The curriculum offered is a broad and balanced one which further includes Drama, French or Spanish and many additional social skills that are required for each child to grow up to be a caring, conscientious and co-operative individual.

In line with the Government’s focus on further increasing the attainment of all children, the school has successfully implemented both the new Literacy and Numeracy Frameworks. The school is well-equipped with computers, comprising of 48 wireless laptops and a computer and interactive whiteboard in every classroom.

 

Clear and accurate speech is taught throughout the school as an ability to express oneself clearly is a necessary skill for life.

 

The children are encouraged to acquire an enthusiasm for learning that will, in time, enable them to learn both independently and in small working groups. Equal opportunities are given to both boys and girls in all areas of school life. Where possible, emphasis is placed on learning through direct experience, whether looking through a lens at an insect collected from our “mini beast” area or school pond, constructing a working model or visiting a farm or museum etc.

 

Epsom Primary School caters for children from the ages of 3 to 11. Children from 3 to 5 are taught in the Foundation Stage Unit (Nursery and Reception), which has its own curriculum and set of attainment targets, which prepares them for the National Curriculum in Key Stage 1. From 5 to 7 years the children are in Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) and are required to follow the attainment targets and programme of study laid out in the National Curriculum, all of which are included in our School Curriculum Policy Statements. From 7 to 11 years the children are in Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 & 6) and follow the National Curriculum attainment targets and programme of study.

 

Parents are invited to meet with their child’s class teacher to discuss their child’s progress at Parent Consultation Evenings held during the Autumn, Spring and Summer Terms. Parents are also invited to a ‘Coffee Morning’ at the beginning of the each term to meet their child’s teacher and find out what topics will be covered during that term. The Parents’ Evening during the Autumn term gives children the opportunity to show their parents their work both in the classroom and around the school as well as meeting the teacher. We believe very strongly that the best education can only be provided by the school if there is a real partnership and regular contact with you, the parent. The benefits of these termly visits to school cannot be stressed too much. It is also very important for each child to see their parent(s) attending these meetings, as it reinforces the partnership between home and school and demonstrates to each child that their parents care about the education they receive, the work they produce and the progress that they make. Appointment systems operate for the Parent Consultation evenings so that parents should not have to wait long to see a teacher. Should parents wish to meet more frequently with their child’s teacher they should not hesitate to make an appointment through either the School Office or direct with the Class teacher.

 

 

Great emphasis is placed on reading for both pleasure and information. Children are encouraged to experience a real joy in books and to develop an appreciation of the written word. Parents are encouraged to take an active part in their child’s reading development. The Headteacher meets with all parents of children starting in the Reception Year to discuss the school’s commitment to reading success and the way children learn to read. The school also holds a Reading Meeting for parents of Reception age children to show them ways of reading with their child. Visits to the local Library for parents and children are also arranged. The school is particularly proud of its school library and the opportunities it gives to children attending the school. The school is continually looking at ways to improve the quantity and diversity of both fiction and non-fiction books.

 

 

The aim of Religious Education at Epsom Primary School is to encourage and nurture a child’s growing awareness and understanding of religion and its contribution to the world in which we live. Each child explores the “meaning of life”; the aim is to develop an understanding of the contribution religion can make to how we should live together, in harmony, and with tolerance and understanding. This is achieved by including religious components in class projects exploring specific religious themes and through general projects, which touch, occasionally, on religious aspects. It reflects the fact that the “religious tradition in Great Britain is mainly Christian, whilst taking into account the teaching and practices of other principal religions represented in Great Britain” – Educational Reform Act 1988.

Children are encouraged to understand and respect the major aspects of other world faiths and religious practices eg Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. At least 60 minutes is spent on Religious Education related curriculum areas each week.

 

Assemblies also play an important part in Religious Education and are integrated into the broader curriculum. They include opportunities for children to observe, and to take part in worship through singing, prayers, reflection, reading, drama and other creative activities.

 

The 1988 Educational Reform Act gives each parent the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education if they feel the approaches differ from their own faith. In practice very few parents have ever seen this as necessary and most see the value of Religious Education as part of their child’s complete education.

 

 

Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) is a strength of the school’s curriculum. It is timetabled weekly in class and is also taught through cross-curricular opportunities, for example Sex & Relationship Education within science. The main aims of PSHE are:

 

· To provide pupils with the knowledge, understanding, values and skills they need in order to reach their potential as individuals and within the community.

· To encourage pupils to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of their school and community. In doing so, they learn to recognise their own worth, work well with others and become increasingly responsible for their own learning. They reflect on their experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling many of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up.

· To help children learn to understand and respect our community, humanity, diversity and differences so that they can go on to form the effective, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning.

 

As part of PSHE in Years 5 & 6, sex education is taught within the context of a general project on the family. Parents are encouraged to discuss any issues raised by their child at home. Parents, by law, may withdraw their child from this area of the curriculum, but in practice, very few do so. The school has, as with other areas of the curriculum, a written policy on Sex & Relationships Education that has been agreed by the Governors. This is available for parents to read and the Headteacher and staff will be happy to discuss any issues parents may wish to raise.

 

Copies of curriculum policy statements, reports on the school, newsletters and other related documents are available for inspection from the School Office.