At Whitmore the children's learning is planned according to the National Curriculum requirements and other aspects of learning which we consider vital to the children's all round educational development.

The National Curriculum consists of Core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science and Information Technology (IT) and Foundation subjects: Geography, History, Art, Music, Design and Technology, Physical Education, Religious Education and Personal, Social, Health and Sex Education (PSHE).

English

The English curriculum is believed to be a key subject as it facilitates the learning of all other curricular areas. The school ensures children from Year 1 to Year 6 receive their full entitlement to English through the implementation of the National Literacy Strategy. We also use the Early Reading Research system to ensure children receive a thorough grounding in phonic skills. Where younger children do not make all the progress we would hope for they are offered additional support through the Reading Recovery scheme which provides a one to one programme of literacy support. Overall children receive one hour of literacy each day which focuses on reading and writing. Each child's language development is supported by the widest possible range of strategies, experiences and resources. We value and support children whose first language is not English.

Mathematics

We follow the National Numeracy Strategy. In practice this means that all children of statutory school age have up to one hour of maths or maths activity every day. There is a strong emphasis on mental maths. Children are regularly given homework which supports the acquisition of their numeracy skills.

Science

Science is taught in accordance with the National Curriculum guidelines and our own detailed programmes of study for Years 1 to 6 and Whitmore's Teaching and Learning Policy. It reflects a wider, global view with reference to:

• the influences of scientific development
• the development of civilisation
• the history of scientific knowledge and understanding.

Geography

Children study geography through a progression of themed units. We believe that as far as possible, geographical studies should be related to the lives of children and their families. Teachers aim to teach children the importance of living sustainably, that is in a way that will conserve the fast dwindling resources of the world today for the citizens of succeeding generations.

History

Children begin learning history by realizing that they and their families are part of history and that yesterday is part of history as well as "long ago". They progress to learning about the lives of ordinary people, particularly children, as well as the lives of "famous and" influential" people. Children are made aware that in order to properly understand history, it has to be viewed from a world perspective. Visits to historical sites and museums are an important part of the children's historical understanding and experience.

Design and Technology

At Whitmore we follow the National Curriculum for Design and Technology. We encourage the children to work from first-hand experience by giving them the opportunity to develop their design skills by using a wide range of materials.

Information and Communication Technology

Through involvement with the National Grid for Learning Whitmore has set up a computer suite with computers linked to the Internet as well as using software which supports the National Curriculum.

The suite is regularly used to develop pupils' skills in lnformation and Communications Technology. These computers are used for whole class teaching of ICT and there are also computer and printers in each classroom. Where possible, teachers seek to use computers to aid teaching in other curriculum areas.

Physical Education

P.E. is part of the National Curriculum and every child is expected to participate. All classes have P.E. lessons twice a week. These include dance, gymnastics, athletics. and sports sessions. Children from Year 3 to Year 6 learn to swim up to 25 metres at the Britannia Leisure Centre.

Art

We aim to develop pupils' understanding of craft and design through work on their knowledge about the subject and experiences of investigative and making skills. They should be able to record their ideas, choose resources and materials, describe and compare images and artifacts, record what they have experienced and imagined, understand the intentions of artists and crafts people and evaluate their own work.

Music

Music is an enjoyable and important experience for all children which contributes to children's aesthetic development and stimulates the mind. We encourage our children to be individually creative and skilful as well as working with them to develop their listening skills and to help them perform and compose music for themselves. Currently we employ a specialist music teacher to ensure the subject is consistently well taught.

Religious Education and Assemblies

We teach Religious Education in order to develop knowledge and understanding of religions and to enhance children's spiritual and moral development. We aim to develop positive attitudes towards others and their right to hold different beliefs.

Assemblies are held every day and include a religious, moral or social message. Parents are entitled to withdraw their children from any religious worship or activities in school. Please inform the Headteacher if you wish to withdraw your child from assemblies or celebration of festivals.

Our assemblies are organised in different ways. Some are for the whole school, some are held separately for KS1 and Foundation and KS2.