Our Curriculum
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum in Nursery and Reception.
- We follow the National Curriculum in Key Stages 1 and 2.
- In RE we are guided by the Religious Education Curriculum Directory for Catholic schools and use 'The Way, The Truth and The Life' scheme of work.
Our curriculum includes the experiences and activities we provide to educate the whole child. It is designed to develop enjoyment of and commitment to learning as a means of encouraging the best possible progress and the highest attainment for all pupils. It aims to develop pupils’ sense of identity through knowledge and understanding of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural heritages of our diverse society; to enable them to think creatively and critically, to solve problems and to grow into responsible citizens.
Religious Education
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The Religious Education programme includes Diocesan plans and the scheme - The Way, the Truth & the Life. All lessons aim to cover the 4 areas of the Curriculum Directory which are:
The time allocated to the teaching of Religious Education is 10 percent of the total curriculum time. Staff are encouraged to avail of the training opportunities provided by the Diocese of Westminster to enhance their knowledge and understanding of Religious Education. Religious Education also happens through prayer, collective worship, celebration of Mass and hymn singing. We gather together for Liturgical prayer and Liturgical Dance. Parents are invited to attend all celebrations and services and share in the various religious experiences provided for children and families by the school. Two weeks of the year are dedicated to the teaching of Judaism and Islam. Our aim within this context is that all members of the school community show respect for each other and for the wider community of their home and parish. |
EnglishMiss O’Dea – English Subject Leader
In English Martyrs School we aim to create an environment where children are enabled to communicate confidently and effectively in all aspects of language; reading, writing, speaking and listening. These skills are taught and developed in their own right and through cross curricular links. Our aim is for every child to gain a love of the world of literature and communication. We have an excellent school library containing a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books. In addition, each classroom has its own book area. Our aim is that every child will leave our school having developed a love of books and reading. Reading for Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 Powerpoint
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Mathematics
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Mrs Pasha – Mathematics Subject Leader
Pupils are taught a range of strategies for mental and written calculations to enable them to become numerate. Parents are invited to attend Numeracy workshops and are provided with materials and guidance to support their children’s learning. We consistently achieve above the national average in our mathematics results. Our school invests in the online resources 'Mathletics' which is a fun and interactive site designed to enjoy and encourage progress in maths. |
Science
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Mrs Moore – Science Subject Leader We aim to develop an investigative approach to Science. Children make sense of their environment using the school grounds to increase their knowledge, understanding and respect for the natural world. They learn through asking questions and planning ways in which to find answers.
This enables the children’s natural curiosities to develop into real scientific thinking. In this way they can build up a body of knowledge that not only supports their future learning, but also helps them to appreciate the world around them. |
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Computing
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Mrs Pannell – Computing Subject Leader The 2014 National Curriculum recognises that ‘Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems’. English Martyrs has begun to teach computer science through an after school Coding Club.
Pupils will be taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. We will ensure pupils become digitally literate and that they are able to ‘use, express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology’. The National Curriculum for Computing in Key Stage 1 and 2 aims to ensure that all pupils:
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Art and DesignMiss O’Dea – Art and Design Subject Leader
We believe that art encourages independent thought and helps children to communicate their feelings about their world in which they live. We provide children with the opportunities and experiences to develop their creative and artistic skills by using a variety of resources, developing different techniques and skills, helping the child enjoy the process and admire the end product. Art is taught discretely but is also linked to other subjects. Children enjoy and appreciate the work of famous artists by visiting local and national galleries. |
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Design and Technology
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Mrs Moore – Design and Technology Subject Leader
Children are encouraged to work with a variety of materials to design, make and evaluate products. They are encouraged to use skills and techniques appropriate to the task. Children develop knowledge and understanding of different types of mechanisms, health and safety issues and develop communications skills through collaborative work. |
Music
Mrs Simon – Music Teacher
Our aim is to make our music curriculum a social, joyful and spiritual experience for all children. The music curriculum is taught to all age groups by specialist music teachers. Children are encouraged to understand, listen, compose, discuss and create music through singing and through playing a range of musical instruments.
Year 3 children have an opportunity to learn Descant Recorder during school hours. Year 4 children participate in the ‘Strings Project’ which gives them the opportunity to learn to play the violin or cello. Pupils who show a particular talent for violin or cello may be selected to receive additional tuition the following year and may be invited to join the School Orchestra.
