Core Subjects

Literacy

We are aware that reading, writing, speaking and listening are all key elements in children’s education. It is these four aspects of language and literacy, which underpin and support the whole curriculum.

In response to this and through the National Literacy Strategy, we aim to provide a structured and stimulating environment where the children can develop these essential skills. Consequently, the school implemented the Literacy Hour, which provides a daily period of dedicated literacy teaching time. This involves whole class, group and independent work on a range of texts.

In addition to this, we develop reading habits for life. Our well-stocked library is used by all classes. Children not only read to gather information but also for pleasure. One look around our school at wet playtimes will show just how much our children enjoy reading.

The library is the latest area of school to be developed. The school’s PTA has been extremely generous and is helping to re-furnish the library area. This project reflects our determination to make learning as fun and as accessible as possible to all age and ability groups.

Numeracy

Mathematical development has a central role in the curriculum, and we aim to foster a positive and confident attitude to this subject. Initially, the children develop a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts through real experiences before moving on to more abstract ideas.

Oral and mental work play an important part in laying foundations for mental calculations. This is a central theme of the National Numeracy Strategy. Each class has a daily period of dedicated numeracy teaching time. This involves whole class, group and independent work on a range of topics.

Children are encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills to problem solving and real situations. Just like English, Mathematics has cross-curricular links to many other subjects.

Teachers use a wide range of resources to dovetail an appropriate curriculum to the child’s needs and experiences.

Enquiry

Enquiry is an essential part of a balanced curriculum and provides opportunities for the children to learn about themselves, their surroundings, plants, animals, natural resources, other people and the environment.

It provides a great deal of work in Geography, History and Science.

Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It also satisfies this curiosity with knowledge. Because science links direct practical experience with ideas, it can engage learners at many levels. Scientific method is about developing and evaluating explanations through experimental evidence and modelling. This is a spur to critical and creative thought.

Computing

The development of children’s skills in Computing is vital. Computing prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology. Pupils at Worthington use Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) tools to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly, creatively and with discrimination. They learn how to employ ICT to enable rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures. Increased capability in the use of ICT promotes initiative and independent learning, with pupils being able to make informed judgements about when and where to use ICT to best effect, and to consider its implications for home and work both now and in the future.

All parents / carers and their children are asked to read and agree to our school’s acceptable use of the internet policy. This policy was devised through thorough consultation with parents, staff, children, governors and the Local Authority.

Social, Moral and Religious Education

The attitude of the school is that of a large and caring family unit. Children learn to work independently and in groups with others. They are assisted in their search for a meaning to life and encouraged to develop awareness of themselves in relation to others and the natural world.

Each day we hold an assembly, which is broadly Christian but not doctrinaire.

Questions relating to sex education are answered factually, as and when they arise. Specific teaching takes place when the pupils reach an appropriate level in National Curriculum Science. Material used in the teaching of Sex and Relationship Education is firstly shown to parents / carers of age appropriate children.

Religious Affiliation

Religious education is according to the Trafford Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

The school has developed links with the Methodist Church on Northenden Road. We occasionally make use of the church for visits and Christmas concerts.

Parents who wish to withdraw their child from Religious Education should discuss the matter with the Headteacher.