Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

Our Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Curriculum (for children aged 5 to 11)

 
When children go into Year 1 they begin Key Stage 1; which covers years 1 and 2, and from Years 3 to 6 they are in Key Stage 2.
 
As a school we work hard to devise a meaningful and challenging curriculum for the children that meet the needs of our pupils whilst using local resources and amenities. Some of the curriculum is taught through learning themes and all learning involves the children building upon prior learning through first hand experience.
 
All children study three ‘core’ subjects: English, Mathematics and Science and nine ‘foundation’ subjects: Information & Communications Technology (ICT), Personal, Social and Health Education, History, Geography, Music, Art, Design & Technology, Religious Education and Physical Education. There is also a requirement to teach a language in KS2 and at Littletown the children in years 3/4/5 & 6 learn French. In addition to the National Curriculum we include many other activities in our timetable to enrich and widen the children’s experiences. Over EYFS, KS1 and 2 the children use our outdoor classroom and take part in Forest School activities such as, den building, fire making and environmental education. There are also educational visits, visitors, outdoor pursuits and residential trips.
 
 
The Core Subjects
 
Literacy

Pupils are taught reading, writing, spelling, grammar and handwriting. Literacy is taught daily, either as a subject in its own right, or through a different subject from the wider curriculum, so that the writing which takes place has real meaning. A wide range of texts, stories and poems are used to support learning. The school follows the Letters & Sounds phonic programme with children also accessing Oxford reading tree and Grammar resources to support their understanding.
 
We place huge emphasis on reading from the start, using ways which suit your child best to get them enjoying books, using a range of Reading Schemes including Rapid Readers, Oxford Reading Tree and Rigby Rockets & Stars. We identify children needing extra support very early on, because we monitor their progress at all times and track how they are doing. Where needed, we use a number of different interventions such as Project X, to develop early skills and help each child to gain confidence. We have recently invested in additional reading scheme books to support the reading development of our younger readers. To develop their love of books we have worked closely with Devon Library Service to provide a range of literature in our library. We have a well-managed and well-used library which the children help run. We also use ‘Accelerated reader’ programme to encourage children to read more regularly and check their comprehension of the texts.
In class, children enjoy guided reading in small groups with their teachers each week.
 
 
Numeracy

Children learn basic skills and understanding of mathematical concepts through a combination of problem solving activities and mental calculations.
 
We provide our children with the basic skills and an understanding of essential mathematical processes aiming for them to become fluent in using the number system, to be able to reason and solve problems, to enjoy maths and develop the skills to use it as a tool for future life. Our children engage in a great deal of number work and problem solving through the wider application of mathematics. This includes money, time, statistics, data handling, measurement, shape and the ability to use mathematics in everyday life.
We aim, through careful teaching, to help children not only achieve the correct solutions but also to understand and value the process of that achievement. They should then be able to meet new situations and problems in a positive manner, confident in the knowledge that they have the mathematical skills to support them.
 
We have had great successes with intervention programmes such as ‘Every child counts’ ‘Counting to calculate’ to increase the pace of progress for KS1 and lower KS2 children.
 
 
Science

Science stimulates and excites children’s natural curiosity about living things, materials and the physical world around them.
 
Through scientific activities we develop the children’s knowledge, skills and understanding to help them to make sense of familiar events, everyday things and their personal health. Our children are encouraged to investigate questions using a variety of approaches, such as research, exploration, observation, prediction, critical thinking, decision making and discussion. They also learn how to evaluate evidence, explain things and communicate their ideas and findings in a variety of ways.