Temple Guiting School works within the framework of the National Curriculum. Most subjects are taught through a topic based approach, with the whole school adopting a broad topic which lasts for a term. Care is taken to ensure that there is breadth and balance to the curriculum over a period of time. The school has a two year rolling programme (see below). Due to class arrangements topics are reviewed annually to ensure all children study a range of science, geography, history, language or art led topics.
English and Maths
In Reception and Years 1 and 2, the children are given a firm grounding in phonics through the " Read, Write Inc" sessions delivered daily. The spine of the reading scheme for the younger children is the Read, Write Inc scheme which we augment with a number of other books and schemes that are in line with the learnt phonics. We believe it is essential for all children to feel confident with their own ability and to leave our school not only with a secure understanding of the concepts and ideas associated with maths and English but a love of literature and mathematical ideas.
In Maths we broadly follow the White Rose Scheme which allows us to use a broad range of materials and resources, alongside other schemes when appropriate to help us plan the learning opportunities that we provide. We follow the principle of using concrete, pictorial and abstract opportunities of maths to enhance learning.
Science
Science teaching at Temple Guiting C. of E. Primary School aims to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future. At Temple Guiting, scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic the children study and these topics are revisited and developed throughout their time at school. Topics, such as Plants, are taught in Key Stage One and studied again in further detail throughout Key Stage Two. This model allows children to build upon their prior knowledge and increases their enthusiasm for the topics whilst embedding this procedural knowledge into the long-term memory. All children are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations, as well as being encouraged to question the world around them and become independent learners in exploring possible answers for their scientific based questions. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built up, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged. Concepts taught should be reinforced by focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions.
Computing
Our laptops and fourteen iPads can be used throughout the school thanks to our wi-fi network which gives access to our server and, through very effective filtering, the internet. We actively encourage children to use the technology available in all curriculum areas and to see it as a tool, in much the same way as they view paper and pencil. All children have access to digital cameras and teachers can set up digital microscopes. Older children are also expected to use IT during activities such as our daily act of worship, by using a data projector to show the words of our hymns. We use the Knowesley scheme of work to aid planning for computing.
Religious Education
Even though Temple Guiting School is firmly rooted in Christian traditions, the school welcomes, and is sensitive to, children from all cultural and religious backgrounds and those who have no religious belief.
The school follows the Gloucestershire Agreed Syllabus that aims to engage pupils with key questions arising from the study of religion so as to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Major faiths are studied alongside each other and children are encouraged to explore and value their own beliefs whilst learning to listen and engage with the beliefs of others.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from both RE and assembly if their conscience should so dictate.
Music
Music is taught by the class teachers and we also have a wide range of extra-curricular music provision including keyboard, violin, guitar, recorders and singing. The whole school comes together for hymn practice on Tuesday. Music is always an important feature of our summer productions and the Nativity.
Tuition for various instruments in individual/group lessons is provided and charged-for instructors with group sizes up to four.
Modern Foreign Language
We currently study Spanish in all year groups.
Sex and Relationships Education
Questions such as: ‘Where do I come from?’, ‘How are boys and girls different?’, ‘What is happening to me?’ are often asked in school and are sensitively handled either with the individual child asking the question or discussed in groups. When necessary the correct names for the parts of the body are used. Certain aspects of changes to the body and life processes are covered as part of the science curriculum, but our Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) syllabus also covers changes to our bodies.
The school regularly reviews its Sex and Relationship Policy in line with its commitment to provide relevant and appropriate PSHE.
Games and PE
A variety of sports is encouraged in school. Younger children learn ball skills such as catching, throwing, hitting and kicking as part of their Early Years curriculum, while older children move on to learn and play the traditional games of netball, hockey, football, rugby and cricket. Children also participate in cross-country, athletics, dance and gymnastics.
Other Subjects
Other subjects taught at the school include history, geography, art, design and technology and drama.
Additional Information
If you would like to know more about the curriculum, please contact the headteacher or any of the class teachers.