The National Curriculum comprises of four Core Subjects:
For more information on each, see below
English (Literacy)
Children take part in a designated literacy session each day, which provides a focused approach to the different parts of the English curriculum.
Speaking and listening – this forms the hub of all literacy sessions.
Reading - Pupils learn to read through a phonics program. Children initially learn how letters, or groups of letters sound. Once children can recognise sounds, they learn to blend them together to read words. They use their knowledge of these sounds and blending to decode words and read independently. Learning to read through phonics helps children to become confident readers and supports spelling in writing. At New Marston, we follow the Read Write Inc program for phonics and sessions take place every day. Children will be provided with fully decodable books to read and share at home.
Library & Book Corners - The Library contains a range of poetry, fiction and non-fiction texts and is available to all pupils. Class libraries (book corners) include a range of texts chosen by children and texts that help pupils to deepen their knowledge and understanding. Children are encouraged to develop their motivation to read by having time to read, to share books and to talk about books with their classmates. Teachers promote themselves as readers in order to participate in regular book talk alongside their pupils. Pupils are encouraged to share the books that they read at home. We celebrate reading through World Book Day, Book at Bedtime, whole school shared reading events, school book fairs and visiting authors.
At New Marston, pupils take part in daily English lessons that comprise reading and writing. Reading sessions are routed in quality discussion (speaking and listening) and the teaching of comprehension strategies, including specific vocabulary teaching. These strategies support our pupils to deploy comprehension skills (such as vocabulary, grammar and background knowledge) in order to gain a deeper understanding of what they read. We choose a broad range of texts to inspire and develop the knowledge of our pupils and to provide the inspiration for our writing sessions.
Writing - Writing at New Marston is taught through the understanding of the writing process (how real-world writers create their texts). Beginning with the purpose for their writing - what they want their text to achieve and who their audience is - children engage with new projects through the development of ideas. This is followed by the planning and drafting section. The next part of the process is the revision process, which is where children have the opportunity to improve their writing and develop their language. The last two stages of the writing process are the editing stage, for accurate punctuation and spelling, and the final stage which is publication. All writing sessions are supported through the teaching of grammar that is applicable to their work, the use of exemplar materials and high quality modelling, demonstrated by their teacher, of each stage of the process.
Mathematics
Mathematics is taught using a range of teaching and learning styles. It is vital to develop concrete understanding of mathematical concepts through practical activity at the early stages and be able to apply these concepts accurately later on. We aim to encourage children to be independent learners who can select appropriate tools and strategies to solve mathematical problems. We draw on a wide range of sources to support our teaching of this subject in line with the government’s framework as set out in the National Numeracy Strategy and the Renewed Framework. Maths is planned in a yearly cycle. The main aspects are continually revisited and revised to consolidate and extend children’s progress.
Maths teaching at New Marston
Addition and Subtraction
Multiplication and Division
Science
At New Marston, our approach to teaching science is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love for inquiry. Science education goes beyond worksheets, emphasizing hands-on experiences that engage young minds. Our students explore the wonders of the natural world through interactive experiments, observation, and discovery. Whether investigating the life cycle of plants in our forest school or experimenting with simple chemical reactions in a classroom, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, and draw conclusions based on their observations.
Teachers incorporate real-world examples and encourage critical thinking, nurturing the development of scientific skills such as hypothesizing, experimenting, and analyzing results. The curriculum aligns with national standards, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of key scientific principles.
As a school, we encourage the emphasis of cross-disciplinary connections, linking science with mathematics, history, and other subjects. This holistic approach not only enhances comprehension but also underscores the interconnected nature of knowledge. Through this dynamic and interactive approach, New Marston strives to instil a genuine enthusiasm for science, laying the foundation for future generations of inquisitive minds.
Information and Communication Technology
We aim to prepare our learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them for an ever-changing digital world. Knowledge and understanding of ICT is of increasing importance for children’s future both at home and for employment. Our Computing curriculum (which is supported through the use of Purple Mash) focuses on a progression of skills in digital literacy, computer science, information technology, and online safety to ensure that children become competent in safely using, as well as understanding, technology. These strands are revisited repeatedly through a range of themes during children’s time in school to ensure the learning is embedded and skills are successfully developed. Our intention is that Computing also supports children’s creativity and cross-curricular learning to engage children and enrich their experiences in school.
Computing teaching at New Marston
Computing Curriculum
Long Term Map
Skills Progression
