“Learning together for a better tomorrow”

Teaching and Learning

School Curriculum

Homework

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Teaching and learning at Mossfield

From the very start we emphasise the importance of knowledge in the core subjects. Reading, language work (both oral and written), number work and the encouragement of an enquiring mind take high priority. We seek to attain the highest standards in these basic subjects.

In all subjects, the teachers endeavour to

create an atmosphere in which the children are

eager to discover and learn more. We believe

that children benefit from a combination of

different teaching styles. Whole Class Teaching,

group work and individual work will encourage

their all round development. We place a high

priority on first hand experiences, and are keen

to utilize our school minibus to transport

children on as many field trips as is possible.

We stress the need for a wide curricular experience believing it to be important for all children to develop their potential in each subject. We place particular emphasis on Information Technology, where we aim to develop very high levels of confidence and competency with the children.

‘If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right!’ Henry Ford

‘Only the lesson which is enjoyed is learned well.’ The Talmud

‘The question isn’t how Intelligent is the child… but in what ways is the child Intelligent?”

It is our strong belief that children learn best when-

• They are happy, secure and as stress free as possible. • They are interested and motivated, challenged and stimulated. • They achieve success and gain approval. • They work to clear boundaries, belong to the group and have familiar routines. • They are encouraged to experiment and make mistakes, which they then learn from.

• They actively engage in their own learning and take responsibility for it.

RELAXED ALERT MOTIVATED POSITIVE SELF ESTEEM

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The core subjects

English

To foster and develop a love of, and a sound mastery of, Reading and Writing is at the very

heart of what we do here at Mossfield School. These are the key life skills which enable all other learning to take place.

Speaking and Listening

We aim to develop confident children, who can express themselves with clarity.

We encourage our pupils to talk in purposeful and imaginative ways, to explore

ideas and feelings, adapting to vocabulary according to purpose, listeners and content. We also

stress the importance of listening skills with the role of the listener being as important as that

of the speaker.

Reading

At Mossfield we are bonkers about books! Our main

aim is to foster a love of reading and to develop each

pupil’s ability, understanding and enjoyment as a

reader. We are richly resourced, having an attractive, well stocked library. Various special events promote the pleasure and knowledge that can be gained from books. Visits from authors, poets and storytellers are encouraged. Phonics is our recommended method for teaching children to read and spell. We teach synthetic phonics from Nursery, Reception, through KS1, and into KS2 as necessary.

Writing

We use creative starting points to help inspire children to write. The use of film, drama and

ICT as tools for inspiring quality writing are welcome additions to our teaching repertoire!

Children are given frequent opportunities to write for a variety of purposes and audiences.

We value the vital importance that you as parents have in the development of your child’s

reading and we hope that you will play an active part in sharing books with your child. Children

can choose from a wide variety of books that include both fact and fiction. Each child is given a

reading record booklet for you to use with your child. Becoming literate really is a passport for

future success in life and continued learning. We must work relentlessly and in partnership to

ensure that each child achieves their full potential in reading and writing.

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Mathematics

Mathematics is taught through

practical work, investigations and

solving problems related to

everyday experiences. Children are encouraged to use practical equipment

at every stage throughout the school

so that they can explore and

thoroughly understand each new

concept. They are regularly offered

problems and investigations so that they can apply their knowledge and understanding. The children are encouraged to use their mathematical skills in real life situations.

Computers, calculators and games are

used as appropriate and work is

recorded in a variety of ways. The

children encounter all aspects of

mathematics as outlined in the National

Curriculum, with the routine practice of

mental calculation techniques forming an

integral part of all our work. Once children are secure in their understanding, they are expected

to learn number facts such as number bonds and tables, and to recall these with increasing

speed and confidence. All parental support in learning tables and number bonds is most welcome.

Science

Science at Mossfield covers a balance of topics drawn from

ideas in physics, chemistry and biology. The children learn

about life processes, materials and their properties, earth

sciences and physical processes. The rich natural

environment of the school provides the children with the

opportunity for detailed scientific investigation. The central

role of making and testing hypotheses in a practical context

is what makes science studies distinctive. This work takes

place through activities which draw on increasing knowledge

and understanding and the children use progressively more

complex ideas and apparatus.

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Information Technology

Technology is now an integral part of

our lives, and we regard it as a core

subject at our school. It is essential

that the children of Mossfield school

become fully confident and capable

in their use of modern technologies.

