Teaching and Learning

Curriculum Aims

Dundry Primary School’s curriculum is planned and executed in accordance with the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum.

Our primary aim is to help children, regardless of ability or background, to achieve their maximum potential in a creative, caring environment, at a pace appropriate to the individual, and so to enable them to benefit fully from the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

This is achieved through
- high quality, well-planned and well-organised teaching
- the use of the best possible resources
- continuous evaluation of individual and school success
- continuity of learning through the school
- effective partnership and communication with parents

Our supporting aim is to foster lively, enquiring minds, overall personal growth and an ability to test personal values and attitudes, so enabling children to participate fully, actively and positively in society.

This is achieved by
- providing access to a wide variety of experiences and opportunities
- encouraging children in self- and group expression
- guiding children in problem-solving and investigation
- fostering a sense of self-worth and respect for others
- developing a sense of independence, self-discipline and responsibility
- encouraging contributions to the setting and maintaining of personal and school
- community standards and targets
- sharing individual and whole-school successes
- emphasising the value of consideration and co-operation   

Foundation Subjects - Typical activities and resources available

ART - This is approached through a variety of mediums including paint, batik and 3D work.
MUSIC - We love music in this school. We listen to music, we sing and we play instruments.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY - We follow the National Curriculum and use a variety of different contexts including’ junk modeling, construction, woodwork and food technology.
HISTORY - We believe very much in using the rich and varied local environment available to us to support our curriculum.
GEOGRAPHY - Activities include orienteering, studying local places. Using maps, compasses and photo packs. Studies are supported by residential and field trips.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - Studying and experiencing aspects from many faiths, stories from different faith festivals. Also looking at the lives and teaching of religious leaders, especially Jesus Christ.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION - We offer the full variety of games and activities.
PERSONAL SOCIAL HEALTH AND MORAL EDUCATION - We offer a full curriculum supporting this vital part of the curriculum.

Structure of the Curriculum

CORE SUBJECT MAIN AIMS:

ENGLISH - to enable children to
- express themselves clearly, accurately and appropriately in speech and writing in a range of contexts
- understand others by listening and reading effectively
- develop a wide vocabulary

MATHEMATICS - to enable children to
- understand the language of Mathematics
- use numbers effectively, orally and in writing in a range of contexts
- perceive pattern in shape and number

SCIENCE - to enable children to
- observe and record accurately
- question and initiate experiments
- learn information

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Skills such as word processing, data handling, modelling and control technology are also taught, and integrated into most curriculum subjects.

Sex Education forms an integral part of the science curriculum, and aims at raising awareness in the children of their needs, growth and development throughout their time at school. We view Sex Education as a lifelong process of acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs and values about sexual identity, relationships and intimacy. It is not merely about the physical aspects of sex, but about laying the foundations for learning in the context of feelings, friendships and relationships. The school’s full sex education policy, devised by the Governing Body, school staff and health professionals, is available from the Headteacher.

Religious Education in the school is in accordance with the 1988 Education Act and the agreed syllabus of the LEA. Stories about the traditional festivals of the Christian calendar are told, and daily assemblies include an act of Collective Worship. The school respects the individual differences and beliefs that people in the community have, and attempts to raise awareness of a range of beliefs and cultures, whilst retaining an essentially Christian ethos.
Note: Parents wishing to withdraw their child from aspects of Sex Education not specified in the National Curriculum, or from Religious Education, may do so upon written application to the Headteacher

Curriculum Enrichment
The foundation subjects complement the core subjects and help foster:
- creative skills and a love of beauty
- understanding of and participation in the wider world
- whole child development, physical and mental
- confident decision making
- appropriate spiritual, moral and ethical values
- a love of learning and an ability to learn independently

Subjects are regularly brought to life beyond the classroom by involving children in cross-curricular projects which include outings to museums, historical sites, zoos, nature reserves, science and technology centers. In Years 5 and 6, a one week residential trip away from Dundry is offered, and a shorter residential trip for children in Years 3 and4 takes place earlier in the year. The curriculum is further enhanced by visits from musicians, theatre groups, writers, poets and experts in a range of different fields, as well as by the excellent links with local industry and people from the wider community.

The school prides itself on the musical opportunities offered to all children. Children are offered opportunities to learn such instruments as the recorder, the guitar and the keyboard. Everyone looks forward to taking part in class assemblies, musical productions and the Christmas performances. Children from Dundry Primary School regularly take part in a Music festivals around the county and have recently performed with others at the Colston Hall and at Clifton Cathedral.

Children enjoy a wide range of sporting activities throughout the year. The Annual Sports Day and inter-school matches foster the sense of community so valued by the school, andthe school’s teams have received a number of trophies for their successes.
Note: In line with the 1988 Education Act parents are requested to contribute to the cost of educational visits, on the understanding that events may be cancelled if insufficient contributions are made.