At Northbourne we aim to teach pupils the use of spoken and written language confidently and confidently and value the importance of these vital skills in all subjects. We follow the National Literacy Strategy and teach English through a variety of exciting and interactive methods.
Reading
Mathematics is taught daily and follows the National Numeracy Strategy. Each lesson begins with a mental/oral starter, followed by a teaching and learning session, and concludes with a plenary session to recap on the main points of the lesson and to move the children’s learning forward.
Science at Northbourne is taught through practical first hand experiences and the use of good quality secondary resources. ICT is embedded in the curriculum enriching it further. Wherever appropriate we further extend the curriculum through experiences outside the classroom, such as using the Explorer Dome, enriching the children’s experiences.
At Northbourne our aim is to enable children to develop their experiences for self expression and creativity through a wide range of different mediums. It is important to educate the whole child and to give children the security to know that their achievements are valued. Here are a few pictures to show the progression of our children’s work:
Design and Technology is an exciting practical subject which allows pupils to make sense of appliances and processes in their environment, primarily through first hand experiences and explorations. At Northbourne, pupils gain a knowledge and understanding of materials, components, controls and structures. Pupils use focused practical tasks to develop skills, techniques and knowledge, particularly those related to tools and the use of materials. Pupils have the opportunity to investigate, disasse
Geography is the study of people and places. At Northbourne we believe that having a thorough knowledge of the world around us is vital if children are to understand the landscape in which we live. During their time at Northbourne children will have the opportunity to study different places and themes.
History is the study of people and time. At Northbourne we believe that having a thorough knowledge of the past is vital if children are to have a thorough understanding of the world today. During their time at Northbourne children will have the opportunity to study famous historical people and events, great civilisations and compare the present with the past.
At Northbourne, ICT is an integral part of the whole curriculum. Each class has stand alone computers. There is a well equipped ICT suite with desktop and laptop computers all linked to the network. Children learn and develop specific ICT skills throughout the school, and then use and apply these skills within all other areas of the curriculum. All children learn how to access and use a variety of programmes and CDRoms. They also learn how to navigate through and search the internet. As part of Oxfordshire's and Northbourne'
By 2010, all children in Key Stage 2 will be required to learn a foreign language. As part of our commitment to this, all children at Northbourne are already experiencing and learning French. In the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, the children learn simple conversational phrases and numbers through songs and stories. In Key Stage 2, the children learn to read and write simple French phrases and learn to use French in role-play and in song. The children in Years 5 and 6, are fortunate to have a specialist language teacher from
Music at Northbourne is taught throughout the school. Each class has a weekly session following the Music Express Scheme of Work. We have peripatetic music teachers come in to teach guitar, clarinet and flute. There is a musical theatre group, which meets weekly and attends various concerts such as Didcot Carols and Festival of Voices. All children learn a variety of hymns and songs which they regularly sing both in school worship and at St. Peter's Church.
As a school, we follow the Smile Again scheme of work. This is a comprehensive and coherent scheme, beginning with the Foundation Stage and progressing through to Year 6. It covers 'Healthy Lifestyles' - learning about looking after ourselves, our family and friends and the community and environment around us. It also deals with 'Sensitive Issues' such as drugs, keeping safe and relationships - all at age appropriate levels.
At Northbourne we want to all children to enjoy participating in physical education and develop a positive attitude towards fitness and healthy lifestyles as well as developing their skills in specific sports and sporting attitudes.
The Curriculum
At Northbourne we place a strong emphasis on Christian values. This is embedded in our school ethos and we have had a very successful R.E. Ofsted inspection.
Interactive plan of the school