Every classroom at Mossfield is

fitted with a fully Interactive

Whiteboard. We have 2 whole class

sets of 30 modern laptop computers

which are used in the main building

by Years 1 to 6. During their time at

Mossfield they learn to use

computers to communicate, handle

information, investigate, control and

monitor events. They will search the

internet for information retrieval

and learn about email. All computers

are protected by strong internet

restrictions so that pupils can work

safely on line. We also proactively

teach the principles of online safety.

The children use their exceptionally developed IT skills, knowledge and equipment in all areas of

the curriculum, to assist in all areas of learning. This is undoubtedly one of the outstanding

features of the curriculum offered at Mossfield.

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The foundation subjects

The school constantly reviews its curriculum provision and is now working towards a more

creative curriculum which highlights the links between different subjects and encourages the

application of basic numeracy and literacy skills across a broader curriculum. It contextualises

learning, and by putting it into a topic or thematic context makes it more relevant and

challenging for children. Our school Minibus makes the option of site visits and first hand

experience much easier and at an affordable cost for parents.

During the course of the year children will cover between 3 and 6 topics or themes which will incorporate a whole raft of skills.

Geographical skills will stimulate the children’s interest in their surroundings and in the variety of physical and human conditions in their locality and in the wider world. The children develop the necessary skills for effective geographical enquiry and develop geographical knowledge and

understanding. Whenever possible geographical research is undertaken through firsthand experience, using visits to various localities within reach of the school. Through the use of secondary sources their studies are extended to other parts of the world.

Historical skills develop a sense of identity through learning how Britain, Europe and the rest of

the world have developed. From a variety of historical sources the children are taught how to

look for clues about the past, whilst understanding that people’s interpretations can vary. Wherever possible, the children are introduced to history through the study of historical sites, artefacts and primary sources. These provide opportunities for the children to recreate the past in an objective, well informed and imaginative way and learn how society changes through time and how historians use evidence to reconstruct the past.

Art is an important part of the curriculum as it covers many

areas of the child’s development. It is concerned with visual

communication, aesthetic awareness, observational skills,

emotional and intellectual development, as well as the

physical skills of drawing, painting and modelling. The

children are taught to use a variety of media to develop

their skills in this vital area of self expression. They are also encouraged to look at the work of important artists to learn of their achievements and techniques.

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In developing their design technology skills the children learn about the physical properties of

materials and the mechanisms needed to make their models move. They learn how to identify needs,

analyse real problems, design solutions, make a range of products or systems and evaluate their

progress and outcome. They work within a range of situations, starting from known experiences.

They examine and appraise products made by people from other times and cultures as well as the

work of current professionals.

We believe it is important to encourage religious and moral

values in the children, largely through our acts of worship

and our religious education programmes. It is intrinsic in

our school ethos. We also seek to equip all children to

share in a world which is both multi-cultural and multi-

racial. These themes, together with that of equal

opportunity, permeate the whole of our curriculum. Non-

denominational Christian teaching is incorporated into our

daily act of collective worship and religious education is

based on the Salford Agreed Syllabus. At

Harvest, Christmas and Easter the children enjoy working together and presenting their work at

special services. Parents are invited to share these occasions. A local Church Pastor also makes

regular visits to the school and talks to the children both in assemblies and in the classes.

The aim of Mossfield School is to involve all children

in physical education in a safe and supportive

environment. The P.E. programme encourages the

children’s self confidence and physical ability

through the provision of appropriate stimulating and

challenging learning situations in athletics, dance,

games, gymnastics, swimming and outdoor activities.

The children have the opportunity to develop skills

in team games including football, rugby, netball,

cricket, hockey, rounders, athletics, and swimming.

They are encouraged to value personal fitness,

competitiveness and team spirit.

Mossfield is part of Salford Schools Sport Partnership and participates in local sporting activities and matches are arranged with other schools. We also run a number of after school clubs. Children travel to Pendlebury Leisure Centre and receive weekly 30 minute swimming lessons when they are in Year 3.

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PHSE (Personal, Health, Social, Emotional) education is part of the curriculum for all age groups.

Issues covered include hygiene, diet, exercise, road safety, lifestyles, peer pressure, and

citizenship etc. Formal Sex Education currently takes place in Year 6. Parents are informed when

the Health Education programme deals formally with Sex Education. They are then given the

opportunity to talk to the teacher, see the resources used in the class and, if they wish, withdraw

their child from sex education.

