Helme CE (VA) Junior & Infant School

Our curriculum is constantly evolving as we strive to address the interests of the children and engage them in their learning.  Teaching staff implemented the new National Curriculum in September 2014 and are now working on a planning and review cycle.

The Helme School curriculum is broad and balanced and includes the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum  has English, Mathematics and Science the core subjects. The Foundation subjects include Art & Design, Citizenship, Computing, Design & Technology, Geography, History, Languages, Music and Physical Education.  Children in Year 5 and 6 go swimming each week and this forms part of the PE curriculum. We teach the children French from the moment they start school in Reception.  In addition to the above, the National Curriculum also includes Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education (PSHE) and Religious Education (RE).

Teaching staff use many varied resources to deliver our curriculum.  Our teaching of reading is supported by the use of 'Project X' as a core scheme (Oxford University Press).  This is supplemented by 'Songbirds' which is a phonic scheme.  We also use a range of supplementary real texts.  Our teaching of phonics is based upon 'Letters and Sounds' and supported by the use of 'Direct Phonics' and 'Jolly Phonics'.  Staff also use the Espresso and Education City websites.  Our teaching of maths is supported by the Scholastic and Abacus schemes as well as resources from many other sources. In 2016, the school invested in the ActiveLearn online system which provides access to planning and resources for English (including phonics) and Maths. Children have access to a library of online books selected by their teacher.  They enjoy reading online and collecting rewards for completing texts.

Our teaching of French is supported by the use of the Language Nut website.

We aim to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and so prepare them for the many opportunities and experiences of adult life. Educational visits play an important part and parents are asked for voluntary contributions to cover the costs.

In a Church of England Voluntary Aided School, Christianity has a central place in Religious Education but within this, a respect and understanding of other faiths is encouraged.  The school promotes an environment where Christian principles are seen in action.  Religious teaching takes place both in class and in assemblies. The school has a close working relationship with Christ Church Helme and with the local community. Reverend Maureen leads monthly acts of Collective Worship in Church and we welcome families to join us.  
 
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of religious education and Collective Worship, if they wish to do so, the matter should be discussed with the Head teacher.

The school’s curriculum includes Sex & Relationship education and Drugs Education. Explicit sexual education is not given. When questions in this area arise, answers are given which the children can understand and appreciate.