English, Mathematics and Science

English

At Hibaldstow Academy we believe that a quality English curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion. We aim to inspire an appreciation of our rich and varied literary heritage and nurture a habit of reading widely and often. 

We recognise the importance of developing a culture where children take pride in their writing, can write clearly and accurately through adapting their language and writing style for a developing range of contexts. 

At Hibaldstow Academy we aim to inspire children to be confident and fluent in discussion. Developing a wide ranging vocabulary that enables them to enjoy speaking and listening in a variety of contexts and become more specific in their language choices in the knowledge that this will further their learning.

We believe that children need to develop a secure knowledge-base in Literacy, which follows a clear pathway of progression as they advance through the primary curriculum. We believe that a secure basis in literacy skills is crucial to a high quality education and will give our children the tools they need to participate fully as a member of wider society.

In order to fulfil the programme of study for English, the school uses the Primary Framework for Literacy, as a detailed basis for implementing the statutory requirements for reading and writing (Fiction, Non-Fiction and Poetry) through delivering the objectives outlined within the twelve strands. Speaking and listening is taught as an integral part and through a cross-curricular multi-skill approach, to cover the strands of the National Curriculum, including Drama. Oral work is central to Literacy.

Subject Aims and Objectives

• To develop skills in effective communication with others through speaking, listening, reading and writing both within school and outside.
• To express creativity and imagination.
• To develop enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama, including that from different cultures and times, as well as non-fiction and media texts.
• To understand how language works by looking at its’ patterns, structures and origins. To use this knowledge to choose and adapt what they say and write in different situations.

Core aims for our English Curriculum

During Key Stage 1 pupils learn to:

1. speak confidently and listen to what others have to say
2. begin to read and write independently and with enthusiasm.
3. use language to explore their own experiences and imaginary worlds.

During Key Stage 2 pupils learn to:

1. change the way they speak and write to suit different situations, purposes and audiences.
2. study a range of longer texts and novels and respond to different layers of meaning in them.
3. explore the use of language in literary and non-literary texts and learn how language works.

Speaking and listening, reading and writing are integrated within the planning sequence.

Mathematics

Mathematics teaches us how to make sense of the world around us through developing the ability to calculate, to communicate, to reason and to solve problems. It enables children to understand and appreciate relationships and patterns in numbers in their everyday lives. Through their growing knowledge and understanding, children learn to appreciate the contribution made by many cultures to the development and application of mathematics.

We use White Rose as a base for our learning. Our teachers use their professional judgement and assessments to adapt and tailor their planning to meet the needs of the learners in their classrooms.  In addition to White Rose Mathematics, we use mastering number and our local Maths hub multiplication fluency scheme.

Core aims for our Mathematics Curriculum:

• promote enjoyment and enthusiasm for learning through practical activity, exploration and discussion
• develop mathematical skills and knowledge and quick recall of basic facts in line with The Primary Framework recommendations;
• promote confidence and competence with numbers and the number system
• develop the ability to solve problems through decision-making and reasoning in a range of contexts
• develop a practical understanding of the ways in which information is gathered and presented
• explore features of shape and space, and develop measuring skills in a range of contexts
• develop an appreciation of the creative aspects of maths and awareness of its aesthetic appeal
• understand the importance of mathematics in everyday life.

Science

At Hibaldstow Academy we believe high quality science lessons inspire our children to learn more about the world around them - through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. We attain to develop the natural curiosity of our children, whilst encouraging them to respect living organisms and their physical environment.

We encourage our children to relate science, and scientific enquiry to their daily lives, through a practical, skills and knowledge based curriculum. 

Our children are encouraged to develop and use a wide range of skills, including observations, planning and investigations. Specialist vocabulary is also  taught alongside this, and is developed sequentially as the children move through our academy. Concepts are revisited in a way in which the children can develop their knowledge and understanding, whilst also learning new things.

We also understand that science can be a vehicle for great change, and can be used to advance both human and natural society, but that it also has the ability to endanger it. We therefore equip our children to understand how their lives and those of others around them can be a force for positive change.

Core aims for our Science Curriculum

* To promote investigation and enquiry- asking why and how

* To allow pupils to gain knowledge about scientific concepts

* To make links between different concepts and phenomena 

* To develop a thirst to dig deeper and find out more