Mathematics at Frinton on Sea
At Frinton on Sea Primary School, our aim is to inspire an intrinsic love of maths in our children. We value the importance of developing a range of mathematical skills including; reasoning; problem solving and mental arithmetic.
Our daily problem solving and sophisticated questioning across the school encourages our children to make connections between different mathematical concepts and explain their reasoning behind problems that they face. We value the importance of challenge and encourage our children to challenge their own abilities to continually improve and build on their existing knowledge.
We believe in the importance of making maths as hands on and practical as possible to give the children the opportunity to apply their learning to a real life context.
For our children, we have found that when discrete maths skills are taught and then further used to reinforce and enhance other areas of the curriculum, for example in DT, Science, Computing and Art, our children begin to understand how maths can be used in wider life.
Writing
At Frinton on Sea, we recognise that English skills underpin all elements of the school curriculum. Considering the fundamental importance of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in everyday life, we are driven by the need to develop each learner’s writing ability, thus enabling them to play a full part in society.
From letter formation in Reception to extended Writing across the curriculum in Year 6, the Teaching and Learning of Writing at Frinton is an engaging and developmental process. As you browse our class pages, we are sure that you will be struck by the fantastic commitment of our pupils, parents and staff in developing this most important life-skill!
Cross Curricular Literacy Opportunities
Teachers seek to take advantage of opportunities to make cross-curricular links. They plan for pupils to practise and apply the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired through literacy lessons to other areas of the curriculum, with a particular focus in our school of writing through all subject areas where the same standard of writing is expected as seen in English books.
VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT
The National Curriculum makes clear that learning vocabulary is key to ‘learning and progress across the whole curriculum’ since it allows pupils to access a wider range of words when writing and for them to understand and comprehend texts efficiently.
Vocabulary teaching needs to be:
- Active
- Progressive/ systematic
- Making links from known words
- Develop understanding of shades of meaning
- Include ‘instruction verbs’ used in examinations
- Subject specific- accurate mathematical and scientific words
Current practice at Frinton on Sea:
We encourage our pupils to have a wide and growing vocabulary in a number of ways, these include:
- Spelling lists/ key words to take home and learn
- Display of key words linked to topics and subjects
- Using the correct vocabulary orally
- In-depth word based lessons looking at patterns
- Using dictionaries, thesaurus and similar programmes
- Using quality texts to explore vocabulary choices and the effect they have
- Carrying out systematic testing and providing feedback to pupils
- Targeted one to one/ small group support, where appropriate
Websites to support writing
Pobble 365 – has lots of different pictures to encourage writing.
PicLits – PIC-LITS is a great way to encourage your child to try writing some poetry.
Writecomics – Create your own comic strip choosing between a character and background options, and then insert your own, unique dialogue
National Literacy Trust – has a range of resources to support creative writing, composition, writing for a purpose and audience.
Science
A high quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils will be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils will be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. In our curriculum they are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse cause and effect.
Information Technology
Frinton-on-Sea Primary School is committed to using ICT to improve the standards of teaching and learning within the school. Pupils use ICT tools to find, analyse, explore, exchange and present information responsibly, creatively and with discrimination. We are constantly up dating our ICT provision and all classrooms have computers, interactive whiteboards, IPads and digital cameras which are used in all areas of the curriculum. We have Bebots and Roamers, programmable toys for the younger children, and digital microscopes and sensors. We also have interactive learning platforms which includes Bug Club and Learn Anywhere which can be accessed at home. An ICT club is also run for different age groups across the school to help improve and support a variety of skills. We have an ICT Safety Policy and also hold and promote E Safety sessions for parents and children; this is vital and underpins all the ICT teaching conducted in the school and prepares our children for the technological age in which they live.
Art Craft and Design
Art, Craft and Design provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of responding to the world. Pupils use colour form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think. They learn to create using a variety of crafts and art techniques and respond to the work of great artists, craft makers and designers. Pupils also learn about cultural development and the historical aspects of their art forms. We also have art gallery exhibitions from time to time.
Design and Technology
Design and Technology is an inspiring, practical subject which requires pupils to explore a variety of structures, use a range of tools, materials & mechanisms and learn about food technology and textiles. They learn to model, make and test their proto-types in order to improve their designs, problem solve and work like real engineers.
Geography
Geography gives pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. Children learn about both natural and human environments and gain insight into how physical and human processes interact and shape our world. To help broaden and cement their knowledge and understanding, children compare the local area with other, contrasting areas, both within the U.K. and abroad, so they develop an understanding of a wide range of places and global issues.
History
Through the study of history, children will gain a knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past, and about significant aspects of history in the wider world. They will learn to ask questions, think critically, weigh evidence and sift arguments.
Music
Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It develops pupils’ ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music and encourages active involvement in different forms of music making. Children learn to sing and play instruments with increasing skill and accuracy and develop an understanding of the history of music.
Religious Education
The teaching of Religious Education follows County Guidelines and covers all the major world religions. Collective Worship and Religious Education are non-denominational in character. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from these arrangements.
Modern Foreign Language – French Pupils follow an approved, child friendly scheme, designed to stimulate an enjoyment and curiosity for language generally, and specifically the French language. Children learn a respect for other people’s cultures, their food and customs. The curriculum is delivered in a variety of ways, all designed to fuel the children’s interest and make language learning fun.
Physical Education
Physical education provides opportunities for pupils to be creative, competitive and to face up to different challenges as individuals and in groups and teams. Pupils learn how to plan, perform and evaluate actions. They share ideas to improve quality and effectiveness. The school has the ‘Gold School Games Award’. We encourage children to represent the school at inter-school competitions and in local school leagues.
