Secular Curriculum

Nursery and Reception

In Nursery and Reception we follow the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children learn through play which includes structured and independent play. The children are observed regularly and the teachers plan based on the children’s interests. In Nursery and Reception the secular and Jewish studies curriculum is taught through an integrated curriculum (except for Hebrew reading). Formal teaching of reading and writing begins in Reception. In Nursery and Reception phonics is taught using Jolly Phonics, Espresso and Read, Write Inc schemes.

Key Stage 1 and 2

In Key Stage 1 and 2 we follow the new National Curriculum. We offer a well-balanced and varied curriculum and demand a high standard of teaching from our staff. We are proud that our children score well above the national and local levels of achievement in Literacy and Numeracy. (See our section on SATs results.)

Year 3 playing a maths game

View an overview of the what is taught in each year group

We encourage our children to be active learners and to work independently and with others, using increasingly high levels of thinking skills. From Nursery to Year 6 all our children are constantly challenged in all areas of our rich curriculum.

Creative and expressive learning are promoted through speaking and listening, reading and writing. The children learn to organise their thinking, express their ideas and make sense of the world. By the end of Year 6 our children become fluent and confident readers and independent writers.

High standards of Numeracy are achieved through challenging mental and problem-solving investigative activities, enabling the children to gain the essential skills for future life and work.

Investigative and enquiry skills are developed in exciting interactive science work which leads to very high standards reached by Year 6.

Our ICT provision includes a dedicated ICT suite, interactive whiteboards in all classrooms, ipads and laptops. It enhances the children’s learning in all areas of the curriculum and underpins our teaching ethos.

The children develop an understanding of the world they live in now and an appreciation of the past, enhanced by numerous outings, workshops and residential trips.

Creativity is promoted through music, art and design and technology. Children are encouraged to make, design and appreciate their work and that of others.

The importance of physical activity in developing fitness, social and team skills is recognized by our achievement of the Activemark.

In order to promote the learning of a modern foreign language, Ivrit is taught in all the classes.

Our happy and safe children are able to learn well and our PSHCE curriculum, founded on Jewish values, contributes to this.

PSHCE: Money Sense School Accreditation. In 2019 we are working towards becoming a MoneySense Accredited school. We were invited to apply for this badge after showing a commitment to teaching our children financial education  and how to use money safely and responsibly. We have held workshops with NatWest volunteers with several classes and run activities based on real life “money moments” such as budgeting for a birthday party or buying a first phone. These have been positively received by the children and their understanding of the financial system has improved. For more information, see this link:   https://natwest.mymoneysense.com/parents/​