Brecknock Primary School

We believe that good learners show a curiosity about the world and the ability to grasp ideas, link them together and think critically about them. Most importantly, they enjoy their learning and are motivated by a variety of subjects. In order to develop these characteristics, children need to be confident in the core skills of English and Maths and these subjects are at the centre of our curriculum. In the wider curriculum, pupils develop knowledge and skills in subjects such as the humanities and arts in the context of topics that are meaningful and interesting to them. Pupils explore subjects, learn and link facts and have opportunities to be creative in their response to their learning. We have currciulum leads for Maths (Henry Commander), Literacy (Matt Williams) and for our topic based International Primary Curriculum or IPC (Kate Tench) who are available to give you any extra information you may want on what each year group is studying.

We teach English and Maths lessons every day. Our purpose is to ensure that pupils develop the core knowledge and skills that are the foundations for learning at secondary school and beyond. Pupils read and write every day, in English lessons and as part of their learning across the curriculum.

In English lessons, children immerse themselves in texts so that they can understand and enjoy the themes contained within them. Children learn grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary to support good quality writing. We also rehearse language out loud on a regular basis in order to strengthen not only written but also oral language. Pupils learn to write in a range of forms, such as reports and persuasive letters as well as stories and poems. We make writing a meaningful activity, so that pupils are motivated to write. For example, when learning how to write a diary, Year 5 children create ‘space logs’ as part of their topic on the planets and space exploration.

Brecknock is a reading school.

Adults and children share a love of reading which sits at the heart of all Literacy teaching and learning. From our sparkling library, to the effort and commitment that goes into day-to-day teaching of reading from Nursery to Year 6, children can’t help but develop a love for reading.

Guided Reading begins as early as Reception or Nursery – as soon as a child is ready to read – and continues right through the school to Year 6. By carefully planning a set of well chosen questions, teachers are able to probe and develop children’s understanding of any fiction or non-fiction text.

Beginning from the the early years, teachers link activities in the outside area to books, to help children immerse themselves into a story. Inside, they write letters, make lists, dress up, role-play and rehearse key language from the stories they are reading. As children move through the school, they still get the same level of immersion, but in different ways. For example, learning environments and rich book corners still allow children to engage texts, but there is an emphasis on making inferences at deeper levels, and to articulate ones feelings about a word, a sentence, or a whole text.

From Years 1-6, children learn about all major religions. We look at the religious practices and festivals and include children’s own experiences. We hold termly R.E. days so childrne have the opportunity to really drill down into different cultures and religions. We emphasise the right of all children to practise their religion in an atmosphere of mutual respect, in accordance with our position as a Rights Respecting School.