The
National Curriculum sets out the programme of work to be
covered by the children as they progress through the
school. It covers the core subjects of English,
mathematics, science and information and communication
technology (ICT) and the foundation subjects of Sindhi,
Urdu, history, geography, art & design and physical
education. We also teach religious education in
accordance with the Ministry of Education agreed
syllabus. Our own school curriculum policies in these
subjects are reviewed regularly so that they are closely
matched with the statutory requirements.
At
Air Foundation School System, we also provide a number
of events, activities and learning opportunities that
enrich and extend the statutory curriculum.
All
teaching and learning takes place through the medium of
language and so we provide an environment throughout the
school in which the children are encouraged to listen
actively and receptively, and respond confidently,
appropriately and purposefully. There are opportunities
to speak in front of a range of audiences and to take
part in assemblies and school productions.
We
place great emphasis on children reading both for
pleasure and for information. Part of the children’s
homework each week is to read at home. It is helpful for
parents to spend some time sharing the book with their
child. This can take many forms – reading to your
child; listening whilst your child reads to you; and
sharing a book as a whole family. One of the most
important parts of this homework is to discuss the story
with your child. This helps them to understand the
meaning behind the words they read.
As
children progress in their development of writing, we
encourage them to draft their written work, reflect upon
it and evaluate their efforts.
To present it well it must be clearly written,
correctly spelt and correctly punctuated. We expect the
children to write in pen and to use joined handwriting
that builds on the very good start they have made in
their infant schools. The school teaches spelling very
thoroughly and the children will bring home spellings to
learn as part of their homework.
We
aim to promote a positive attitude to mathematics and an
appreciation of the relationships within mathematics.
We also aim to encourage children to have the
confidence to work independently and hope to foster a
fascination for the subject that encourages interest and
self-motivation.
Children
are offered a range and balance of mathematical
experiences with opportunities for practical,
investigative, oral written and problem-solving work.
Time is given to activities that develop
knowledge, skills and understanding and those which
develop the ability to tackle practical problems.
Children
are encouraged to use mental arithmetic, developing the
skill of being able to select the appropriate
mathematical tool with confidence.
Children are expected to learn their tables. They
are encouraged to record and present their work in a
variety of ways in order to clarify thought and aid
discussion.
Science
is taught throughout the school in a way that is
practical and fun as well as helping to learn about
important scientific concepts and ideas.
Through
scientific investigations we aim to provide pupils with
a rich environment so that interest and curiosity are
aroused and knowledge, skills and attitudes are
developed.
The
science topics have been carefully planned to provide a
progression and breadth of knowledge and understanding
in a familiar and relevant context. They include topics
such as ‘The Earth in Space’; ‘Rocks and Soils’;
‘Electricity’; ‘Plants and Animals’ and so on.
We introduce and foster the development of
investigative skills such as observing, ordering,
formulating hypotheses and constructing fair tests.
Specific attitudes are also nurtured, for
example, a sensitivity to living things in the
environment, critical reflection, independence of
thought and perseverance.
In
line with the National Curriculum requirements for
Information and Communication Technology children are
encouraged to use computers to develop the skills needed
for word processing, the use of databases, adventures
and simulations and simple programming.
Lessons
take place in our ICT suite where each class has a
regular weekly timetable slot. Each classroom also has
at least one computer with Internet access.
Through
the study of these subjects children are encouraged to
take an interest in people and environments past,
present and future; to develop a sense of direction and
time; to acquire an awareness of similarities and
differences in lifestyles, cultures and environments and
to use a variety of different skills and evidence.
Throughout
their four years at Air Foundation School System,
children study aspects of History, in chronological
order, from the Ancient to modern times.
In
Geography children start by studying places in this
country and then further afield, to compare and contrast
environments.
Children
take part in apparatus work, movement, athletics and
games. Through
these lessons children are encouraged to develop
physical co-ordination, manipulative skills and
teamwork. Within
this area of the curriculum children are made aware of
the basic principles of health, hygiene and safety.
We
encourage competitive sport as well as learning the
skills of good team work and sportsmanship. We enter
teams in many local competitions. We also enjoy working
with coaches from well known organisations.
This
is a very important aspect of every child’s education.
It is evident in all areas of the curriculum,
stimulating the imagination and developing hand and eye
co-ordination. Children
have the opportunity to observe, explore and interpret
their own experiences, ideas and feelings about the
world through the senses.
Areas such as drawing, painting, pattern and
design, construction, modelling and puppetry are
included. Children
are also introduced to art from different cultures and
periods in history to enable them to choose the most
appropriate method and extend their own skills and
expertise.
Every
month we have at least one Arts Week where the children
have the opportunity to display their art work on the
softboards.
We
aim to help children to achieve a knowledge and
understanding of religious insights, beliefs and
practices so that they are able to continue in, or come
to their own, beliefs, respecting the right of other
people to hold beliefs different from their own.
Parents
have the right to withdraw their child from the
school’s religious education programme, in case they
are non-muslims. Any parent who is considering this step
is invited to make an appointment to discuss the matter
with the Headteacher in the first instance.