Curriculum Information
Please see information on our curriculum overview here.
PHONICS
No Nonsense Phonics Skills (NNPS) Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) Programme
We have a rigorous and systematic approach to early reading, using DFE validated SSP programme ‘No Nonsense Phonics Skills’. The No Nonsense Phonics Skills programme provides a comprehensive step-by-step method for teaching reading, handwriting and spelling. Pupils are guided through a series of carefully designed routines to master the complex English Alphabetic Code.
The programme:
- Provides systematic and rigorous phonics teaching and pupil practice from code to word to text level with a content-rich vocabulary
- Teaches handwriting of upper case and lower case letters and letter groups linked to the Alphabet and the English Alphabetic Code
- Applies and extends phonics to reading and writing cumulative text, developing comprehension and evoking imagination
- Builds up knowledge and understanding of ‘spelling word banks’ from the outset
- Involves and engages the learner fully and routinely in formative assessment
- Designed to work in full partnership with all stakeholders including parents and carers ‘at home’
These routines result in children’s improved confidence, accuracy and fluency when reading aloud.
Reading at home
All children are allocated a decodable reading book known as a ‘reading practise’ book. These books are closely matched to the sounds/code that children have been taught and are reviewed weekly. The reading practise book enables children to apply their phonics knowledge and become independent readers. We encourage all of our children to read their reading practise book EVERYDAY at home. This allows children to become confident readers and develop fluency. All children in school have daily reading practise and are heard read on a 1:1 basis by a member of staff at least once a week. Often, children are heard read more than once a week, or daily for those children that are at risk of falling behind.
‘Keep up’ not ‘catch up’
We ensure all children make the best possible progress in reading and children can catch up quickly. At all stages, reading attainment is assessed and gaps are addressed through additional lessons or 1:1 intervention specifically designed to target the gap.
Testing Arrangements
Year 1 - Children in Year 1 are required to undertake their Phonics Screening Assessment. This takes place after May Half Term each year. Our staff are brilliant at preparing the children for this and making them as relaxed as possible.
If you require any information in how to support your child or any extra information about the tests then please see your child's class teacher.
Year 2 - Children in Year 2 are required to undertake their SATs tests. This will test your child's abilities in Reading, Mathematics and Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. These tests are not taken within any time restrictions are are issued in school at the end of May. Our staff work tirelessly to prepare the children for these tests.
If you require any information in how to support your child or any extra information about the tests then please see your child's class teacher.
Year 6 - Children in Year 6 are required to undertake their SATs tests. This will test your child's abilities in Reading, Mathematics and Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar. These tests are sat under time restrictions in test conditions (the desk are serated, the classroom is covered and the children sit in silence). Staff work throughout the juniors to support your children for these tests.
If you require any information in how to support your child or any extra information about the tests then please see your child's class teacher.
All Year Groups - Children's learning is continually assessed in every lesson they take part in, against the objectives taken from the National Curriculum. These on going assessments are used to inform teachers of where your child is at in relation to where they should be for their age as well as informing future planning and teaching to meet their needs.
If you have any questions regarding your child's learning please make an appointment with your child's class teacher as soon as possible.
The National Curriculum
Please find below the National Curriculum Documents that each year group follows. If you have any questions about these documents please contact your child's class teacher, who will be happy to help.
Science
In science this year, we are completing the Primary Science Quality Mark which focuses on improving science leadership over a one-year period by evaluating teaching and learning. As part of this programme, we have a new vision for science that has been created by pupils and staff at Greenwood. This can be found below. We are also hoping to develop the relationship between parents and science at school so keep your eyes peeled for dates and letters home that are there to aid this. Your child will also come home with their knowledge organisers for each new topic they are learning about, please discuss this with them and encourage them to use the key vocabulary when appropriate. In Spring and Summer, we are also looking to introduce science clubs after school, these will be available in each key stage.
Phonics
April 2020: Phonics Home Learning
Click on this link for daily phonics lessons starting Monday 27th April : https://bit.ly/34KsiFS
Please check your child’s year group page for further guidance about which lesson your child should watch.
Other useful websites to support your child’s phonics learning:
Our Long Term Plans
Please find below copies of our Long Term Plans - these explain what each year group will be covering throughout the year.