English

Reading - At St Mary’s we are passionate about reading for pleasure. Children are taught using a phonics based approach, and have at least one guided reading session per week with the teacher in which specific reading strategies and skills are taught. During weekly lessons the children will be encouraged to share a range of modern and classic texts, commenting upon those and sharing their preferences and opinions. They will also be taught to develop their prediction, comprehension and inference skills by exploring texts through discussion, drama and role play.

Writing - This is split into two parts, which consist of transcription (spelling and handwriting skills) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech and writing). It is essential that pupils develop confidence between these two dimensions and as such we use these as the basis for all of our English planning.

They develop their handwriting skills in dedicated handwriting sessions, which enable them to write legibly and fluently in a joined up style. 

Spoken Language - We ensure that our lessons include opportunities for children to discuss their ideas, offer their opinions and explain and justify their choices. We also teach them to use the conventions of debate as well as how to speak in a range of contexts to a variety of audiences.

Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPAG) - This area of English aims to teach children the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the written and spoken and word, allowing them to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats.

Science

The science curriculum introduces themes such as humans, animals, plants, materials and seasonal change. Much of the work is practical and investigative. The children are encouraged to make and record observations as they devise experiments for themselves. The children are also encouraged to be curious and to ask questions about what they notice.

Mathematics

This is taught as a daily lesson and covers number and place value, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, measurement, geometry(shape) and in Year Two, position and direction and statistics (data handling). The importance of mental arithmetic and problem solving in developing knowledge and understanding in this subject is emphasised.

Religious Education

As a Church of England school, we regard religious education (RE) as central to our children’s moral, spiritual, social, emotional and cultural development. Through our scheme of work (Discovery RE), we teach our children to show respect for Christian beliefs and traditions and also for those of other faiths. In Key Stage One, pupils study Christianity and Judaism. We welcome visits from our local parish team or representatives of other religions to share their faith and knowledge with us. Our children also visit local places of worship.

Download St Mary’s Infants RE Curriculum Map

Art & Design

We aim to encourage children to be as creative as possible, and aim to engage, inspire and challenge pupils to experiment, create and invent their own works of art and design. As well as creating their own pieces of art, children are taught about how art and design have influenced the culture and history of our nation. Children have the opportunity to study drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques. They learn about great artists, craft makers and designers and begin to evaluate and analyse creative works.

Computing

Children have access to a range of computing devices such as iPads, laptops, interactive whiteboards, programmable toys, recording devices and cameras to use as an information sources for researching topics and to produce their own documents and artwork. The school also uses a wide range of software to support teaching and learning across all curriculum areas. Every child has an individual login in order to access their online e-book selection and interactive maths homework games.

Design & Technology

Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Across key stage one, children will build a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users. As well as creating and making, the children will also develop an understanding of the principles behind nutrition whilst learning how to cook.

Geography

The children learn about the world’s oceans and continents as well as naming and locating countries and capitals within the UK. They compare the UK with other countries around the world; for example by comparing human and physical features and seasonal weather patterns. They do this by using maps, atlases, globes, aerial photos, plans and simple fieldwork and observational skills.

History

Pupils develop their awareness of the past using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They learn about changes within living memory, significant events beyond living memory as well as about the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements. They also look at significant historical people and places in Witney.

PE

The children have opportunities to develop their running, jumping, throwing and catching skills and apply these to a range of games. They participate in team games and begin to develop simple tactics for attacking and defending. They also learn how to perform dances using simple movements. Alongside our P.E teaching, the children will learn to develop their competitive skills through inter-school events within the Witney partnership and a wide range of extra-curricular clubs.

PSHE

(Personal, Social and Health Education) We teach children how to resolve conflicts, make positive choices, look after their physical and mental health and well-being as well as set themselves simple goals and recognise and celebrate their own achievements.