Our Approach to English

At Castlemorton C.E. Primary School, we believe that literacy is the foundation of all learning. Our English curriculum is designed to inspire a love for reading, writing, and communication, equipping pupils with the language skills they need to express themselves confidently and understand the world around them. Aligned with our school’s vision of compassion, respect, courage, and perseverance, we aim to nurture confident, curious, and creative learners who use language to make a positive difference.

Curriculum Goals

Our English curriculum aims to:

• Foster a love for reading and a deep appreciation for a wide range of literature.

• Develop clear and confident communication skills in both spoken and written forms.

• Build strong foundational skills in phonics, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.

• Encourage creative and critical thinking through reading, discussion, and writing.

• Instil values of respect and empathy, as children learn to understand diverse perspectives through literature.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Reading

We prioritise reading as a key to learning. Our curriculum includes:

• Daily phonics sessions in early years and Key Stage 1, using FFT's Success For All Phonics, which is a systematic phonics program, to build decoding and comprehension skills.

• Guided reading sessions in Key Stage 2 to develop comprehension, fluency, and a love for literature.

• Exposure to a wide range of genres, authors, and texts, encouraging pupils to read broadly and critically.

2. Writing

Our writing curriculum helps pupils express their ideas clearly and creatively:

• We teach structured writing skills, including sentence construction, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

• Pupils are encouraged to write for different purposes and audiences, developing a range of styles from creative narratives to persuasive arguments.

• We integrate writing with topics across the curriculum, giving children real-life contexts for their work.

3. Speaking and Listening

Communication skills are central to our curriculum:

• We create opportunities for pupils to express their ideas and opinions clearly and listen respectfully to others.

• Pupils engage in presentations, debates, and drama activities, building confidence and clarity in spoken language.

• Collaborative group work and discussion enhance social and listening skills, promoting respect and empathy.

Supporting Every Learner

We are committed to making English accessible for all pupils. Our approach includes:

• Tailored Support for All Abilities: We provide adapted instruction and targeted interventions to support each child’s development in reading and writing.

• Inclusive Resources: Our reading materials represent diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, ensuring every child can see themselves reflected in our curriculum.

• Special Educational Needs (SEND): We adapt our English teaching strategies for pupils with SEND, working closely with our SEND Coordinator to provide individualised support.

Engaging Parents and the Community

We encourage a strong home-school partnership in supporting literacy. Parents are invited to join us for workshops, reading events, and are provided with guidance on how to support their child’s reading and writing at home. 

Assessing Progress

Regular assessment helps us understand each child’s progress and plan the next steps in their learning. We use a mix of formal assessments and informal observations to gauge reading and writing skills, ensuring that each child is supported to achieve their potential.

At Castlemorton C.E. Primary School, we are committed to inspiring confident, capable, and compassionate communicators who are ready to explore and shape the world with words.

For more information about our English curriculum, please contact the school office.

English Policy

Our Approach to Maths

At Castlemorton C.E. Primary School, we are committed to fostering a deep understanding and love for mathematics. We believe that maths is more than just numbers—it’s a way of thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving that empowers our pupils to approach challenges confidently. Guided by our school’s vision of compassion, courage, perseverance, and respect, we aim to develop resilient and resourceful mathematicians who see the relevance of maths in everyday life and the wider world.

White Rose Maths Programme

We follow the White Rose Maths programme, which provides a structured, engaging, and mastery-based approach to teaching maths. The White Rose programme encourages pupils to develop a strong foundation in number sense and mathematical concepts, with an emphasis on understanding, reasoning, and fluency. By working on topics in small, carefully planned steps, pupils build their skills and confidence over time.

White Rose Maths covers key areas such as:

• Number and place value

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

• Fractions, decimals, and percentages

• Geometry (shape, position, and direction)

• Measurement (length, mass, volume, time)

• Statistics and data handling

The programme promotes a mastery approach, where children are encouraged to explore concepts deeply and apply their learning to a variety of problems, ensuring a solid grasp of each concept before moving on.

Enhancing White Rose Maths with Additional Resources

To provide a comprehensive and enriching maths curriculum, we supplement the White Rose programme with additional resources tailored to meet the needs of our pupils. These resources include:

• Problem-Solving and Reasoning Activities: We incorporate engaging problem-solving tasks to develop critical thinking and encourage pupils to apply their skills in new and challenging ways.

• Hands-On Learning Tools: Concrete manipulatives like counters, cubes and visual aids support conceptual understanding, helping pupils move from concrete to abstract thinking.

• Maths Games and Challenges: Fun and interactive maths activities reinforce key skills, promoting fluency and enjoyment in learning.

