At Burnham-on-Crouch Primary School we offer a broad, balanced and creative curriculum which recognises the individual needs of our children, seeking to engage and motivate every learner to enable them to reach their full potential and preparing them for the challenges of their futures.  

Our curriculum incorporates the requirements of the National Curriculum, the agreed local curriculum for Religious Education and the guidelines of the Primary Strategy.  Teachers and Learning Support Assistants use a wide range of teaching methods which are routed in best practice and on-going research. As teaching methods continue to develop, the school will seek to incorporate new ideas and ensure continued professional development of all staff.

We believe passionately in the value of Learning Outside the Classroom supporting Ofsted’s view that ’such hands-on activities lead to improved outcomes for pupils, including better achievement, standards, motivation, personal development and behaviour’.   Our teachers take every opportunity to exploit our school grounds and other areas in our locality to support and enrich our pupils’ learning.

The school has an inclusive approach, seeking to tailor both the curriculum and teaching methods to reflect individual pupils’ needs and learning styles.   Children in need of additional support or extension are identified early and focused intervention strategies put in place.

The Foundation Stage

During a child’s reception year, play based activities and experiences are planned to help children develop the  building blocks necessary for their future education.   We place a very high emphasis on the acquisition of Personal, Social and Emotional skills as we beleive that these are essential to a child’s development as an effective and motivated learner.

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum covers Personal, Emotional and Social Development; Communication, Language and Literacy; Mathematical Development; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Physical Development and Creative Development.

English

All children throughout the school are encouraged to be effective communicators and listeners and to develop, to the full, their ability to use and understand English. Speaking and listening, reading, writing and drama are all interrelated aspects of English and are used throughout all other curriculum areas.

Mathematics

In mathematics we aim to give our children a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts and the confidence to apply skills and knowledge to a variety of situations. We provide opportunities for practical investigation and problem solving, and aim to develop positive attitudes and enquiring minds.

Sorting shapes in Kent Class

Science

Through science, children develop ideas which enable them to make sense of the things that happen around them. Through a practical scientific approach based on hypothesis, observation, recording and analysis, we aim to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of their own experiences and their local environment.

Art

Through art, children can be creative and expressive whilst exploring a variety of media, for example: textiles, 3D work, painting, drawing and printing.

As children grow in confidence, they are encouraged to make their own decisions about choice and suitability of materials and to evaluate and take pride in their work.

Design and Technology

Design and Technology is about making things that work. It is an inventive, fun activity, which allows children to plan, make decisions, explore and experiment to solve real problems. Using a range of materials such as food, textiles, clay, wood and junk, children design and make assignments and evaluate their finished products.

Yorkshire Class made costumes out of newspaper!

French

French is taught to all pupils in Key Stage 2. The approach is largely through speaking and listening with activities, games and songs.

Geography

From an early age children are curious about the world around them. Beginning with their own environment, they learn from a number of sources, including their own experience, planned learning activities, other people, their parents and the media how their world fits into a larger world.  Through Geographical studies we teach children about the importance of taking care of their school, local and the global environment.

History

Children study a range of topics learning about people’s lives and lifestyles from both the recent and more distant past. They learn about change and continuity in Burnham-on-Crouch, Britain and other parts of the world. Pupils question, find evidence, weigh it up and reach conclusions – skills that are important in adult life.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

The regular use of ICT prepares our children to participate in a rapidly changing world with its varied and developing technology. Children use computers, visualisers, scanners, cameras, programmable toys and tape recorders to explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly and creatively.  Our ICT suite has been recently updated (Summer 2008) to provide an exciting and very well equipped learning environment.

Music

Music provides opportunities for children to express themselves through composition, singing and listening activities and all are encouraged to value and enjoy musical activities.   A visiting music teacher offers children the opportunity to learn a variety of instruments and we offer extra-curricular recorder, keyboard and band clubs.

Physical Education

PE provides opportunities for children to develop their physical fitness, co-ordination and creativity through gymnastics, dance, games, athletics and swimming.   We aim to develop healthy habits and attitudes that will last a lifetime.

Orienteering in Year 6

We are really fortunate to have our own swimming pool and teacher, so our pupils benefit from on site swimming lessons all year round.

Our school has formed a school / club link with the Burnham Ramblers Junior Football Club, allowing us to offer our pupils the opportunity to play football in the community.  Both the Headteacher and the Deputy Headteacher are FA Level 1 qualified coaches, and this along with our curricular and extra-curricular football coaching has led to us becoming an FA Charter Standard school. 

Headteacher, Nicky Tothill receives the Charter Standard Award from Lana Bond of Essex FA

But football is not the only sport!  According to the season we run extra-curricular clubs in rugby, swimming, netball, cricket, rounders, athletics, bike riding, tennis, dance and fitness.   

Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE)

We aim to promote a child’s self-esteem, self-knowledge and responsibility. Throughout the school children will be learning about: how my body works, changes and grows; feelings; relationships; how to keep safe and healthy including drugs and medicines.

In Upper Key Stage 2 children will look more closely at sexual relationships in a family situation and with the emphasis on loving and caring and being responsible. Parents are welcome to be involved and to view any materials used. If you wish to withdraw your child from sex education, please write to the Headteacher.

Religious Education (RE)

RE teaching covers Christianity and other main religions of the world. The emphasis is on common themes, for example sacred texts, family life, signs and symbols etc.

Reception's Diwali Display

There is a daily act of worship broadly based on Christian principles in accordance with the Education Act of 1988. If you wish to withdraw your child from receiving religious education or from attending the act of worship, please write to the Headteacher.