Music is studied in all classes. Through a range of activities and

experiences, we aim to develop an awareness of, and enjoyment in

the expressive quality of sound. Children are encouraged to

appreciate a variety of musical styles from different cultures and historical periods. As well as music lessons in class, the children also have regular singing lessons.

Citizenship allows children to become informed, active, responsible citizens through learning

about the main political and social institutions that

affect their lives. Children are given the opportunity

to appreciate their responsibilities, rights and duties

as individuals and members of the school and wider

community, through involvement in the School Council

which meets regularly.

Educational visits are arranged to support the children's work and a

high priority is placed on first hand learning. Trips out are greatly

subsidised in comparison with many other schools, due to our investment in a school minibus to transport pupils to venues at minimal cost compared to coach hire. Recent visits have included:

Manchester Sikh Gurdwara Chester Zoo Quarry Bank Mill Diva Centre

Little Moreton Hall Salford Media City

Formby Country Park Eureka Museum

Manchester Buddhist Centre Southport

Manchester S&I Museum Chester Local supermarket Lowry Centre

Blackpool

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Foundation stage curriculum – for the under fives

The children who join our Nursery and Reception classes benefit from having:

• A safe, caring environment with a large fenced outdoor area, superbly equipped for play and learning

• Stimulating, attractive classrooms

• A good balance between child initiated experiences and direct teaching, including reading taught through the Synthetic Phonics method

• Detailed assessment, provided through the

Foundation Stage Profile which will be

shared with parents towards the end of the

year

• Fun!

Both classes follow the national requirements of the Foundation Stage Curriculum, and its six areas of learning:

Communication, Language and Literacy

Mathematical Development Personal and Social development Knowledge and Understanding of the World Physical Development Creative Development

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Special educational needs

All children need praise, help and encouragement with their work. At times children may have needs which are different from the majority of their peers. At Mossfield the emphasis is on

the early identification of any learning difficulty or outstanding ability, so that appropriate help

can be given. We involve parents closely so that they can work in partnership with the teachers

to help their child and plan for his or her future need. For those who need extra support we have input from outside specialist agencies and teaching assistants who work with individuals or

small groups. We adhere to guidelines laid down by Salford and can call in specialist advice for

children with specific needs.

Extra curricular activities

A wide range of interesting programmes of extra curricular activities are offered. The programmes vary according to the seasons. Announcements are made in school to draw children’s attention to what is available. Clubs available in the past have included-

Football Gardening Drama Rounders Athletics Film Club Advanced Maths Card Craft Board Games Art

Chess ICT Club

All children in Years 5 and 6 are given the opportunity to visit the Robinwood Outdoor and Adventurous Pursuits Centre in Todmorden for their residential visit each year. Here they carry out a variety of activities such as climbing, caving, orienteering, stream scrambling and canoeing etc.

Assessment

Assessment is a vital part of the teaching process. Only by diagnosing a child’s strengths and weaknesses can an appropriate learning programme be organised. Assessment takes many forms, from a teacher listening to a child reading to external examinations.

During their time at Mossfield your child will be continually ‘assessed’ through the activities

which are organised in lessons. Formal ‘summative’ assessment takes place at the end of each

school year from Year 2 to Year 6. For Year 2 & Year 6, this takes the form of National Tests

(S.A.T’s). During the school year all children will be formally tested in National Curriculum

achievement.

Homework

By providing homework we hope to involve not just the child but the parents as well. It becomes a shared experience and allows a parent to share in the child’s learning journey.

Children, especially those just beginning to read are encouraged to read at home on a daily basis,

as we know that this shared and magical experience is THE BEST guarantee of a fluent and

confident reader in the future. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS – YOU

AS A PARENT ARE THE GREATEST FACTOR IN A CHILD LEARNING TO READ

SUCCESSFULLY.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the children receive a piece of maths homework and a piece of

comprehension homework. to be completed each week. Children in these year groups may also be

given weekly spellings and times-tables homework as necessary.

Likewise, in Nursery, Reception and Year 1 we loan out

the PLAYCLUB materials. These are short activities and

games with an underlying educational purpose which we

hope you will share and enjoy with your children.

We DO NOT intend homework to be stressful or to put the child or parent under pressure. It should not keep children up all night nor deprive them of going out or involving themselves in other interests. We set this homework for your child’s benefit, and hopefully as an enjoyable, shared family experience.

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