The school’s curriculum is made up from the following subjects in line with the National Curriculum.
Core subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- ICT
- RE
Foundation Subjects
- History
- Geography
- Art
- Music
- Design and technology
- PE and Games
- PSHME (Personal, Social and
- Health and Moral Education
- Modern Foreign Languages
The Curriculum is organised on a rolling programme to ensure coverage of the entire programmes of study and to accommodate the fact that, in common with most village schools, we teach in mixed age classes. The content is introduced by means of an Enquiry Unit which provides a focus, giving breadth and continuity.
Teachers assess the progress and achievements of children regularly in order to provide for their future needs. Pupils in Years 6 are tested annually with SATs in English and Mathematics.
English
English is the most important subject in our curriculum. The ability to speak and listen with confidence, and to read and write fluently enable all of us to function well in the society in which we live and provides access to all areas of learning. The amount of time we devote to teaching this subject reflects its importance. We follow the Renewed Framework for Literacy and where possible, link our learning to our Enquiry Units. The children at Ilsington CE School become confident speakers, happy to present their work to their peers or parents and able to discuss issues sensibly in forums such as their School Council.
We believe that reading is a great source of pleasure, as well as information and our class and school libraries are stocked with a variety of fiction and non-fiction books. The reading scheme books are colour banded according to their level of difficulty. The children can take a banded book at their own reading level home to read to you, or a general fiction or information book of their choice to share. Information about how we teach reading is given to parents at regular curriculum evenings.
Mathematics
Mathematics can equip children with the skills to think logically, develop problem solving strategies and think in abstract ways. The programme of work follows the Renewed Framework for Maths, with a daily Maths lesson. This includes time to practise mental calculations, as well as written recording. Throughout the school the children are generally taught in groups that reflect their ability. They are given every opportunity to use and apply their skills in other areas of the curriculum and to use ICT to support their learning.
Science
Science teaching at Ilsington School seeks to develop the children's natural curiosity about the world around them and to encourage their skills of observation. In Science lessons they make predictions, then explore what happens and relate what they have learnt to previous knowledge. Our pond area, allotment and our beautiful local surroundings, are used to the full to find out at first hand about habitats and the plants and creatures which inhabit them.
Information and Communication Technology
Known in school as ICT, this area of the curriculum is developing rapidly. The school is constantly updating resources and we now have a bank of laptop computers; each class is timetabled to use the laptops with enough for the children to have one each during a teaching session. We also have digital cameras and video cameras for the children's use, as well as a means for the teacher to gather assessment evidence. There is wireless internet access throughout the school, giving the children the opportunity to develop the skills of computer literacy which is essential for their lives in the 21st century. Every classroom also has a Smart Interactive Whiteboard for interactive teaching and we have two videoconferencing suites to extend our learning beyond the classroom.
History
The study of the History helps children to consider what past societies were like, how they were organised and the beliefs and cultures which influenced people's actions. At our school, History is taught through our Units of Enquiry, with the younger children learning about their personal and family histories as well as the lives of others long ago. Older pupils investigate some important periods of British history, as well as Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt.
Geography
The immediate environment plays a large part in the Geography curriculum and is the starting place for the children to understand their own place in the community. We make extensive use of our location between Dartmoor and the South Devon coast, organising regular geography-related activities. As they progress through the school, the children acquire geographical skills which enable them to describe how places have developed and our responsibility towards managing environments in sustainable ways.Design Technology
Design and Technology offers the opportunity for children to apply themselves intellectually and creatively in providing solutions to technological problems.D & T spans the curriculum, drawing on and linking other knowledge and skill areas. While covering the scheme of work, the children are engaged in focused practical tasks where they learn skills and techniques; product evaluation tasks, where they explore existing products and 'design and make' assignments, where they can apply what they have learnt. Food technology and textile work form part of the D & T curriculum, and in these and other areas the children learn to use tools safely and confidently.
Art and Design
Art has a unique role in the development of every child. It promotes confidence and enjoyment in communicating and expressing ideas, as well as playing a supportive role in other curriculum areas. We aim to provide pupils with the skills and appreciation of art to enjoy throughout their lives. The children gain experience of a wide range of techniques including drawing, painting, printing, 3-D work and clay. They are introduced to the work of famous artists and craftspeople, as well as, where possible, working alongside local artists.Music
Music is a very important part of our curriculum and the children have many opportunities to listen, play and perform. We are fortunate in having a variety of peripatetic music teachers at Ilsington providing a range of Music lessons including singing, drumming, guitar and violin. Many of the children perform in both school events and in the wider community.
