Primary

In Key stage 1 we continue to develop children’s love of reading through fun and engaging stories. Children will gain confidence whilst reading aloud and develop a wide range of reading strategies such as making predictions and retelling stories.

They will be given clear, regular phonics instruction, Using all 42 sounds in the English language, to aid with decoding and encoding words in English.

Children explore sentence construction, writing styles and plan written work. They are also encouraged to record personal experiences and write simple rhyming poetry.

Through a combination of weekly spelling tests, children will learn about grammar, develop spelling strategies and accurate writing, as well as writing stories with structure and imagination.

In Year 1, Children will look at maths by exploring time, weights and capacity along with mental addition and subtraction, and learning to organise and collect data.

In Year 2, they will work with numbers up to 1000, fractions, number patterns, times tables, data handling and the rapid mental manipulation of numbers, as well as building on their addition and subtraction skills.

The scientific world is brought to life with the following topics in Year 1: Light, sound, materials, the environment and ourselves.

Science in Year 2 covers the Earth and beyond and includes many interesting topics, such as exploring plant life animals, forces and change.

Covering many topics, Geography explores the weather and seasonal changes, farming, the seaside, compare contrasting countries and even traffic safety. In addition to which they develop data recording skills and learn basic map skills, compass points and directions.

History introduces famous people and events through the ages and explores life as a Victorian child. Children will explore timelines, the origins and development of farming through time, plus discover the history of transport, inventors and their inventions.

Children are introduced to famous artists and explore different textures, techniques and media, whilst developing observational and motor skills, as well as enjoying topic and theme-based art.

Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities including swimming, dance, gymnastics, games and athletics, as well as learning racquet skills.

Design Technology focuses on developing new skills, appropriate thinking and planning strategies, whilst utilising a range of tools.

Through topic-led ‘design and make’ projects, children will work with a range of materials and tools, whilst developing their knowledge of health and safety.

Children will learn about the important role computing plays in the world today and utilise a variety of programmes to support their work.

Children will learn how to communicate and handle information whilst utilising a variety of technology and software.

Music is explored by listening to different styles and children begin to develop rhythm through singing and the use of instruments.

Pupils will learn how to recognise musical elements and develop an understanding of listening to and appraising music. Plus, they will have many opportunities to compose and perform.

Children’s personal, emotional and physical development continues with learning the importance of friendship and respecting others, building friendships as well as healthy and safe living.

Mathematics has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment.

A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world and the ability to reason mathematically. We aim to instill a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

At SABS we follow the White Rose Maths programme of study which endeavours to give students the ability to:

– Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, developing conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.

– Reason mathematically through exploration and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.

– Solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of questions, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

We believe that scientific understanding develops gradually from a wide range of experiences. It is reinforced by doing and discussing.

Pupils need to experience each event, not just once, but often enough to be able to predict what will happen.
They need to experiment until they are confident that they know how to make something happen. They are taught vocabulary that describes what they are learning and they need to use this in describing their experience in detail.

Geography underpins a lifelong ‘conversation’ about the earth as the home of humankind. Geography helps us to make sense of the world around. It is hands on, relevant and fun.

Our current Geography curriculum is a challenging mix of topics looking at population, migration and urban issues; earth’s story and its geological timeline; the work of rivers and natural hazards such as Volcanoes, Earthquakes and

Tropical storms – to name but a few. It gives children the chance to get to grips with some of the big questions which affect our world and understand the social, economic and environmental processes which shape and change our world.

To be able to evaluate the British and the wider world’s past and allow children to empathise with people from other time periods. Teaching a sense of time and place. We utilise the events of the past to inform students about the world around them and also focus on developing literacy levels.

Our approach is to bring history to life, making the past something that is accessible to children whether by learning outside the classroom or through workshops in school. Studying history is about loving the stories from our past. It is about learning to listen to and respect others’ opinions through empathy and understanding.

Topics studied across the 4 year groups include The Romans, Ancient Egypt, The Tudors and Mayans, Ancient Greece and WW2.

Students are given the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop artistic skills. Students work in a wide variety of media in varied artistic disciplines (e.g. drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media).

Creativity is valued highly at SABS, and skills are developed from a young age. Learning is enriched by combining links to Art history and the topics studied in other areas of the curriculum.

There are plenty of artistic activities outside the timetable too.

Computing is an exciting and dynamic subject, engaging all learners and challenging children’s thinking in an interactive and motivating environment. Apple iPads are available for whole class use inside or outside classrooms.

Computing focuses on computational thinking through imaginative programming projects. Online safety and digital resilience are extremely important and we spend time learning how to conduct ourselves online and be safe. Pupils develop an understanding of how all the amazing technology surrounding us works.

Children also have the opportunity to develop programming skills using languages including Kodu and Scratch. They design computer games and animations and have opportunities to express themselves creatively, develop as logical thinkers, and understand the workings of new technologies encountered in everyday lives.

Design Technology helps to develop qualities such as imagination, inventiveness and resourcefulness. Attributes which we know are highly desirable in industry and commerce. These qualities are not only needed so they may be able to rise to daily challenges, but to enable them to change their own paths in life if they so wish.

We aim to encourage discovery and inventiveness while being aware that it is ‘okay’ to fail as long as we learn from this and are able to try again. Some of our tasks have a built in awareness of quality and end product, which pupils can be proud of This creates a lasting enthusiasm for the subject.

P.E. lessons are an opportunity for developing skills such as learning about health and fitness and aesthetic movement to improve performance. Our P.E. curriculum offers the opportunity to participate and compete in a broad range of sports.
All pupils are given the opportunities to reach their own level of ‘individual excellence’. It is also a great opportunity to learn the importance of working as a team to achieve outstanding results and have fun!

Sports available include rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, football, rounders, cross country, athletics and many more

Pupils benefit from tuition in all orchestral instruments including the ukulele, guitar, piano, recorder and musical theatre. There are many performance opportunities throughout the year where pupils can showcase their musical abilities in front of a live audience, comprised of family and friends. Popular past shows include Concert of the 4 seasons, ‘Oliver’ and ‘Shrek the musical’.