The Early Years Foundation Stage

When our children first start school they enter into our reception class. Our aim is to provide a stimulating, exciting, environment where children can enjoy learning and where the needs of the whole child can be met in a variety of ways. There is a balance between whole class teaching, small group work and free-flow structured and independent play. During free-flow play there is always an adult supporting and extending learning, as well as making assessments of children’s independent learning. In Oak class there is a flowing environment to the outdoors where children are able to manage their own play and are able to confidently access their learning environment.

All children will follow a curriculum consisting of the ‘development matters’ stages of the Early Years Foundation Stage. In time, the early learning goals are introduced and our goal is to support children in meeting these by the time they leave the Foundation Stage and enter Key Stage One. Careful planning enables the children to make maximum progress in the six areas of learning:

~ Personal, Social and Emotional Development
~ Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
~ Communication, Language and Literacy
~ Knowledge and Understanding of the World
~ Creative Development
~ Physical Development

The children’s skills are constantly being assessed in each area of learning. By doing this the teacher can provide opportunities to extend learning in areas needed and to plan for the interests of the children. Our reception children join in with the rest of the school and enjoy becoming a part of our exciting community.

We have very good links with the on-site nursery, Little Horseshoes. Transition from nursery into reception begins in the spring term where children visit the classroom and we enjoy shared play dates and organised activities. This transition has proved successful as it helps children settle into school quickly as they are familiar with the teacher and supporting adults. Children transferring from different nurseries into reception are visited by the class teacher in the summer term preceding their entry to school. When children start school they will attend part-time initially for around three weeks in September, as we believe this helps all the children to settle happily and confidently into their new school, classroom and routines.

Key Stage One and Two

Literacy
The teaching of Literacy is based on the framework laid out by the Primary National Strategy.  Our school places a great emphasis on creative and imaginative work in Literacy involving drama, story telling and the use of authors and performers which will enrich children’s lives. 

Numeracy
We aim to give children a range of ways to solve mathematical problems and most of all, to make it fun. We follow the Governments Numeracy Strategy and help children to develop their knowledge and understanding of pattern, number, shape and measure.

ICT
All classrooms have an interactive whiteboard and computers which benefit from broadband internet access. Children can research and access information and develop their skills.

Design Technology
Learning through making works! Projects in D.T. are covered in a block of time in a week. This allows children to be very focused in their designing, develop their skills with tools, experiment with a range of materials and then produce a finished product they are proud of.

Science
Science stimulates children’s natural curiosity. They are encouraged to ask questions, predict outcomes, observe and explore. They participate in a range of practical activities and so gain an understanding of the world around them, find out about themselves and other living creatures. At St. Peter’s we hold themed, focused Science weeks, e.g. Healthy Eating where we invite visitors to the school.

Music
Children enjoy listening to a range of music, singing and playing percussion instruments. They develop a sense of rhythm and compose using their voices and instruments.

Art
Children explore the potential of various styles and use media such as clay, charcoal, watercolours and ink. We believe that every child has the ability to develop artistic flare. To encourage this, staff model a range of techniques and support the children when they work independently.

P.E.
At St Peters PE is taught by two experienced specialist PE teachers who deliver a variety of sports and activities. These activities include multi skills, gymnastics, dance, athletics and team games. Lesson activities are designed to be fun, but challenging in order to ensure pupils make good progress physically, mentally and socially.

The children are also encouraged to involve themselves in extra curricular activity with many clubs being run on both the St Peters and Danesfield school sites. 

Historical, geographical and social understanding
Historical, geographical and social understanding fires children's curiosity and imagination about who we are, where we come from, where we live and where we might be going next. It connects Britain's past with the present and the future, helps children make sense of our place in the world and is central to their development as informed, active and responsible citizens.

Religious Education
The school follows the Local Authority agreed syllabus for Religious Education “Awareness, Mystery and Value”, which gives children knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith and other beliefs, festivals and religious practices.  In R.E. we encourage children to express a sense of awe and wonder.

Performing Arts   
Being part of the Quantock Federation St Peter's is able to use the new Performing Arts building at Danesfield Middle School for Drama, Music and Dance lessons. These facilities will inspire the St. Peter's students to learn some important new skills and become confident performers.

Spanish
At St. Peter's we believe that learning a foreign language can be a valuable educational, social and cultural experience. In years 3 and 4, pupils have the opportunity to study Spanish, where they learn about both the language and the rich Spanish culture. With the aid of traditional games, stories and songs, we aim to stimulate and encourage the children's interest in languages and lay the foundation for future language learning.