Curriculum
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School Organisation |  |
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Pupils are grouped into classes by age. These classes contain children of different abilities and needs. Therefore, a variety of teaching styles and strategies, including group and individual methods, are employed to ensure progress. Using a variety of resources and approaches the school provides a broad, balanced delivery of the National Curriculum, building upon the work of the Infant School and preparing the pupils for High School.
At Pinner Park we recognise and acknowledge the range of ability amongst the pupils. The School recognises those with additional needs and makes provision to support them, ranging from gifted & talented to learning difficulties to English as an additional language (EAL). |
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English | |
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English is an integrated programme of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills through the National Primary Framework.
The school has a wide range of reading materials. The children are given many opportunities to write for a variety of purposes and for different audiences. Writing experiences includes balancing imaginative and factual writing, handwriting and spelling.
Literacy is an integral part of any curriculum area and purposeful links are made as much as possible. Reading continues to be a high priority and through home school partnerships, reading regularly at home supports continued development at school.
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Mathematics | |
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Classes are mixed ability and planning/assessment is based on National Primary Framework. Various approaches are used ranging from whole class teaching to individual activities, including problem solving, investigations and mental arithmetic in addition to more formal activities. Links with I.C.T. and current topics are encouraged, enabling children to experience the relevance and practical nature of Mathematics. The curriculum is differentiated and children progress at their own level. |
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Science | |
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Science is a core subject and QCA units of work form the basis for curriculum studies. Scientific investigations, data collection and analysis are integral aspects of scientific skills and knowledge gained. The school encourages an appreciation of science as a significant part of our heritage and guides the children towards an appreciation of their place in the world in the light of rapid scientific and technological change. |
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Information and Communications Technology | |
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As I.C.T. is encountered more and more frequently in everyday life, we aim to equip the children with the skills to use technology confidently whilst being aware of how it can be used through a variety of activities across the curriculum. These will include communicating, data handling, modelling and control.
The school possesses a 30 workstation computer suite with black and colour laser printers. Each classroom has one networked workstation. Classes are timetabled for I.C.T. All classrooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards and I.C.T. is featured across the curriculum. |
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Design Technology | |
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The children experience a wide range of assignments in which they can develop their designing and making skills. They have the opportunity to work with many different materials and construction kits. Through their work they are helped to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of technology and the safe and proper use of progressively more sophisticated equipment. The school has plans to build a specialist Art/DT room. |
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History and Geography | |
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The QCA guide-lines are used by each year group when planning their approach to History and Geography. Children use primary and secondary sources, artefacts and media resources to develop historical and geographical skills.
Every year group goes on school trips linked to the work they are covering in the classroom. These are of enormous educational value. Where appropriate visiting speakers are invited into school to talk about what they do and how this is relevant to the wider world. |
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Music | |
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The children have a one hour music lesson each week in a fully equipped music room (soon to be updated). There are opportunities for children, after an audition, to learn a stringed, woodwind, brass or percussion instrument with a visiting music teacher. All children in Year 6 learn to play the steel pans. The musical activities extend to a school choir. Children also have the opportunity to perform music in concerts and productions throughout the year. |
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Art | |
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The children are introduced to a wide range of skills, techniques and artists, and pupils are taught to mount and display their own work. They use a wide variety of materials and have the opportunity to produce 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional work. During their time in the Middle school the children have the opportunity to visit major Art Galleries. All the classes contribute to school displays which reflect the different world cultures. |
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French | |
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French is taught in Years 3, 4, 5, and 6. The skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing are developed in the classroom according to the age and ability level. |
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Physical Education and Swimming | |
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PE lessons cover a wide range of activities: games, dance, athletics, swimming and gymnastics. The school has 2 playgrounds, a basketball court and a field for outdoor activities in the summer term. The school has football, athletics, hockey, cross country, netball and rounders squads. We enter teams for Harrow Sports events and competitions. We encourage healthy competition as well as promoting sport as an enjoyable and valuable activity for all. There is a full Out of Hours school Learning programme in place. The school is part of the Schools Sport Co-ordinators programme developing links with cluster schools and high schools.
In 2011/12
Outdoor activities form part of the PE curriculum. In 2011/12 Year 6 will have the opportunity to attend a week long residential trip. Year 5 will attend a 2 days outdoor activity centre in Hillingdon. |
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PSHE and Citizenship | |
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The PSHE & Citizenship Education programme at Pinner Park Middle School promotes the knowledge, skills and understanding that are essential for the personal and social development of the children. This will help prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
Sex & Relationship Education is set within the context of PSHE & Citizenship Education. The children will undertake Sex & Relationship Education every year during their time at Pinner Park Middle School. The materials, including videos used by staff, are shown to and discussed with parents who wish to attend the Sex Education evenings. Biological facts are covered but the emphasis throughout will be on teaching social and emotional aspects with sensitivity.
All parents are issued with a booklet called “Health for Life” which provides details as to the content of the Sex & Relationship Education curriculum throughout all four years. If parents wish to withdraw their children from Sex & Relationship Education they should inform the Head Teacher in writing. No alternative provision is made for withdrawn pupils. |
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Religious Education | |
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Religious Education involves teaching about the major religions of the world with the emphasis on Christianity. Our teaching also includes the children's personal experiences. Moral education is included as an important area of this subject. We encourage pupils to participate but also respect parents’ wishes should they wish their child to be withdrawn from lessons. If you wish to withdraw your child from R.E. lessons please inform the Headteacher in writing . |
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Extra Curricular Activities | |
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A number of activities are run at lunchtimes and after school by staff. The activities vary from year to year and from season to season but have included football, netball, rounders, music, art clubs and a lunchtime bookshop. Notes are sent home and notices in the newsletters advise children and parents of clubs running for each term.
Parents should ensure that their children are collected promptly at the end of the activities. Please be aware that essentially outdoor activities may be cancelled or finish early in wet weather. |
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Kids' Planet Club | |
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The club provides a Breakfast Club, and an After School Club on a full time, part time or drop-in basis, according to the parents’ or carers’ needs. Refreshments can be provided which cater for the children’s dietary needs. A variety of structured activities are planned for their educational needs and social growth.
Contact The School Office who will give you contact details |
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Visits | |
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In Year 6 the children go on a five day residential visit to a PGL Centre in the UK which combines visits, activities and I.T. work.
Recent trips have included :-
Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre
Canterbury Cathedral and Tales
Pinner Parish Church
Junior Citizens
Harrow Museum
R.A.F. Museum
Watford Theatre Pantomime
Hampton Court Palace
Hindu Temple
Harrow Young Musicians Symphonic Concert
British Museum
Royal Albert Hall
We do our best to keep costs to a minimum and to ensure the activities are a valuable part of the curriculum. | |||
