On the subject of...

LITERACY is the name used in the National Curriculum for English. Reading and writing are basic skills that everyone needs. We use the new literacy strategy for one hour each day, and the children have a further two hours a week of language work plus fifteen minutes quiet reading after lunch each day, making over eight hours in total. We also encourage the children to practise their reading at home with an adult for about twenty minutes each a day. We teach the children in sets based on their level of attainment so that we can meet their needs accurately. Our core reading scheme is Ginn’s “All Aboard”, but we also have other schemes including Ginn’s “360” and the Oxford “Reading Tree”. In addition there are many reading books available to the children in each classroom. We also have a good reference library which includes a CD-ROM computer. Childeren are expected to complete a literacy task at home at least once a week.

NUMERACY is the name used in the National Curriculum for Maths. The children are taught in sets based on their level of attainment, sometimes even working alongside children from a different Year group. We have introduced the new numeracy strategy, with mental maths and varied activities stimulating the children’s mathematical thinking. Each child has one hour of maths a day and is set a maths task for homework at least once a week.

SCIENCE: Our teaching of science is to an extremely high level. In our most recent OFSTED report the inspectors were highly impressed, especially with our investigative and experimental work. We are well resourced and make good use of the Ginn science course. Each class has over two hours of science a week.

ICT: Information and Communication Technology. New computers are networked throughout the school and we are connected to the National Grid for Learning (NGfl) – the educational internet. All children have access to the computers and most are competent in basic skills.

HUMANITIES: History and Geography are taught as subjects which often become part of topics. In history, for example, the children in Year 3 study the Romans, in Year 4 the Tudors, Year 5 the Victorians and Year 6 Ancient Egypt. The children will gain in knowledge and skills in both subjects. Children in Year 5 have the opportunity of a residential visit to Alton Castle where nature-based activities are structured in a context of prayer and living in community.

TECHNOLOGY: Throughout the school children are introduced to various practical and craft activities. Thanks to the PTA we have a splendid area for cookery but do rely on parent volunteers to take small groups of children.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Our teaching is that of the Catholic Church which includes respect for other faiths. We use the curriculum strategy "Learning and Growing as the People of God" which is underpinned by a strong staff commitment and witness, and an ever-developing relationship with our Parish.

The children are encouraged to question, research, discuss, reflect upon and apply their faith. RE is presented as both cross-curricular and a subject in its own right. The children study RE in a personal, local and world-wide context, accessing visiting speakers, Parish expertise and the internet.

Our children, parents and Parish take part in Eucharistic and non - Eucharistic celebrations here in school and we also attend Parish Masses. Regular assemblies include an act of worship. Preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation takes place in Y3 and Y6 respectively.

Our personal development course (PSHE) begins with respect for oneself and others. We link elements of PSHE to our Science curriculum so as to include for example; sex education and substance misuse. Discussion of these issues is set in a Christian context and stimulated by a series of videos, which parents are welcome to view.

Jane Smart - January 2010

FRENCH: In a very gentle way we introduce the children to the idea of another language. We do know that the work here is helpful when starting in secondary school. Some of our older pupils can carry on simple conversations.

Education in THE ARTS is important in developing a whole and mature person. Our skilled teachers assist the children in achieving high standards in art and music. All children have the opportunity for free recorder lessons (instruments and tutor books are available from the school for a small charge) and will sing and have access to percussion instruments during class music lessons. Use of BBC resources broadens the children’s knowledge and experience. Older children can receive instrumental tuition. Dance is included in PE lessons. The children’s natural enthusiasm for the arts is further encouraged by workshops and visiting artists and performers and by a photography course in the summer term of Year 6.

We have good facilities for PHYSICAL EDUCATION. As well as much indoor apparatus such as boxes, mats, beams, the school benefits from having a large playing field with space for a football pitch, athletics track and long jump pit. All children have PE lessons and throughout the Year cover a wide range of activities from gymnastics and dance to athletics and team games. Contracts with Rugby School provide expert tuition in small groups in swimming (Year 3) and hockey and cricket. The children also benefit from visits by coaches from Rugby Hockey Club, Rugby Lions and Coventry City FC among others. Although with the younger children we concentrate on teaching and developing basic skills, our older pupils are able to take part in a range of inter-school sports: soccer, touch-rugby, athletics, netball, hockey, cricket, cross-country….… We also provide a safe-cycling course in Year 6.

SCHOOL TEAMS those pupils with the appropriate combination of talent, enthusiasm and discipline have extra coaching and opportunities to represent the School in football, netball, cross-country running, hockey, cricket, swimming and athletics.

These and other extra-curricular activities offered to children arise from the interests and availability of staff and other adults, who undertake them voluntarily.

Recent ACHIEVEMENTS have included:

Warwickshire Champions – 6-a-side football 1999, 2000

Rugby Primary Schools netball runners-up 2000, 2001

Second place – East Warwickshire cricket 1999

Winner County firework safety poster competition 1999

Warwickshire County debating champions 1999

Selected for participation in the county music and drama festival 1998

Semi finalists Rugby School’s hockey tournament 1998

Participation in County Music and Drama festival 1998-2000