Areas of Learning

 

The curriculum is organised under six areas of learning which capture the essential knowledge, key skills and understanding that comprise a rounded primary education. Organising learning in this way gives the school greater flexibility to tailor learning to the students’ needs and to the opportunities that exist in the locality.

In the Early Years and Foundation Stage (Kindercrib, Kindergarten and Reception), the six areas of learning are entitled

  1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  2. Communication, Language and Literacy
  3. Problem-Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
  4. Knowledge and Understanding of the World
  5. Physical Development
  6. Creative Development

In Years 1 to 6, the six areas of learning are as follows:

  1. Understanding English, Communication and Languages
    English and Library, English as an Additional Language, French, Mother Tongue, Additional Educational Needs
  2. Mathematical Understanding
    Mathematics, including Additional Educational Needs
  3. Scientific and Technological Understanding
    Science, Design Technology and Information and Communication Technology
  4. Human, Social and Environmental Understanding
    History, Geography and Citizenship
  5. Understanding Physical Health and Well-Being
    Personal, Social and Health Education and Physical Education
  6. Understanding the Arts
    Art and Design, Dance, Drama and Music

The areas of learning are incorporated into Integrated Learning Themes (ILT) which put emphasis on an inquiry-led and skills driven curriculum. In the Early Years and Foundation stage, explicit links are made to the six areas of learning through the ILTs. In Years 1 to 6, each ILT has an area of learning as its main focus but incorporates other areas through a cross-curricular approach.

English, Maths, ICT capability and personal learning, thinking and social skills are considered as the essentials for learning and life. These skills, attitudes and dispositions are key to personal development and to unlocking and developing a lifelong love of learning. To ensure the essentials are secured, they are also embedded in the Integrated Learning Themes as well as being taught discretely.

French, Dutch, PE and Music are taught by subject specialists and have their own scheme of work however links are also made to ILTs where appropriate.