Curriculum

Netherfield Primary School Curriculum Statement

Our mission is simply, for pupils to reach their academic potential and develop the qualities they need for success and happiness in life.

At Netherfield Primary School we are proud of our rich and varied curriculum which enables pupils to not only excel in reading, writing, maths and science, but to also develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in a variety of subjects.

Barriers to learning are removed and we provide suitable learning challenges that respond to diverse needs, while encompassing a variety of exciting, first-hand experiences. Our aim is for pupils to have the requisite skills to be successful, independent and motivated learners in readiness for their next stage of education and their future in today’s world.

Our Curriculum:

Is inclusive, so that every child may achieve their potential
Reflects children’s interests and their world, to make learning meaningful and purposeful
Is interactive and fun, to develop children’s creativity and collaboration

The Netherfield Curriculum is organised into clear topic themes for each year group. These themes enable children to practise, develop, refine and apply skills across the full range of subjects.

For more detailed information please see your child's class teacher.

Phonics

At Netherfield Primary School we aim to develop the full potential of all children as confident, literate readers and writers.

Phonics skills are taught in a systematic way, from Foundation Stage, through to year one and into year two and KS2 if appropriate. We follow a scheme called Little Wandle Letters and Sounds, which has been validated by the Department of Education. This focuses on securing phonic knowledge essential for children to decode (read) and encode (spell) words accurately. The scheme incorporates group reading sessions where children practise reading skills; decoding using phonics (first session), reading with fluency (second session) and comprehension (third session.) These books are from the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds scheme.

Reading

Across the school we have a wide variety of books and texts for children to enjoy. These are organised to support children in choosing their own reading book at the correct level to provide both challenge and enjoyment.

In EYFS and Year One we use phonics books matched to the children's phonics knowledge. These allow books to be carefully chosen or selected, knowing that they are at the appropriate phonic level for optimal reading development and success.
Some children in year two may still access phonics books, but many children will transition to 'book band' books which are still matched to their reading ability. Once children are confidently reading at the end of the book bands, they will move onto Accelerated Reader.

Across Key Stage Two, most children will use Accelerated Reader which organises texts into book levels known as ‘ZPD levels’. Pupils develop reading skills most effectively when they read appropriately challenging books – difficult enough to keep them engaged but not so difficult that they become frustrated. This is their ‘Zone of Proximal Development’ (ZPD). We also have a range of non-fiction and poetry, and we regularly refresh our fiction titles. These may not be in the Accelerated Reader scheme, but will encourage and support our children to read for pleasure which is vital to develop lifelong readers. We aim to support our children to become 'book worms' by supporting them in their choice of reading material and ensuring it is appropriately matched to them. We want our children to see reading as a joyful experience.