The National Curriculum also comprises of seven Foundation Subjects:
For more information on each, see below
Design and Technology
This is essentially a practical design process. The children are encouraged to develop their knowledge and understanding of their environment through exploring values about and attitudes to the made world and how we live and work in it. Through a design, make and evaluate process, the children develop their understanding of technological processes, products, their manufacture and their contribution to society. This will, in turn, develop children’s capability to create high quality products, broadly focusing on food, textiles and construction, through the practical design process.
History
History is taught in a ‘hands on’ way wherever possible. The use of the locality, visits, visitors and artifacts are integral to the development of the detective skills a history student needs. An understanding may be developed through drama and story. In the early years children are encouraged to distinguish between fact, fiction and point of view.
Children learn to use a range of resources including CD Roms, people, reference books and the Internet for their historical enquiries.
Geography
In our teaching, we aim to help the children develop geographical knowledge and understanding by stimulating their interest in their surroundings. Enquiry skills are taught by investigating the answers to key geographical questions through first hand fieldwork, which is developed through further research and analysis in class work. Children are helped to develop a sense of place on an increasing scale from home to the regional, national and international and are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility towards the earth and its peoples.
Art and Design
Through the experience of learning how to draw, paint and design, children acquire important communication and making skills that can contribute to all other curriculum areas. Art and Design is an exciting medium for self-expression and will develop children’s understanding of colour, form, texture, pattern, shape, and space. Children are encouraged to experiment with many different media and processes whilst refining and developing their skills and techniques in 2D and 3D forms.
Art and Design offers opportunities for children to explore ideas and meanings in the work of arts, craftspeople and designers. They are encouraged to work cooperatively and to appreciate and evaluate their own and others’ work. Children work throughout each term towards an end goal based on a key area of the curriculum. Final pieces of work are displayed in presentation books for children to share.
Music
Children are given the opportunity to perform, compose, listen to and appraise music. Singing is the main musical activity in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 where children are encouraged to participate in singing games that promote rhythm, pitch and cross curricular skills such as counting and understanding of culture. They also explore a range of musical instruments. In Key Stage 2 children compose using a variety of instruments including keyboards, computer software and the violin. Regular performance gives children an opportunity to demonstrate their singing, dance and musical skills. The benefits of encouraging children to participate in music and drama reach across the entire school curriculum and have positive effects upon children’s self-confidence. The county music service offers opportunities for children to learn various instruments. The recorder is also taught.
Physical Education
At New Marston, Physical Education (PE) is a big part of what we do, helping our students grow both physically and mentally. We show them why being active is awesome for their bodies and minds.
In PE, they get to try out lots of different sports, working together and on their own to solve challenges and have a blast. They set goals, achieve them, and learn how to get along with others, skills they can use everywhere, not just in PE.
And of course, we make sure they know how to stay safe, especially around water. PE at New Marston isn't just exercise—it's a journey of discovery, teamwork, and lifelong health.
Physical Education teaching at New Marston
Long Term Map
Annual Overview
Religious Education
Religious Education is taught in line with the Oxfordshire Schools’ Agreed Syllabus. Literacy and Numeracy are taught in accordance with the national strategies for these subjects.
Collective Worship – The Education Reform Act 1988 requires that all schools have a daily act of Collective Worship either as a whole school or in separate groups. If you wish you have The Right of Withdrawal – and you may withdraw your child from Collective Worship.
Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (including Sex Education)
SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) is taught weekly from FS to Year 6. SEAL links with weekly themes, class challenges and assemblies. We are currently working towards Healthy School Status. The staff and Governors agree that Sex Education is the entitlement of each child and are committed to delivering it within the context of a broad and balanced programme of health education. We work closely with our school nurse and parents/carers are always invited to discuss the content of the programme before we begin.
During their time at school pupils will take part in a far broader curriculum than the list above. This will include taking part in sporting activities, residential visits, outings, working with the community, plays, musicals, Festival of Voices and class assemblies.
