The Governing Body has agreed to accept the West Sussex County Policy Statement on the Secular Curriculum in the expectation that the children will acquire and develop understanding, knowledge and skills, which are necessary for self-fulfilment and to become valuable members of society.

We aim at Fishbourne to give each child a thorough grounding in the basic skills of reading, language and mathematics, ensuring a sound foundation upon which to build more advanced learning. To enable us to do this we have planned a varied and well structured curriculum which provides a stimulating and challenging source of learning.

The requirements of the National Curriculum are incorporated within our work through

TOPIC WORK

At this school much of our work is based on a particular topic or theme which runs for a number of weeks. Such topics might include, for example, seasonal changes, journeys, diet and exercise, Romans, weather and water cycle. Letters to parents are sent home each half term to give some idea of what each topic entails.

A topic will be developed by the teacher according to the age and needs of the children in his or her class and the requirements of the National Curriculum. Through a topic, children may not only learn Science, English, Technology but aspects of History, Geography, R.E., Music, Art etc. The topics are chosen to give a balanced curriculum over a school year and also provide the opportunity for the children themselves to play a part in planning their own work, to learn at their own pace and reach the standards of which they are capable.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS

Some of the work we do in school involves taking the children out for visits. Often these will be local but sometimes we travel further afield and it is necessary to ask parents for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of transport, entrance fees etc. Such visits are important for the children but expensive to run.

On alternate years we arrange a residential field trip for both Years five and six. This gives them the opportunity to live and work in a different environment and to develop socially. We like all the children of this age to participate as the experience forms an important part in their overall development.

HOMEWORK ARRANGEMENTS

Children are encouraged to take reading books home and to read to their parents. We hope that you will also read to them, especially when they bring books home. In Reception and Year 1 children will be encouraged to read at home on a regular basis. A reading notebook with room for comments by both parents and teachers should be kept in the book folder. From time to time a poem or reading might also be sent home for practice, for instance for a special Assembly or presentation.

In Years 2 & 3 as well as continued reading, tables and spellings are also sent home regularly (small green notebook). They may also be given a small research task. Years 4, 5 and 6 have a homework notebook (bright orange exercise book). Each child will be responsible for entering their homework which will cover various tasks including learning spellings, tables, words of songs, research and finishing off work.

We very much value parental support in this area of a child's learning.

PLAY

Most adults use the word "play" to contrast it with serious work and parents feel that time in school should be for work, not play. This view ignores two important things about play. The play of young children is the natural way they learn. Young children explore materials, try out ideas, see what it is like to be someone else, and many other things. At Fishbourne, teachers use play to develop language, to lay the foundation of mathematical ideas, to teach the children to live with others and much else. The children think they are simply playing but the teacher is ensuring that a great deal of valuable learning is taking place by the materials he or she provides for play and by the way activities are guided.