English

We recognise that children's intellectual development and progress rests upon developing language, which underpins all aspects of life and learning. We value all children as individuals and aim to ensure that they achieve their full linguistic potential, developing an interest and love of books, reading and writing that stays with them for life. We aim to build on and develop the language skills that children bring with them to school. Some of our children come to school already competent in more than one language. Children for whom English is an additional language are supported by our Language Support Teacher. We develop pupils' knowledge and use of standard English whilst celebrating the contribution made by the richness of dialect and other languages spoken by our children.

Speaking & Listening

As soon as children enter school they are encouraged to use spoken language in a variety of situations to develop their vocabulary and help them express themselves fluently. Listening skills are developed through stories, poems, music and games. All of these activities are not only important in themselves but also prove invaluable in helping children learn to read.

Reading

An interest in and a love of books, alongside the development of reading skills, is fostered by the wide variety of books and other reading materials available at all levels. Regular visits to our local libraries, visits from librarians and use of the Project Loan Service ensure children have access to the most up to date reading materials. Children are encouraged to see reading as a worthwhile and enjoyable activity, at which they will succeed. Beginning in the Nursery, children are encouraged to take books home to share with their family on a regular basis.

Writing

The development of children's writing is closely linked to reading. Children's early attempts at writing are valued and, with the teacher's guidance, children are helped to develop an understanding of sentence structure, letter formation and correct spelling. As their word knowledge and understanding of language develops, children are encouraged to extend their writing and to write in a variety of ways and for a range of audiences

Mathematics

We aim to help children to become confident mathematicians. Children are taught to make decisions, communicate and reason through a range of activities in order to use and apply their mathematical skills, understanding of numbers and algebra and use shape and measures. In Key Stage Two, children learn about more complex ways of handling data as well as investigating probability. Again, a variety of teaching methods are used to develop this range of mathematical skills.

Science

We aim to develop scientific attitudes such as curiosity and perseverance, as well as problem solving skills. Children are taught to devise and carry out fair tests, make careful observations and communicate their results effectively. Children will be involved in finding out about living things, materials and their properties as well as aspects of physical sciences, such as forces and electricity.

ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

We have a range of resources using the very latest technology. Each classroom is equipped with an Interactive Whiteboard and a range of educational software carefully selected to support various areas of the curriculum. The school has a purpose-built computer suite used by all pupils. In addition, children have access to video cameras, digital cameras, document cameras and digital microscopes to enhance their understanding in ICT.

Click here to read about our School ICT Vision in detail.

Click here to view our powerpoint for our school ICT Vision

Design and Technology

The school has a wide range of hand tools which the children are taught to use safely and effectively. Children are encouraged to use a wide variety of skills and processes to design, make and then evaluate their ideas.

History

Children are given the opportunity to investigate different periods of history using artefacts and other sources to help them learn about the past. Visits to Museums, art galleries and historical buildings are incorporated into areas of study.

Geography

The children learn geographical skills and how to gather and collate information about the environment. We start with what the children know about their local environment and, as the children progress in this subject, the context for the development of skills becomes wider.

Religious Education & Collective Worship

We follow Hounslow's agreed RE syllabus, "Widening Horizons”. Children learn about the variety of beliefs and practices of the world religions. We make full use of the variety of places of worship situated in Hounslow by visiting them with the children. Children are encouraged to share their own experiences and to learn respect for the beliefs of others. All parents have the right to withdraw their child from RE lessons or assemblies.

School assemblies are a time when the whole school can feel part of one community and relevant themes can be raised and appropriate actions amongst the children encouraged. The main festivals of the World's religions are celebrated. In addition, global issues are raised and the work of important Charities acknowledged. School, Key Stage or Class assemblies are held daily. These assemblies, whilst of a broadly Christian outlook, are arranged so that children from all religious beliefs can feel comfortable. Where possible, common strands are pulled together from the world religions and linked to moral issues.

Art

We develop children's artistic skills by using a variety of media to encourage them to be artistically and visually literate as well as appreciating the tactile qualities of art. Children have the opportunity to explore the work of famous artists and to explore the World's rich and diverse cultural history.

Music

We aim to develop in our children a love of music from many traditions. All children will be able to listen, compose and perform using their voice and a variety of instruments. The school is part of Hounslow's music service which offers individual or small group tuition for a range of instruments in addition to a specialist music lesson from Years 1 - 6 each week. We host termly concerts by the staff of Hounslow's music service demonstrating woodwind, brass and stringed instruments. Our children are encouraged to share with us any musical experiences from home.

Physical Education

In PE lessons children learn to practise, perform and then evaluate various movements and routines. They develop physical skills and learn to play individual and team sports.

Swimming

During Year 4 children swim at Isleworth pool every week where they are taught in small groups by qualified ASA swimming instructors. A note is requested if your child is not swimming for any reason.

Sex Education

General sex education develops from our Science work on living processes and life cycles, throughout the school. Children learn about reproduction in animals, plants and humans which culminates in Year 6 with a more detailed and focused programme. Recommended videos and a variety of resources are used and parents are invited to view these before the programme starts. The school nurse joins us for some of these sessions.

Personal & Social Health Education & Citizenship

We aim to teach our children to keep themselves healthy and safe and how to deal with issues such as bullying, racism and to foster good friendships. This teaching takes place as part of our weekly routine as well as specifically planned activities such as visits from the School Nurse and visiting theatre companies who focus on areas such as bullying, drug use and misuse, bereavement and other social issues.

Each year the Metropolitan Police invite us to take part in their Junior Citizen Project when children learn the correct procedures for dealing with a range of emergency situations. Teachers plan for a regular "Circle time" when children are given the opportunity to talk openly about their feelings in a safe and secure environment. In Science lessons children learn about growth and hygiene.