Children at St. John’s have access to a broad and balanced curriculum with an emphasis on developing the core skills of Literacy and Numeracy. We believe these provide our children with a firm base for learning in other subjects.

Children work in a variety of ability and mixed ability groups. Teaching methods include whole class, group and individual teaching. Children learn through practical, first hand experiences as well as through direct teaching. Our aim is to encourage each child to be responsible for their own learning, developing their skills of concentration, motivation and independence.

The curriculum in Reception follows the six aspects of the Foundation Stage:

1. Communication, Language and Literacy.
2. Mathematical Development.
3. Knowledge and Understanding of the World.
4. Physical Development.
5. Creative Development.
6. Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Years 1-6 follow the National Curriculum for all subject areas, with specific guidance from The National Numeracy Strategy for Numeracy, The National Literacy Strategy for Literacy (though these will develop into The National Primary Strategy) and The Birmingham Agreed Syllabus for RE. The school also uses National guidance documents from the QCA for many of the other curricular areas. This helps ensure that there is coverage and progression of key skills and concepts throughout the child’s school life.

Assessment

Assessment plays a very important part in raising standards. Teachers regularly assess what the children have learnt and keep records of their progress.

In addition, children in Years 2 and 6 are formally assessed using Standard Assessment Tasks and Tests in English, Maths and Science. The result of these teacher and standard assessments will give you an indication of your child’s level of attainment compared with other children in the age group nationally.

Whole school targets and termly targets for English and Maths are discussed with yourself and your child. Your child will be expected to take an active part in their own learning, assessment and setting of personal targets.

Homework

We ask parents to support the education of their children by encouraging them to complete and return their homework on time. Children need time away from noise and distractions to do their homework properly.

Each child will regularly receive homework during the week. They will have tables and spellings to learn each week, as well as reading their book every night. They will also have work linked to their topics and curriculum given to them.

Help them with their homework by listening to them, asking them questions and getting them to check their work. It is only with your support that they will fully achieve.

Parents’ Evenings

Parents’ Evenings occur each term and provide an important opportunity to discuss your child’s attainment, progress and behaviour.

• IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU ATTEND THESE MEETINGS.

A written report of your child’s progress, in all curricular areas, will be given to you at the end of each academic year.

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