At Garstang St Thomas, we strive to give all our children a broad and balanced curriculum with many opportunities for extended learning opportunities. Curriculum News is sent out at the beginning of each term to share what will be taught in each class. If you have any questions about the curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Curriculum 2023/2024
Please download of our Curriculum Statement including key drivers in our curriculum: Curriculum Statement
Please download a copy of our curriculum overviews for 2023/2024 :
Garstang St Thomas Nursery – Long Term Plan 2023-2024
Garstang St Thomas – Reception Long Term Plan 2023-2024
Whole School Curriculum Overview 2023 – 2024
English
For our younger children we use a synthetic phonics programme called ‘Read Write Inc’. Read Write Inc is a method of learning centred around letter sounds and phonics, blending them together to read and write words and using these learnt sounds in their reading and writing. In EYFS and KS1 children will follow a daily programme to create fluent, enthusiastic readers, confident speakers and willing writers. We integrate phonics with comprehension, writing, grammar, spelling and handwriting using engaging partner work and drama.
In KS2, children have a daily English lesson that equips them with the skills to read and understand texts confidently, write fluently, think critically and articulate thoughts and ideas clearly.
Phonics scheme: Read Write Inc.
Reading Scheme: Read Write Inc. followed by Accelerated Reader.
Mathematics
We encourage our younger children in school to explore maths using structured imagery and apparatus in order to understand and explain mathematical concepts. We work to help children to build confidence through demonstrating how and why they arrived at their answer. We watch and listen carefully to children to assess their understanding to enable us to help each child make the most progress.
As the children progress through school, we continue to focus on developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through a concrete-pictorial-abstract approach. Our approach has spiral progression in which children build up knowledge over time, enabling all children to become confident mathematicians.
Our guided sessions promote discussion and exploration, with a strong emphasis on mathematical language, speaking in full sentences, and reasoning (by children consistently being required to explain how they know). The sessions include specific questions, which draw out children’s understanding and identify any misconceptions immediately.
EYFS maths scheme: Power Maths
Years 1 – 6 scheme: White Rose Maths
Reception Class – Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
The EYFS is a special and unique stage of schooling. We encourage children to learn and develop through playing, exploring, being active, creative and being asked questions to help their thinking. We have planned topics and also respond to the interests of our children. Please download a copy of the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage.
Oracy
Oracy is all about our children being able to:
- express themselves well
- have the vocabulary they need
- structure their thoughts so they make sense to others
- be confident to express their views
- listen to others and understand their point of view
We feel this area is very important and, by having it as a priority, we are giving our children a great advantage. Download our oracy progression map. If you have any questions about oracy or our provision in school, please speak to Mr Blakely or Mrs Stewart.
Religious Education and Worship
Garstang St Thomas Church of England Primary School follows the Blackburn Diocese Religious Education Syllabus and Understanding Christianity. Each week, every child gets one R.E. lesson. There is a daily act of worship in school in which we focus on Christian values e.g. compassion, justice and service.
Health, Sex and Relationships Education
Please see our policy relating to health, relationships and sex education. If you have any questions, please contact the headteacher, Jim Blakely: on 01995 603454 or head@garstang-st-thomas.lancs.sch.uk
National Curriculum
Please find a copy of the National Curriculum here: Primary_National_Curriculum
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If you would like information about our curriculum, please do not hesitate to e-mail the headteacher, Jim Blakely: on 01995 603454 or head@garstang-st-thomas.lancs.sch.uk.