique way of understanding and responding to the world. They try to develop their understanding of colour, form, texture and pattern and their ability to use a variety of materials and processes to communicate ideas, feelings and meaning, e.g. art pencils, charcoal, collage, clay etc. This is taught by our Art specialist, Mr Angerstein.