The Curriculum

At Northbourne pupils follow the National Curriculum in

• Literacy, Numeracy and Science (core subjects).
• Design and Technology (DT), Information and Communications Technology (ICT), History, Geography, Art, Music, P.E., which includes swimming in Key Stage 2 (foundation subjects) and PSHE.
• Religious Education.  As Northbourne is an Aided School, it is the role of the Governors to decide on the R.E. policy.

We arrange a series of informal meetings at the beginning of every term for parents in each class to discuss the curriculum for that term with the class teacher. Policy statements and schemes of work for each subject are available at the school office for parents to see.  Contributions and suggestions from parents are welcomed.

We believe that first hand experience is really important for the children so we arrange many school trips, visits and visitors to come in and speak with them. We believe that learning must be both active and creative and our children achieve well because they enjoy what they are doing.

Literacy, Numeracy and Science

The teaching of Literacy (English) and Numeracy (Maths) are strongly emphasised to give children a sound grasp of the basic skills which are essential for further development.   The children are set according to ability and age for Literacy in Years 5/6 and in Numeracy in Years 3/4 and Years 5/6.

We also attach great importance to the teaching of Science.  We have a wildlife area and follow eco-friendly practices such as recycling and composting so children have hands-on experience in science.

Information on national Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) is given towards the end of the prospectus.

Computer Technology

We believe that computer technology skills will be increasingly important in the future.  We constantly strive to adopt the latest developments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Our computer suite contains 17 networked computers and we have interactive whiteboards in each classroom. We also have a mobile networked laptop trolley. Every classroom also has at least one stand-alone computer.

R.E. and Acts of Worship

The law requires that children take part in a daily act of worship.  Assemblies take different forms to ensure that children experience richness and variety in worship.  The clergy from St Peter’s C of E Church take an assembly once a week.

On Fridays we frequently have a whole school assembly led by a class when parents are invited to see what the children have been doing. At certain times during the year children attend services held in St Peter's Church and we invite parents and friends to join us.

R.E. is a curriculum subject which is planned and taught throughout the school.  In Key Stage 1 the focus is on teaching about the Christian faith and in Key Stage 2 the children continue to learn about Christianity and are also taught about the Jewish and Islamic faiths.

The 1988 Education Act gives parents the legal right to withdraw their children from R.E. and Worship.  We do hope, however, that all parents will allow their children to be included in our R.E. and Worship.  Any parent who wishes to discuss this matter further is welcome to speak to the Headteacher.

Music at Northbourne School

The school has developed a strong music tradition during the last few years.  We provide a broad range of instrumental tuition through the County Music Service. Children have the opportunity to learn a variety of musical instruments including the recorder, flute, guitar and clarinet.

The choir and orchestra take part in the Didcot Music Festival and Didcot Town Carol Concert each year and children sing in both the local Festival of Voices and the national one at Wembley Arena. Groups also perform for local organisations and charities from time to time.

Sex and Relationships Education

The school offers a programme of preparation for growing up for pupils in Years 5 and 6.  These are led by the School Nurse.  The content is appropriate to the pupil's age and experience and is presented within a moral, family-oriented and Christian framework.  Parents are informed about the dates and the contents of these sessions and may choose to withdraw their children from them.

Teaching about drug abuse, alcohol and smoking is also offered to pupils in Years 5 and 6.  The police liaison officer runs a series of classes for pupils in Years 5 and 6 on topics such as good citizenship, bullying and theft.

International Links

Northbourne School has taken a leading role in developing links with schools in other countries and has held the International School Award since 1999 and is one of only seventeen schools in the country to hold three of these awards. For six years we have been taking part in the Comenius Project, which promotes links with other European schools. We currently have partners in Finland, Malta and Spain. The children take part in projects to find out about their partner schools, for instance through exchanging emails and making videos which show aspects of life in each country. We can also use a web cam so that children can talk to each other through a computer link.

Extra Curricular Activities

We believe that children should be encouraged to take part in activities outside the normal school day.  At different times there are netball, swimming, football, gardening, music, cricket, rugby, strategy games and ICT clubs after school, and rehearsals for the school choir.

French lessons take place on Mondays during the lunch hour for children in Years 1 - 6.  These are taught by a qualified French teacher.  Details of the cost of these lessons are available from the office.

School netball, rounders, football, cricket and athletic teams play in friendly matches with other schools and also take part in district tournaments.  A swimming team competes in district events and has been very successful.

Children in Years 3-6 have the opportunity to participate in residential visits to study centres.  These are thoroughly enjoyed by the children and enable them to have fun whilst developing their confidence and independence.

We recognise that some children are more able and gifted and provide opportunities for them to work with children from other schools. For example, Year 6 children took part in the Didcot Partnership quiz, some children have participated in the Gifted and Talented Summer School and Northbourne School hosted a problem solving morning for gifted pupils from Years 6, 7 and 8. Some of our pupils were also invited to work with other gifted children by the LEA Maths Advisory Team.

Wrap Around Care

We offer Wrap Around Care for children who have a part time place in the Foundation Stage. This means that your child can have an LEA funded place in the morning and you can pay for your child to stay in the afternoon. We employ an extra member of staff to care for the children in Wrap Around Care and the cost is £6.00 for a 2 ½ hour session.

Breakfast Club

We have a very popular Breakfast Club. Breakfast Club runs from 8.00am to 9.00am.

Conduct and Behaviour

We believe that high standards of behaviour and good relationships will lead to effective learning. We are committed to developing a caring and supportive community to achieve this.  Visitors to our school often comment on how friendly and well behaved our children are.

School rules are kept to a minimum and are regularly reviewed. We promote good behaviour through praise and rewards and have a very clear list of consequences to be used if a child chooses to break a rule.  Each class has a list of these rules which have been agreed by pupils and teachers.

Privileges are given to Year 6 children who want to accept the responsibilities which accompany them.  These include partnering the Foundation Stage children for reading and playing, showing visitors around the school, managing the ICT network and promoting the school environment.