THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
The Foundation Phase Early Years, Foundation Phase 1 and Foundation Phase 2 children follow the Foundation Phase Curriculum, where they are given a broad and balanced curriculum incorporating and developing skills across the seven areas of learning namely: - Mathematical Development, Language, Literacy & Communication, Welsh 2nd Language, Knowledge & Understanding of the World, Physical Development, Creative Development and Personal, Social Development, Wellbeing and Cultural Diversity.
The National Curriculum at KSII consists of three Core Subjects, which are English, Mathematics and Science. The remaining subjects are known as Foundation Subjects and are ICT, D.T, Welsh, History, Geography, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education and Art.
The curriculum offered at Bryn Coch will lay great stress on the basic areas of education, whilst at the same time ensuring the delivery of a broad balanced curriculum, including Personal, Social and Health Education, which is an important element in developing responsible attitudes in children while promoting a positive self-image. The school also offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities which are seen as an extension of the children’s day and play a significant part in the development of the school ethos.
At Key Stage II (7 - 11) English, Mathematics, Welsh and Science are mainly taught as separate subjects, but they are also integrated into the children’s topic work with all the other curriculum areas.
We also follow the statutory Literacy and Numeracy Framework and the non-statutory Skills framework for 3-19 year olds in Wales. These have developed in order to provide guidance about continuity and progression in developing thinking, communication, ICT and number for pupils.
The children cover a variety of topics, each based on a central text (fiction/non-fiction). We emphasise the importance of a variety of study methods when collecting information. Children are also encouraged to continue this work at home and we hope that this helps to form a stronger link between home and school. Here is a list of topics that are covered at present: These topics cover many of the Foundation subjects including History, Geography, D.T and Art. We also hold special weeks in school e.g. Welsh Week, Community week, Multicultural week to enhance the curriculum further. The children have the opportunity to plan their own learning - we call this Pupil Voice.
Nursery - Nursery work is planned throughout the year around a text depending on the children’s interests.
Reception - Reception work is planned throughout the year around a text depending on the children’s interests.
Year 1 - Autumn – Book based on Light
Spring - The Journey by Aaron Becker
Summer – The Pirate Cruncher by Jonny Duddle
Year 2 - Autumn – Book based on trees and living things
Spring – The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch by Ronda and David Armitage
Summer - Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas
Year 3 - Autumn – Racing with Gladiators by Mary Pope Osbourne
Spring - Earthquake Shock by Marlane Kennedy
Summer – The Magic School Bus plant seeds by Patricia Relf
Year 4 - Autumn – The Queen’s Token by Pamela Oldfield
Spring - Meeting Cezanne by Michael Morpurgo
Summer – The Boy who harnessed the wind by Bryan Mealer and William Kamkwamba
Year 5 - Autumn – A Twist of Fortune by Barbara Mitchelhill
Spring – Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Summer – The River Singers by Tom Moorehouse
Year 6 - Autumn – Friend or Foe Michael Morpurgo
Spring – Bardsey Island Poem and Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
Summer – Sky Hawk by Gill Lewis and Fastest Boy in the World by Elizabeth
Laird
Resource 2018/19 - Resource work is planned throughout the year around a text depending on the children’s interests.