The school’s curriculum is broad and balanced in order to promote children’s intellectual, physical, personal, social, spiritual, moral and cultural development. This includes the seven areas of learning when children are in the early years and the subjects of the National Curriculum, as they become older, including religious and health education. Our curriculum is well planned and structured to meet the different personal, social, health and economic needs of all children. A programme of assemblies and a range of exciting enrichment and extra curricular activities enhance the curriculum further.
Teaching Organisation and Methods
Teachers use a variety of strategies and methods to help children to learn. A blend of whole class, group and individual teaching is used to suit the purpose of the lesson and the needs of the children. Our teachers use a range of skills including demonstrating, explaining, instructing, questioning, evaluating and providing feedback.
The Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum
The Early Years and Foundation Stage includes children who are of nursery age (2 to 4+), and reception age children who will become of statutory school age during that academic year. Children work towards the Early Learning Goals and their progress is tracked and reported to parents at the end of Reception.
We aim to help children learn through practical experience and play, both in and out of doors. High priority is given to supporting language development and promoting positive attitudes towards learning.
The Early Years and Foundation Stage Curriculum is planned in seven areas of learning
The National Curriculum officially starts in Year 1 although in exceptional circumstances, very able children may be taught aspects of the National Curriculum in their Reception year.
The National Curriculum
The National Curriculum sets out what children between the ages of 5 and 16 should be taught. The National Curriculum for children aged between 5 – 11 years is organised into two key stages:
Key Stage (KS) | Child Ages | Year Groups |
KS1 | 5 - 7 | Year 1 and 2 |
KS2 | 7 - 11 | Year 3, 4 5 and 6 |
Within each key stage, the National Curriculum sets out which subjects children should study. At Millbrook, English, mathematics and science are considered the core subjects. Art, design and technology, geography, history, music, a modern foreign language and physical education are the foundation subjects. Religious education is compulsory in both key stages but because local education authorities decide what is taught, it is not part of the National Curriculum. The school follows Buckinghamshire’s Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. This has been established in consultation with representatives of all the main faiths. In addition, children follow a programme of personal, social, health and economic education.
Key Stage 1 use the "Letters and Sounds" phonics scheme. French is taught to pupils in Key Stage 2. Our curriculum is further enhanced by Philosophy 4 Children which is cross-curricular and supports the development of speaking and listening, reasoning and critical thinking.