We encourage children in all stages of the school
to care for, explore and gain a better understanding
of the natural environment. Regular fieldwork in
our own grounds and wildlife garden ensure that
children not only experience but also take responsibility
for the living things around them. Our extensive
science programme develops children's investigative
skills as they learn to observe, explore and ask
questions. Children learn how to work together to
collect evidence and to link simple scientific ideas
about living things, materials and phenomena.
French
We have a specialist French teacher and pupils
begin French lessons in small groups in Reception.
The emphasis is on oral comprehension and expression.
French is taught by direct method (i.e. not through
English) and the children follow classroom instructions
given in French for games, crafts and other activities.
Although the main emphasis continues to be speaking
French with the correct pronunciation, reading
and writing are introduced in Year 2 and developed
through the junior section. From Year 1 onwards
the French teacher organizes trips which allow
the children to use their French outside the classroom.
These range from a half day visit to a games exhibition,
to an overnight trip to the Ardennes.
Music
We have a specialist music teacher and class
music lessons are part of the curriculum throughout
the school. They include singing, percussion,
musical appreciation, rhythm, pitch and tone,
as well as reading sheet music. From Year 2 children
may join the lunchtime recorder club. There are
Christmas and summer concerts when all children
in school perform for parents.
Library
We have two Libraries, one in each building;
these are well stocked with a wide selection of
around ten thousand fiction and non-fiction books.
The children select two books each week to take
home (in their special library bag). The children
love selecting the books and parents and children
alike appreciate the facility since there are
few English language libraries in the area. Our
specialist Library Teacher is always on hand to
assist and encourage the children to be more adventurous
in their choice. All our children follow a structured
library skills programme which supports and supplements
the Literacy Strategy. The older children are
taught to use our computerized library catalogue
as part of our library monitor scheme. Inspection Comment : "The
library facilities offer good support for the
curriculum and are effectively used."
Physical
education
Children from Reception upwards, are taken to
a local gymnasium for PE lessons. We have an annual
sports day for all children in the summer term,
to which parents are invited. Children from Year
1 upwards wear the school standard PE kit of t-shirt
and shorts.
Field
Trips
Children in all classes are taken on outings
supporting areas of study across the curriculum.
In Year 2, pupils go on a trip which involves
one night away from home, From Years 3 and 4 onwards
trips may involve three to four nights away. 'French
Immersion' trips .provide an invaluable opportunity
for the children to test their language skills
beyond the classroom environment.
Religious
Education
We follow the framework for Religious Education
as outlined by the Non Statutory Guidelines for
England and Wales. We are especially committed
to each child’s spiritual, moral, and social
development. We welcome children of all faiths
and those of none. Our strong caring ethos and
Christian values are reflected and supported by
our close association with St Paul’s Anglican
Church Tervuren.www.stpaulstervuren.org
Science
& Nature