• Real-Life Maths Applications: We integrate real-world scenarios to help pupils see the relevance of maths, from budgeting in role-playing activities to measuring in science and design projects.

This blended approach enables us to cater to different learning styles and abilities, making maths accessible and engaging for all pupils.

Supporting All Learners

Our approach to maths is inclusive, and we ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive:

• Adapted Instruction: Lessons are tailored to support pupils at all levels, with challenges for those who are ready to extend their understanding and additional support for those who need extra guidance.

• Intervention and Support: We provide targeted intervention for pupils who may need extra help, ensuring that everyone can progress confidently through each stage of learning.

• Special Educational Needs (SEND): For pupils with SEND, we adapt our teaching strategies and materials to ensure maths is accessible and enjoyable, working closely with our SEND Coordinator to support each child’s unique needs.

Involving Parents and the Community

We believe that a partnership between school and home supports our pupils’ success in maths. We provide regular updates on what pupils are learning in maths and offer resources and guidance to parents on supporting maths at home. Through maths workshops, resources, and events, we aim to involve parents in their child’s learning journey.

Assessing Progress

Assessment is integral to our maths curriculum, helping us understand each child’s progress and identify areas where they may need additional support or challenge. We use regular formative assessments alongside summative assessments to inform teaching, celebrate achievements, and plan for each pupil’s next steps.

At Castlemorton C.E. Primary School, we aim to inspire confident, enthusiastic, and capable mathematicians who see the beauty and value of maths in both their daily lives and the wider world.

For more information about our maths curriculum, please contact the school office.

Mathematics Policy

Our Approach to Science

At Castlemorton C.E. Primary School, we believe that science is a gateway to curiosity and discovery. Our science curriculum is designed to spark wonder about the world, encouraging pupils to explore, question, and develop a lifelong interest in scientific inquiry. Aligned with our vision of compassion, respect, courage, perseverance, and justice, we aim to nurture confident, thoughtful learners who understand the impact of science on society and the environment.

Curriculum Goals

Our science curriculum aims to:

• Foster curiosity and a sense of wonder about the natural and physical world.

• Develop pupils’ skills in observation, experimentation, and evidence-based thinking.

• Build a strong foundation in scientific knowledge across biology, chemistry, and physics.

• Promote understanding of the role of science in real-life contexts, from health and technology to environmental responsibility.

• Encourage respect for the natural world and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Curriculum Overview

Our science curriculum covers a broad range of topics, based on the National Curriculum for England. The curriculum is organised into key areas:

• Biology: Pupils explore the characteristics, life cycles, and habitats of plants and animals, including humans. We emphasise respect for living things and teach pupils about the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems.

• Chemistry: Pupils learn about the properties and changes of materials, including states of matter, and the composition of the Earth’s resources. These lessons encourage them to think critically about the materials we use and the importance of conservation.

• Physics: Pupils investigate forces, sound, light, electricity, and the solar system. Through hands-on experiments and investigations, they develop an understanding of fundamental physical principles and their applications.

In addition to these core topics, our curriculum emphasises working scientifically. Pupils develop essential scientific skills, including predicting, observing, recording data, analysing results, and drawing conclusions, laying the groundwork for scientific inquiry.

Hands-On Learning and Real-World Connections

We believe that the best way to learn science is through active, hands-on exploration. Our science lessons are designed to be interactive, with practical experiments, outdoor learning opportunities, and real-world applications that help pupils connect their studies to everyday life. From exploring the life cycles of plants in our school's beautiful outdoor space to conducting chemistry experiments, pupils have the chance to learn through direct experience and observation.

We also explore the ethical and environmental aspects of science, fostering a sense of responsibility and respect for our planet. By connecting science with environmental stewardship, we aim to inspire pupils to consider how science can be used to make a positive impact.

Supporting All Learners

Our science curriculum is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all pupils:

• Adapted Learning: We provide resources and tasks suited to different abilities, ensuring that all pupils can participate in and benefit from science lessons.

• SEND Support: For pupils with special educational needs, we adapt our teaching strategies and resources to make science accessible and enjoyable. Our SEND Coordinator works closely with teachers to provide the necessary support.

• Challenging Pupils: Pupils ready for greater challenges are given opportunities to extend their thinking through complex investigations and problem-solving activities.

Assessing Progress

We use a variety of assessment methods to track pupils’ progress in science, including formative assessments, observations, and practical activities. These assessments help us identify areas for improvement, celebrate achievements, and guide future learning, ensuring that every child is supported to achieve their potential in science.

At Castlemorton C.E. Primary School, we are committed to nurturing inquisitive, knowledgeable, and responsible young scientists who understand the importance of science in shaping a sustainable and ethical future.

For more information about our science curriculum, please contact the school office.

Science Policy