Class 3 is a mixed year 3 and year 4 class. In the morning, English and Maths are taught taking objectives from these year groups alongside tailor made teaching to fit individual learning needs. English is sometimes taught based on a class text. For the autumn term it is ‘The Hodgeheg’ by Dick King Smith. Literacy is also taught using ‘Talk for Writing’ by Pie Corbett. Topics include non-fiction, persuasion and instructions. Interventions take place using Rapid Reading and Rapid Maths. Phonics is taught using Rapid Phonics and some Letters and Sounds.
In the afternoon, foundation subjects are taught using an exciting and hands on approach. For example, in Geography we are looking at the countries of the United Kingdom and making messy maps with the playdoh. Our Art this term is looking at the landscape work of Monet, Van Gogh and Metzinger. The children are working with acrylic paints and pastels to create their own landscapes. For more information on this, click on the curriculum link. Wider curriculum opportunities are incorporated by class visits to museums, gardens and places of interest.
External professionals Future Steps are used to deliver occupational therapy to the children and we also follow the handwriting programme ‘Earth’ which was devised by the physiotherapists. This helps to develop fine and gross motor skills. Specialist support from a CAMHs key worker to support emotional regulation is also available for children.
P.E. is taught on a Wednesday morning. This term we have a specialist in to teach gymnastics. This year the school is taking part in Active 30 to help the children get fitter. During the week we have developed an exciting programme including circuits, skipping and hoola hooping. Hopefully, in the spring term, children will be able to attend swimming lessons on a Friday morning. On a Thursday morning we have a time slot in the school kitchen. Children cook a wide variety of sweet and savoury dishes which they can then take home with them. Specialist music lessons, possibly learning the ukulele, will be delivered to the children by Durham Specialist Music Service during the year.
Every effort is made to make the curriculum as creative and hands on as possible. To support this, a variety of school trips are planned which are designed to stimulate children’s learning, develop their team work and promote new experiences. Please click on our gallery to see what we have been up to.
Mrs. Smith, Miss Grant and Mrs. Blackett.
For further information about our curriculum or long term plans please visit the curriculum section of our website.
