At Gillespie School we use a range of dynamic teaching strategies and provide exciting learning environments to meet the individual learning needs of all our pupils.
As required for all state schools, Gillespie follows the New National Curriculum set out by government orders in September 2014.
The curriculum is divided into two Key Stages- Key Stage 1 for Years 1 & 2 (Infant children) and Key Stage 2 for Years 3-6 (Junior children). Throughout, there are three “core” subjects: English, Maths and Science. Children are also taught what are known as the “foundation” subjects: Art and Design, Computing, Design and Technology, Languages, Geography, History, Music and Physical Education. In addition it is the school statutory duty to teach Religious Education using the agreed syllabus designed by the Local Education Authority. Though not statutory, the school considers it is important to continue teaching Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) which includes Sex and Relationship Education (SRE).
We use a cross curricular approach across each term to enable children to make natural links between subject areas and deepen their learning. Each class studies an overall topic theme in each term. We also involve children in deciding and planning aspects of their learning.
Children study English for at least 1 hour each day and Maths for at least 1 hour each day. The time spent on other subjects will vary depending on which year they are in. For all subjects, children are taught as a class with work adapted for groups or individuals of different abilities where appropriate.
All lessons are carefully planned in advance, with the Headteacher overseeing the plans on a weekly basis. Subject Coordinators (senior teachers in the school) also monitor the plans to make sure the curriculum is being covered and progress is being made.
Within these pages you can view the curriculum each year group studies as well as see curriculum overviews for each subject. Class pages include termly topic letters, medium term plans and the curriculum overview for the year; plus examples of children’s work.
The school team are working hard to develop our own schemes of work and plans based upon the New National Curriculum. We will be adding information throughout the year as we implement and review the curriculum.
There are separate pages for subjects such as Maths, English and ICT which we hope you find useful. We will be adding detailed information about History and Geography shortly. We also include documents and presentations from past parent meetings and workshops which might be useful. You can also learn more about Lab_13 as well as access the Lab_13 Blog and Twitter feed.