OUR CURRICULUM
If you would like further information on our curriculum that you cannot locate in our policies or on this page, please contact the school office who will be happy to put you in touch with the relevant member of teaching staff.
OUR PHONICS AND READING SCHEMES
In Key Stage 1 (Reception to Year 2) we use the Little Wandle phonics teaching programme.
Key Stage 1 pupils follow the Rising Stars Reading Planet reading scheme.
Key Stage 1 pupils follow the Rising Stars Reading Planet reading scheme.
THE READING DIET
We all know that reading is important. Evidence shows that reading for pleasure can have a significant impact on academic attainment, wellbeing and confidence.
The Belham Reading Diet is our version of a canon of reading; it is split into four groups of texts. It covers the core texts that each year group may use to teach writing (please do NOT read these with your children ahead of their English lessons as it will hinder them). It also covers the class readers - the texts that we will read to pupils. They are divided into five text types based on the 'Plagues of Reading': archaic texts over 50 or 100 years old; non-linear timelines; complexity of narrator; complexity of plot or symbolism; resistant texts that resist easy meaning-making by the reader. In addition the Reading Diet outlines the non-fiction texts that your child may use over the course of each academic year; these are linked to the topics that they study in school. Lastly, it outlines the Reading Passport texts: these are a series of texts that have been picked to be read at home (see below for more details).
We ask that you do not study the core texts or class readers at home or allow children to read ahead as it hinders not only their own but others' access to English lessons.
The Belham Reading Diet is our version of a canon of reading; it is split into four groups of texts. It covers the core texts that each year group may use to teach writing (please do NOT read these with your children ahead of their English lessons as it will hinder them). It also covers the class readers - the texts that we will read to pupils. They are divided into five text types based on the 'Plagues of Reading': archaic texts over 50 or 100 years old; non-linear timelines; complexity of narrator; complexity of plot or symbolism; resistant texts that resist easy meaning-making by the reader. In addition the Reading Diet outlines the non-fiction texts that your child may use over the course of each academic year; these are linked to the topics that they study in school. Lastly, it outlines the Reading Passport texts: these are a series of texts that have been picked to be read at home (see below for more details).
We ask that you do not study the core texts or class readers at home or allow children to read ahead as it hinders not only their own but others' access to English lessons.
READING PASSPORT
This is a voluntary reading scheme. Each classroom has lots of copies of their year group books available for pupils to borrow. The books have been picked to ensure that children have exposure to a broad range of reading styles and are split into termly groups to make it feel less intimidating. Pupils can read the books themselves, have them read to them by an adult (or audio book), or they could be read in a shared reading context with adult and child taking turns.
Many of the books have graphic novel versions or film adaptations. We encourage you to make the reading of these books a family affair - this will support lots of discussion about the plot, characters, language and authorial style (all factors that support academic attainment).
Pupils all have a Reading Passport which can be signed when they have read a book, at the end of the term they may be eligible for a certificate if they have read the required number of books.
Many of the books have graphic novel versions or film adaptations. We encourage you to make the reading of these books a family affair - this will support lots of discussion about the plot, characters, language and authorial style (all factors that support academic attainment).
Pupils all have a Reading Passport which can be signed when they have read a book, at the end of the term they may be eligible for a certificate if they have read the required number of books.
SUBJECT PROGRESSION MAPS
CURRICULUM SUPPORT
ENGLISH
Danae Gardner, our English subject leader, has produced a video guide to Key Stage 2 grammar:
Key Stage 2 grammar video
Key Stage 2 grammar video
MATHS
James Hartley, our maths subject leader, has produced video guides to some of the mathematical strategies children will learn, looking in particular at calculation for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2:
Key Stage 1 calculation video
Key Stage 2 calculation video
Our Calculation Policy details the main principles of calculation for Years 1 to 4:
Calculation Policy Years 1 to 4
Key Stage 1 calculation video
Key Stage 2 calculation video
Our Calculation Policy details the main principles of calculation for Years 1 to 4:
Calculation Policy Years 1 to 4
PSHE
We use the Jigsaw scheme to support our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) teaching. Jigsaw has produced this useful parent guide to the programme:
Jigsaw parent information guide
Jigsaw parent information guide
EXTERNAL SPECIALISTS
DANCE
Please visit Dance Educates to see the theory and practice of the dance work Belham children have been engaging in.
CURRICULUM 'GLITTER'
We believe that every child deserves a diverse range of experiences to foster their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for the wider world, and to help them explore their place in it.
At the Belham our pupils’ learning journey is enriched by educational visits to places of historical, scientific or cultural interest; to museums, theatres, farms, galleries, places of worship. We also enhance our in-school provision by inviting visitors into school – workshops and talks from artists, scientists, historians, authors and musicians give children a wider, richer view of life.
In 2021/22 events included visits to the Science Museum, Butser Ancient Farm and Battersea Zoo; an in-school project with London Sinfonietta; talks on biodiversity in the Amazon; workshops on the Great Fire of London and a visit from Pollock’s Toy Museum.
At the Belham our pupils’ learning journey is enriched by educational visits to places of historical, scientific or cultural interest; to museums, theatres, farms, galleries, places of worship. We also enhance our in-school provision by inviting visitors into school – workshops and talks from artists, scientists, historians, authors and musicians give children a wider, richer view of life.
In 2021/22 events included visits to the Science Museum, Butser Ancient Farm and Battersea Zoo; an in-school project with London Sinfonietta; talks on biodiversity in the Amazon; workshops on the Great Fire of London and a visit from Pollock’s Toy Museum.
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD AT HOME
Children have access to the following sites to practise at home:
Please contact the school office with any login queries.
SUMMER TERM 2023 CURRICULUM INFORMATION
Coming soon
|
Reception Curriculum Map
Year 1 Curriculum Map Year 2 Curriculum Map Year 3 Curriculum Map |
Year 4 Curriculum Map
Year 5 Curriculum Map Year 6 Curriculum Map |
ARCHIVED CURRICULUM INFORMATION
Please click here to find curriculum information from previous years.
