Key Stage 2
Our Curriculum
At Elmley Dray School we aim to provide an engaging and exciting curriculum which is built on the foundations of promoting good levels of attendance and engagement and the holistic delivery of therapies and emotional intelligence. The curriculum has a clear approach to the development of both spoken and written language for children who are identified with speech, language and communication difficulties.
We aim to engage our students in deep learning experiences across the curriculum through a clear progression of skills and knowledge coupled with strong links across curriculum subjects and varied learning experiences through enrichment opportunities.
We have a clear approach to the teaching and learning of core subjects, which we identify as English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Personal and Social Development with the intent to support student well-being and provide children with life skills that will help them when they move onto their next stage of learning. We are very lucky to have an on site developing learning outside the classroom area and access to a modern kitchen for teaching cookery for health and wellbeing.
Implementation of the curriculum is driven through clear two year rolling progressive pathways which are designed to motivate, engage and challenge students to achieve. Clear feedback will show learners what they have done well and indeed what could be better. Students are encouraged to assess their own progress within lessons as well as contribute to the assessment of class achievements.
Our intent is to expose children to opportunities to explore a range of artists and art forms; expressing their own ideas, using a range of materials. Pupils will develop their ability to evaluate and think critically, implementing a range of artistic language. We will encourage children to aspire to take ownership of their learning through enjoyment and passion for art.
Design and Technology within the modern world is ever present for all. It is imperative that all children are given the opportunities to develop their own personal life skills. Through gaining these experiences, children can foster a love of creative learning, which can then support their potential life decisions. These can include; creativity, critical thinking skills, communication and practical knowledge and competence.
Design Technology will expose children to practical experiences such as cooking, sewing, knitting and is closely linked to the Art and Design Programme. Through a range of termly enterprise opportunities students will be able to develop a love of creative learning.
Design and Technology will enable all children to develop resilience, confidence and a sense of achievement. Through participating in lessons, which can be practical, pupils will have the opportunity to develop ingenuity and expertise. By challenging their decision-making and risk-taking, their self-awareness will support them into future discoveries and the world beyond.
Links to Trinity College, London
https://www.artsaward.org.uk/s...
https://www.artsaward.org.uk/s...
Computing & ICT
Computing should inspire a lifelong love of play, design, code and invention with technology, whilst understanding the benefits and risks that technology can bring. Children should be able to use deep cross-curricular links and have the opportunity to embed fundamental skills that allow them to become digitally literate for the future workplace whilst becoming active participants in a digital world.
Reading, writing, and spoken language is at the heart of everything we do at Elmley Dray School; we believe that securing a strong foundation and engagement in literacy is vital to maximise life chances for our children.
Teaching children to communicate their ideas and emotions effectively, will equip them with the skills they need to further their learning, within and outside the school curriculum, and to participate fully, with confidence, as a member of society.
Across the school we aim to inspire an appreciation of high-quality, ambitious texts - which develop a knowledge of themselves and the wider world. We aim to foster a love of books so that children develop a habit of reading for pleasure that will be sustained throughout their lifetime.
History
Our History curriculum will provide high quality, enriching and engaging opportunities to learn about the past. Children will gain a curiosity towards their local and wider area. This will be fed by a sound understanding of all of the key historical skills and be underpinned by a coherent knowledge of British and world history.
Students will understand why studying the past is important and use their new knowledge and skills to learn from the people, places and events that have shaped the modern world. Through well structured exploration and interpretation of the past, children will become reflective and responsible members of a world community.
We want our students to develop a curiosity, fascination and empathy with their local geographical environment, the country we live in and the wider world.
Students are inspired to enrich their knowledge of, and engage with communities locally, nationally and internationally. By interacting with those living in different contexts, pupils broaden their understanding of, and empathy towards, the wider world as global citizens.
Maths is a crucial part of our day at Elmley Dray School and we believe that with structured teaching and learning experiences, our students can develop a love of learning and be proud of their Mathematics achievements.
A real love or hate subject area amongst our students, Elmley Dray School works hard to create a clear understanding of how important the mastery of mathematical facts and concepts will support them as young adults.
Mathematics at Key Stage 2 runs on a Two Year Rolling Programme.
Learning a foreign language supports our understanding of our multicultural society as well as supporting:
- Provides an opening to other cultures
- Fosters students’ curiosity
- Deepens students' understanding of the world.
Students get an opportunity to explore Spanish language and culture throughout Key Stage 2 & 3 which support a range of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education.
At Elmley Dray School music is highly valued as a method of entertaining self and others. Music in Key Stage 2 is about managing sensory issues, finding enjoyment in music, developing self and achieving a sense of achievement outside of academic subjects. Music develops self confidence, increasing coordination, fine motor skills and self belief. Music provides students with practice for memory skills, through the learning of pattern and rhythm, as well as supporting emotional wellbeing. At Elmley Dray School, Music is considered as a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Music will be taught as a cross curricular subject linked to Art and also with dance and movement.
Physical Education and Swimming
Physical Education within Elmley Dray School is taught within Key Stage Groups and accesses resources on the Isle of Sheppey. Swimming Courses are made available to all students in KS2, within the Sheerness Swimming Pool for a minimum of one term, where students are able to work towards Swimming Badges.
Personal, Social and Health Education Relationships and Sex Education
Elmley Dray School Personal, Social and Health Education as well as the Relationships and Sex Education focuses on these areas
- Valuing different family structures
- Creating and maintaining positive friendships
- Developing safe and respectful relationships
- Understanding the changes that take place during puberty
5. Promoting good health and carrying out first aid
6. Learning to make independent choices and not be influenced by others
7. Operating safely in a digital world
We want our children to learn about world religions through an enquiry based approach. This will give them knowledge of each religion and then require them to apply this knowledge to answer key questions rather than the knowledge being an end in itself. We also want students to relate what they learn to their own experiences and beliefs.
Studying Religious Education gives everyone a chance to reflect and have an informed view on the many cultures that now surround us in our communities. To gain knowledge and understanding of other beliefs fostering a respect for individuals’ rights to practise what is important to them and others. It allows us to reflect on the purpose of life and give meaning to our existence. It teaches us the importance of right and wrong and to understand other beliefs and traditions. The acceptance of different ideologies should embed the acceptance of alternative lifestyles. It can develop in children an understanding of views and opinions of what is going on outside of their community in the wider world and how this can have a significant impact on their lives.
Science at Elmley Dray School aims to teach children to be inquisitive about the world, acquiring skills and knowledge to gain understanding of scientific processes. We believe that children should acquire scientific skills and knowledge through practical learning: using equipment, explaining concepts and conducting experiments confidently and enthusiastically, gaining a lifelong love of science. We aim to give the children a strong and relatable understanding of the uses and implications of science today but also in the future. This allows children to build their knowledge, encouraging them to develop their skills and apply them to all aspects of their learning.
We hope this helps them question the world around them, become ambitious and independent learners, exploring all possible answers to questions they have about the world around them.
