St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

Design Technology is met within a cross-curricular approach in which we aim to develop the children’s skills as they progress.

Design Technology involves the investigation of a need and the skills of planning, making and evaluating to realise it practically. DT is taught using a wide range of media, e.g. clay, textiles, wood, paper and construction materials.

History is taught through a topic approach. Each year group focuses on different aspects throughout the year. We aim to develop the children’s historical understanding through the use of artefacts and secondary sources in order to foster research skills and an empathy with the past.

Specialist historical groups visit the school to provide the children with a variety of experiences related to the historical period they are studying. This enables them to become active in their learning through the use of role-play.

Geography is taught through a cross-curricular approach, or as a separate subject where appropriate.

We endeavor to match geography with other related subjects such as Science to ensure a depth of experience without unnecessary duplication.

We cover the Geography National Curriculum through a series of projects looking at both the local environment and the wider world. Children also have the opportunity to develop their studies further afield during residential field trips in Years 4 and 6.

Map work skills are developed throughout the school. Many aspects introduced in Key Stage One are revisited and further developed in Key Stage Two.

P.E is an integral part of the school curriculum. We aim to provide an enjoyable and balanced programme following the Real PE scheme of work from Create Development.

Alongside this children will also develop their skills and understanding of competitive team games (e.g. netball and cricket) as well as outdoor and adventurous activities, dance and gymnastics.

Within PE lessons children are provided with the opportunity to develop their ‘multi-abilities’ which are, cognitive, health and fitness, personal, social, physical and creative skills.  Within the physical ‘multi-abilities’ our main focus is improving agility, balance and coordination.  The development of confidence, tolerance and the appreciation of one’s own and others’ strengths and weaknesses are an essential part of our teaching.

The school is fortunate to have two multi-purpose halls and extensive outdoor facilities including grassed areas, an all-weather pitch, as well as a hard playing court.

Children in Key Stage One and Year 4 have the opportunity to swim, with weekly sessions at the pool in Donyngs Leisure Centre for a term during the academic year.

At St. Joseph's we value art and design as an important part of the children's entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum.

Art and design provides the opportunity to develop and extend skills as well as an opportunity to express individual interests, thoughts and ideas through creativity.  We encourage children to observe and appreciate the work of a range of artists from the past and present.

Art and design is taught as part of termly topic work and links to their National Curriculum through a thematic approach based around the Cornerstones Curriculum.

Music is usually taught as a class activity. Our aim is to enable children to enjoy music through the development of listening skills and musical appreciation. Children are encouraged to compose and perform both vocal and instrumental pieces are introduced to a wide variety of styles.