Curriculum
Our Curriculum
Early Years Foundation Stage
Life at Athersley South Primary School begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) and Foundation Stage 2 (Reception) follow a curriculum based on the National Curriculum guidance for this stage. This consists of 7 areas of learning:
Prime Areas
Children in Years 1 & 2 study the Key Stage 1 National Curriculum and children in Years 3 to 6 study the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum. In each stage the following subjects are taught:
Depending upon the area of study, we use a topic based approach or discrete units of learning. We use a broad range of teaching strategies in order to motivate and engage the children, including taking the children on educational visits.
Reading and Phonics
We aim to ensure children become confident and fluent readers, willing to read for both pleasure and information. We use the Read Write Inc. phonics and reading programme in Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and, where appropriate, Key Stage 2. Books from Oxford Reading and Collins Big Cats reading schemes are available throughout school .
Children in KS1 and KS2 visit the school library once week, where they are encouraged to borrow a book and children in KS2 have a free read book that they can read. We also have multiple copies of the same title so classes can enjoy a 'class book'.
Spelling
Please go to the Parents page and click on the 'Supporting Learning at Home' section of the website for further information about spelling and the weekly spelling lists.
Sex and Relationships
Your Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE) - By law, parents can ask for their child to be taken out of all or part of RE at community, foundation or voluntary schools. Young people aged 18 and over can make this decision for themselves. You do not need to give a reason. (School Standards and Framework Act 1998, Section 71(3)). Before deciding, it may help to look at what RE covers and talk it through with the school. You should also make clear whether you want your child withdrawn from all RE or just certain parts.
Things to be aware of:
If your child is withdrawn, the school will supervise them but doesn’t have to provide extra teaching. They may work somewhere else in school, such as the library.
Withdrawal only applies to RE lessons. Religion and belief may still come up in other subjects (like history, PSHE, or citizenship) and in wider school life. Children may also ask or discuss religious questions during lessons.
The school must agree to your request until you choose to change it. Children usually stay on school premises during this time.
If you have any questions about our curriculum in school, please contact Mr Wheelwright via the school office.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Life at Athersley South Primary School begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) and Foundation Stage 2 (Reception) follow a curriculum based on the National Curriculum guidance for this stage. This consists of 7 areas of learning:
Prime Areas
- Communication and language
- Physical development
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the world
- Expressive arts and design
- The Foundation Stage curriculum is topic based and delivered through planned structured play and practical activities. Children are encouraged to explore the outdoor learning environment whatever the weather. Suitable clothing is provided to enable children to experience nature and the seasons first hand.
Children in Years 1 & 2 study the Key Stage 1 National Curriculum and children in Years 3 to 6 study the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum. In each stage the following subjects are taught:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Computing
- History
- Geography
- Art
- Design technology
- Music
- Physical education
- Personal, social and health education
- Religious Education
- Spanish is taught in KS2
Depending upon the area of study, we use a topic based approach or discrete units of learning. We use a broad range of teaching strategies in order to motivate and engage the children, including taking the children on educational visits.
Reading and Phonics
We aim to ensure children become confident and fluent readers, willing to read for both pleasure and information. We use the Read Write Inc. phonics and reading programme in Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and, where appropriate, Key Stage 2. Books from Oxford Reading and Collins Big Cats reading schemes are available throughout school .
Children in KS1 and KS2 visit the school library once week, where they are encouraged to borrow a book and children in KS2 have a free read book that they can read. We also have multiple copies of the same title so classes can enjoy a 'class book'.
Spelling
Please go to the Parents page and click on the 'Supporting Learning at Home' section of the website for further information about spelling and the weekly spelling lists.
Sex and Relationships
- Sex and Relationship Education is currently introduced to Y5 and taught in more detail during the spring term to children in Year 6 in line with the School Governing Body Policy. Written permission from parents will be required in order for children to participate. Parents/Carers have the right to withdraw their children from sex education lessons with the exception of those elements which are part of the science National Curriculum but are asked to contact school to discuss this in the first instance.
Your Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE) - By law, parents can ask for their child to be taken out of all or part of RE at community, foundation or voluntary schools. Young people aged 18 and over can make this decision for themselves. You do not need to give a reason. (School Standards and Framework Act 1998, Section 71(3)). Before deciding, it may help to look at what RE covers and talk it through with the school. You should also make clear whether you want your child withdrawn from all RE or just certain parts.
Things to be aware of:
If your child is withdrawn, the school will supervise them but doesn’t have to provide extra teaching. They may work somewhere else in school, such as the library.
Withdrawal only applies to RE lessons. Religion and belief may still come up in other subjects (like history, PSHE, or citizenship) and in wider school life. Children may also ask or discuss religious questions during lessons.
The school must agree to your request until you choose to change it. Children usually stay on school premises during this time.
If you have any questions about our curriculum in school, please contact Mr Wheelwright via the school office.