Primary School

Teaching and Learning in Key Stages One and Two

Pupils in keystage 1 are aged from 5-7 years, pupils in keystage 2 are aged from 7-11 years old.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning will look different depending on the pupils learning needs. We use 'Pre-Formal', 'Semi-Formal' and 'Formal' curriculums in the classes across the Primary school.

We have a large assessment and EYFS classroom where our youngest pupils can share their space. This allows for a good introduction in Lancasterian and a smooth transition to the most appropriate curriculum while still providing opportunities for explorative and imaginative play.

All Primary pupils, regardless of their curriculum, receive teaching and learning opportunities through a variety of educational strands including English, Maths and Science skills (for more information, please see our 'Curriculum' page). They will also have lessons to help them to learn to be independent, resilient and safe.

Formal Curriculum

In the 'Formal' curriculum, all other national curriculum subjects are taught through a thematic approach which supports our pupils to make connections between what they are learning. Each half term has a different ‘topic’ which subject such as history, geography and ICT are taught through.

Primary school pupils accessing the 'Formal' curriculum will complete core subjects of Maths and English in the morning. There is a snack and staggered outdoor playtime times, snack time is seen as a learning opportunity and this is typically around communication or personal, social, health and citizenship targets. The afternoon then contains two or three lessons, with an afternoon snack and a short outside play.

Semi-Formal and Pre-Formal

Pupils in 'Semi-Formal' and 'Pre-Formal' classes have a more integrated approach to the curriculum and therefore a more flexible timetable. They also access termly topics which encompass all curriculum subject areas (for more information, please see our 'Curriculum' page). Again, snack time is seen as a learning opportunity and there are regular outside break times.

A range of teaching and learning styles are used in order to meet the needs of the pupils. 

Depending on the curriculum, learning is recorded through photographs, observations, annotations and pupil's own written work.

Pupil Reflection

Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their learning and 'Formal' puils are encouraged to consider whether they have achieved the objective and how they could make their work even better. Acheivement in all areas is celebrated, whether in class, within groups or during assemblies. Pupils are awarded 'Star of the Week' certificates in weekly assemblies to celebrate successes and these are taken home to be shared with parents. Pupils are also given verbal praise, stickers and other small prizes and notes of their achievements are made to parents through the home-school diary.

Class teachers liaise closely with the school Speech and Language Therapist and Occupational Therapist for advice on individual pupils needs (for more information, please see our  'Therapy' page).