The Junior Choir learn a wide repertoire of songs and perform regularly both in and out of school giving pleasure to performers and audiences alike. Parents are invited to attend recitals and concerts to celebrate pupils’ talents and achievements.
Our aim is to make our music curriculum a social, joyful and spiritual experience for all children. The music curriculum is taught to all age groups by specialist music teachers. Children are encouraged to understand, listen, compose, discuss and create music through singing and through playing a range of musical instruments.
Year 3 children have an opportunity to learn Descant Recorder during school hours. Year 4 children participate in the ‘Strings Project’ which gives them the opportunity to learn to play the violin or cello. Pupils who show a particular talent for violin or cello may be selected to receive additional tuition the following year and may be invited to join the School Orchestra.
The Junior Choir learn a wide repertoire of songs and perform regularly both in and out of school giving pleasure to performers and audiences alike. Parents are invited to attend recitals and concerts to celebrate pupils’ talents and achievements.
Drama
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Children are encouraged to participate in role play and drama through class presentations and assemblies. Plays and concerts are presented at Christmas and Easter. Parents are invited to attend all events.
Theatre groups regularly perform in school and class outings are arranged to local and West End theatres to enable children to appreciate and experience the Arts. Every year Pricewaterhouse Cooper invite the Year 3 class to the Peacock Theatre where they watch a pantomime performed by their drama group. |
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Languages
Spanish is taught to Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 every Wednesday morning by a specialist teacher.
History and Geography
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History and Geography are taught in themed units and cross curricular links which allow children the opportunity to develop the skills and ideas needed to retrieve and understand information from books, ICT, pictures, people and places. By using a variety of resources including children’s direct experiences we hope they begin to understand how people live around the world and have lived in the past. Our aim is for children to develop self-awareness and learn how they can make a positive contribution to our local community and the world around them. |
Physical EducationMrs Paterson - PE Subject Leader In English Martyrs School children are provided with an environment that allows them to participate in a range of activities that will benefit their physical wellbeing. Specialist teachers provide a variety of sports during P.E. lessons and a range of after school coaching sessions. Children develop an appreciation of the benefits of cooperation and teamwork, and come to understand the advantages of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Children are encouraged to participate in a range of sports activities during playtimes to further develop PE skills. |
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SMSC - Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development
We provide a range of teaching and learning opportunities to meet the SMSC requirements of the National Curriculum.
We teach children how to keep safe and manage the risks they may face at school, at home, in their local communities and online. Themes include democracy, drugs awareness, RSHE, road safety, healthy eating and the environment. The school is part of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets 'Healthy Schools' programme.
We teach children how to keep safe and manage the risks they may face at school, at home, in their local communities and online. Themes include democracy, drugs awareness, RSHE, road safety, healthy eating and the environment. The school is part of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets 'Healthy Schools' programme.
Inclusive Education
Mrs Pannell & Miss Freeman - SENDCO
We are committed to the provision of specialist support for children with special needs. Our SEND team consists of Mrs Pannell and Miss Freeman who meet termly to review the provision for all pupils with special educational needs or disabilities. They are supported by Miss O'Dea and Miss Hancock who work directly with pupils with additional needs. We receive specialist support from the Local Authority ‘Support for Learning Services’ who advise and guide teachers and teaching assistants in their work with pupils.
Children who do not speak English as their first language receive extra help from Miss Hancock our English Additional Language co-ordinator and part time specialist teacher. The EAL team provide language and other curriculum support for parents and pupils so that pupils have sufficient English language skills to allow full access to the curriculum throughout KS1 and KS2.
Parents are always consulted if their child needs to be referred to the School Psychologist or Learning Mentor.
We are committed to the provision of specialist support for children with special needs. Our SEND team consists of Mrs Pannell and Miss Freeman who meet termly to review the provision for all pupils with special educational needs or disabilities. They are supported by Miss O'Dea and Miss Hancock who work directly with pupils with additional needs. We receive specialist support from the Local Authority ‘Support for Learning Services’ who advise and guide teachers and teaching assistants in their work with pupils.
Children who do not speak English as their first language receive extra help from Miss Hancock our English Additional Language co-ordinator and part time specialist teacher. The EAL team provide language and other curriculum support for parents and pupils so that pupils have sufficient English language skills to allow full access to the curriculum throughout KS1 and KS2.
Parents are always consulted if their child needs to be referred to the School Psychologist or Learning Mentor.