English

The study of English language has always been given major emphasis at Cage Green Primary.

We believe in working in a partnership so we encourage parents to find a quiet time to read with their children at home whenever possible. The government recommends that all children of school age should spend 10 - 20 minutes a day reading at home depending upon the age of the child.

We follow the National Literacy Framework. During literacy teaching children read with the teacher some text, which may be a story, a poem or a piece of information. The children then carry out a variety of activities which may include, for example, talking about what the text means, discussing how it was put together and thinking about the audience for whom it was written. The text might then be used as a starting point for the children's writing.

Children also look at the sentences used in the text. For example, they might look at "connecting words" such as "although", "however", "because" or "but" and how they are used in the sentences. Children may then be asked to write sentences with connecting words of their own.

Finally, the text is used as a basis for spellings, phonic work or vocabulary learning. They might use a dictionary to look up any new words.

Activities during literacy teaching can also include drama, speaking and listening, reading and comprehension.

The children have 'extended' writing periods for literacy which may include creative writing, stories, news and information writing.

We teach cursive handwriting as early as possible starting with joins in reception.

Mathematics

We teach the National Curriculum Programmes of Study which cover the Use and Application of Maths, Number, Algebra, Measures, Shape and Space, and Data Handling.

We follow the National Numeracy Framework for teaching Mathematics from reception to year 6. The key objective of the Numeracy project is to provide good quality teaching in a daily maths lesson in all schools with primary aged pupils. The daily lessons last from 45-60 minutes depending on the age of the children and include oral and mental work. Teachers spend more time teaching the whole class together, engaging pupils with clear instructions and using effective questioning. Pupils also spend time working together in groups or in pairs.

The Framework also gives teachers clear objectives in order to plan, teach and assess the National Curriculum for Mathematics in a way that develops children's numeracy skills to the full. Much of our maths is based on practical activity and we encourage the children to learn how to use their initiative to solve problems thus developing their confidence and understanding. We teach and test tables regularly in KS2.

Science (including Sex Education)

As the National Curriculum suggests, we cover the Use and Application of Science and elements of chemistry, physics and biology. The children are encouraged to relate their science investigations to their own experiences and are able to experiment with practical work, make hypotheses, and draw their own conclusions.

This subject also covers human biology including health and sex education. The youngest children are tought about their own bodies and how to look after themselves. The children begin actual sex education lessons in the Key Stage 2 beginning with the development and birth of babies. In year 6 we teach about sexual development and reproduction. Parents always have the opportunity to view the videos used to teach this area of the curriculum. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of these lessons. All children are tought about the importance of hygiene and cleanliness.

Geography

The National Curriculum covers a wide range of geographical skills, a knowledge and understanding of places, physical and social geography, environmental issues and map skills. Much of the work is project-based and may be linked with science. Children are prompted to use their own experiences in their learning and study their own local environment and relevant issues. As children progress through the school they are encouraged to make comparisons between different geographical locations moving further afield to Europe and other continents.

History

We aim to give the children an understanding and appreciation of their past and the changes that have taken place throughout the years. The National Curriculum includes a wide range of topics encouraging the younger children to look at and find out about the life and times of their own grandparents and older people they know. The older children are introduced to a range of periods mainly concerned with British History, the study of ancient civilisations and the history of Tonbridge. Where events cover other countries we include some geographical teaching in order to give a broader understanding of the world and its people.

Physical Education

Our aim is to give children the confidence and ability to manage themselves in a variety of situations, as well as understanding the value of exercise and healthy sports.

Our programme includes gymnastics, creative dance, athletics and games both indoor and out. Children are taught various games skills and techniques in lessons of about 2 hours per week. We also encourage participation in sports clubs including Football, Netball, Kwik Cricket, Rugby, Rounders and indoor sports which can take up another 2 hours per week in KS2.

The Children are also given an opportunity to have swimming lessons in a local pool in KS2.

We have excellent sports facilities including two large playgounds, a large playing field, a sports hall, an adventure play area and a picnic area. These facilities are also used by outside clubs from the community.

At every opportunity we use a range of coaches and support from the local sports clubs in the community and parents - e.g. tennis, hockey, rugby, netball, football.

In year 6 the children have the opportunity to take part in an adventure weekend away when they are able to experience a variety of outdoor pursuits including orienteering, abseiling and rock climbing.

This weekend is also of major importance in the children's development of their independence, self-confidence and team work.

Information Technology

Computers are very much part of the children's lives and we feel that it is essential for all children to become confident in their use.

We have an ICT suite with 30 computers which children use at least 1 hour a week.

All childrenhave access to a computer (there are at least three in each class) and very quickly develop keyboard skills. The children learn to use computers for a variety of applications, e.g. word processing, data handling, information gathering, graphic design, e-mail and internet use, to assist them with their work in other subject areas. Interactive white boards have been installed in each year group to support the learning in ICT and across the curriculum

RE & Collective Worship

Religious Education is mainly Christian but the children are given an understanding of other faiths and cultures in accordance with the Kent Agreed Syllabus.

We encourage the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the children by the use of Circle Time. We have a daily act of Collective Worship which is held either in the class room or in the hall, depending on the size of the group. The worship follows a plan including teaching on Christian moral standards, bible stories, celebration of achievement, reflection and prayer.

Parents may withdraw their children from these activities if so desired. Children who are removed will be supervised and given other activities.

Art

Children develop artistic skills through drawing, painting, modelling and craft work.

Children learn to develop their own ideas and are taught to be observant. They are taught to appreciate art in all its many forms, its history and its value in today's society. Children are encouraged to match tools and materials to the task and to develop skills in using their tools and materials.

Design & Technology

Children are taught to be creative and to follow a project through from discussion and planning to the design and making and then to evaluate their end result. They are taught to use a variety of materials for each task.

The children also learn to use a range of tools and acquire skills recognising the need for safety and care.

Music

Alll children are encouraged to enjoy music when participating or listening. They are encouraged to appreciate a wide variety of styles in music and learn about famous composers and performers. There is opportunity for all children to learn to play the recorder in KS2. Children have class music lessons including performing, composing and appreciation and also have regular opporunities to sing and perform with larger groups in assemblies and school presentations.

Kent Music School provide visiting staff to teach other instruments that the children may wish to learn and an appropriate charge will be made for this, to be paid directly to KMS.

Drama

The Children are given a range of cultural experiences and opportunites. The children all take part in drama within the classroom including mime and role play.

These are developed further in yearly productions and regular school assemblies.

The PTA have raised money to provide staging, lighting and sound equipment to enhance these productions and will continue to help to improve facilities.