• • English unites the important skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening as well as opening the door to the world of the written word. The ability to question and communicate is key to both learning and life in general and are encouraged from the first day at POWIIS Primary. Children learn to read through phonics using the English alphabetic code; they will learn to identify and decode phonemes (units of sound) and graphemes (the corresponding units of letters), and then blend these into words. As children re-read stories, their fluency increases and they begin to read with a storyteller’s voice. Parents are encouraged to help with their child’s reading progress by sharing a book at home on a regular basis or listening to stories read aloud. As reading skills progress, guided reading sessions help children to develop more sophisticated skills such as inference and prediction. In the final two years, an emphasis is placed on discussion and the formation of individual opinions.

• • Writing begins in the Early Years with the emphasis on correct letter formation. Formal handwriting lessons and cursive script are introduced once a child is formin gletters correctly. Presenting work in a neat handwriting style is encouraged throughout the school. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge of phonetic spellings in the early stages of writing so that what they can record is not limited to what they can spell. This process is refined as they learn ‘tricky words’ which do not follow phonic rules. In Years 3 and 4, time is spent consolidating skills in the basics of spelling and grammar while working on tasks linked to the creative Curriculum themes, making learning experiences richer and more varied. In Years 5 and 6, English is taught as far as possible through literature, enabling students to have the opportunity to study a variety of novels, poetry and plays. Children’s composition (ideas, vocabulary and grammar) is developed by drawing on their own experiences and talking about the stories they read. We encourage our students to become creative and imaginative writers in a variety of genres and this is an area that is regularly assessed.

  • English at POWIIS Primary is at the heart of the curriculum. Whilst building essential literacy knowledge and skills, we also encourage and foster a genuine passion for the spoken and written word. In support of the rich and varied curriculum, there are regular sessions with visiting authors, writing workshops, opportunities to be involved in public speaking assemblies, poetry recitals, book clubs and debating groups all aimed at inspiring a love of language. The ability to communicate effectively, infer accurately and respond with sensitivity is vital to a child’s development and subsequent contribution to society.

At POWIIS Primary, we believe mathematics is more than just a subject – it is a way of thinking. Our students will gain understanding and enjoyment from mathematics lessons and be challenged at levels appropriate to their age. If a child understands why a technique works they have a much better chance of being able to apply that method in a different context. Students are introduced to mathematics through practical, mental and written activities differentiated according to their age and level of understanding. We recognise that it is essential that children make sense of what they are taught in order to develop a sound understanding of mathematical concepts. The aim is that mathematics intrigues, inspires and explains.

Children delight in using mathematics to solve a problem, especially when it leads them to an unexpected discovery or new connection. Mathematics offers children a powerful way of communicating. They learn to explore and explain their ideas using symbols, diagrams and spoken and written language. Across the curriculum, it reinforces many of the concepts, skills and thinking essential in everyday life.

Science teaching aims to stimulate and excite students’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. If science is dictated as ‘facts to learn’ and not presented as current theories to question and use in deeper exploration, its relevance in today’s world will not be recognised by children. Every day, the POWIIS Primary team aim to make lessons fun and stimulating, to ensure there is understanding as opposed to just a memorisation of facts, and to enable students to leave the school with confidence in science, an enthusiasm for learning and lots of questions to ask. The curriculum is taught throughout the school with concepts introduced and revisited as students develop, adding greater layers of conceptual understanding and factual knowledge. A practical approach is taken to all learning with experimental work being at the heart of this gathering process.

At POWIIS Primary we see the study of history as a means of understanding the world in which we live by learning about how and why it has come about. History is, above all, the study of human behaviour and children learn about themselves and their society in a uniquely meaningful way. We aim to make past events relevant and interesting to our students. We are fortunate to have technological resources which help to bring history alive. Students are no longer reliant on only textbooks; with the huge selection of material available online there is a wealth of information available to support their learning.

Planet Earth is our home. It is awesome, diverse, inspiring and ever-changing. As geographers at POWIIS Primary, we are passionate about discovering how our world works and what impact humans are having on its fragile existence. The geography curriculum allows our students to explore aspects of human and physical geography that affect their surroundings both locally and worldwide. The staff are committed to improving the knowledge and understanding of their students and also developing the thinking skills which are so vital in the study of Geography.

The opportunity to express ourselves, to act, to take on the challenge of someone else’s character, to move others and to work with others as part of a team are all important aspects of the dramatic experience. We will provide the children with the opportunity to perform, to dance, to debate and to recite in various forms throughout the primary years. From role play and Early Years performances to our Primary Productions, the children will be encouraged to find their public voice, to collaborate and develop confidence in their abilities.

Our programme, which runs across in all year groups, aims to help students become aware of themselves and of others through developing the knowledge, skills and understanding they will need throughout life. With children’s mental health of increasing concern, we deal with some of the real issues affecting children and give them the opportunity to discuss their different experiences, viewpoints and attitudes and to listen and respond appropriately to others. PSHE is taught through discussion, circle time, drama and assemblies and covers diverse topics from healthy eating to friendship. Also included are aspects of citizenship and philosophy.

As we delve deeper into the 21st century, Information Technology is increasingly being integrated into every area of everyday life. As such, an understanding of computing and how we can use technology to our benefit is a necessity for future generations. At POWIIS Primary,  children are immersed in IT from the first day they start school as the use of technology is fully integrated in all subject areas. Students will learn basic coding and programming skills as well as using tools such as animation, moving making and they will also be encouraged to communicate their ideas using a variety of technological tools.