Curriculum
As a school, we endeavour to meet the needs of our children by offering a curriculum that will enable them to not only excel at learning but to prepare them for real life. At Castle Hill, we embrace our surroundings and utilise our local landscape, rain or shine, providing walks along the canal and a KS2 Hike to the Pike. Our youngest children have been foraging in the local area and cooked up what they have found on our fire pit. All of these activities are meticulously planned into our long-term grid and are mapped out across the year.
Caste-Hill-Curriculum-Gallery (ID 1030)
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Mathematics
Mathematics
The new mathematics curriculum has been implemented throughout the school. This is supplemented by the White Rose Maths scheme. We aim to encourage a positive attitude, leading to the enjoyment and the development, not only of number skills but also an understanding of measurement, logic, patterns, shape and size and data handling. Skills and understanding are developed through discussion, practical activities, problem-solving and investigations. Games are used to practice skills and develop strategies.
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English
English
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Reading
Reading
Reading and a love of books is at the heart of our school curriculum; it provides our children with an essential life skill that they need to unlock learning and succeed in the future. We provide reading experiences with exciting and inspiring learning opportunities that promote the importance of this lifelong skill from beginner to a fluent reader!
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Phonics
Phonics
To support your child with reading:
- Hear your child read every day.
- Little and often is more beneficial than a long session once a week.
- Think about how long you are reading - the amount of reading time should not go
beyond your child's span of attention. - Pick your timing carefully – it’s best not to embark on a reading session when your child
is tired.
Enjoy reading with your child and help them become lifelong readers.
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Science
Science
Science is taught through a practical approach. Our children are given the opportunities to develop the scientific skills of observing, predicting, questioning, measuring, testing, hypothesizing and drawing conclusions. Children may be studying a topic entitled “Homes” and that may include a study of materials and/or electricity. In July 2019 we were awarded the Science Quality mark for our commitment to Science and we teach science through discrete lessons.
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Computing
Computing
We have developed a whole school network to enable the effective delivery of Computing within our school. We have 36 wireless laptops that can be used elsewhere within the school, and 78 Chrome Books. All classes have an Interactive Whiteboard to support the children’s learning. We believe that E-Safety is key for children growing up in today’s modern society. In July 2018, we were awarded the E-safety mark for the second time and we are the only primary school in Calderdale to achieve this.
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Art, Design & Technology
Art, Design & Technology
Technology is taught throughout the school. Children are encouraged to identify a need and then to design, make, test and evaluate the final product. Technology involves working with many different materials and tools in a safe environment.
Our kitchen in our straw bale building enables a whole class to cook!
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Music
Music
We endeavour to give children a wide variety of musical experiences. They take part in music-making both in singing and using instruments. An annual show called "Castle Hill's Got Talent" is held at the local theatre. The number of children learning to play an individual instrument has increased in school. Information will be sent to you as parents informing you how to enrol your children. All children have equal access to instrumental music tuition.
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Physical Education
Physical Education
The aim of our PE curriculum is to ensure that all children experience a range of broad and balanced activities which challenge, develop and promotes bodily health, strength and skills. We also feel that teamwork can be developed, in addition to a sense of fair play. School teams in football, netball, rounders and athletics have performed well over the years. Boys and girls have equal access to all teams. When the chance occurs we have coaches in for rugby, cricket, football and tennis. The school is part of the Todmorden Schools P.E. Partnership which provides opportunities for the schools to compete against each other in a variety of sporting event.
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Religious Studies
Religious Studies
Human beings have two polar instincts: a hard-wired fear of difference, perceiving the ‘other’ as a threat, fuelling resentment, hatred and division; and its antithesis, a profound emotional capacity for empathy, sensing the hurts, hopes and joys of other individuals and communities. In this paradox lies hope. If RE can support the nurture of empathy, it will also help young people to celebrate common humanity, rather than being lured into a cul-de-sac of hatred, anger and division. Well-prepared and challenging RE will help to inspire young people to learn from others and discover the value of empathy. This syllabus will provide a framework to explore the rich heritage of faiths and beliefs but also the opportunity to develop critical and reflective skills that will support each student in discovering their journey of purpose and meaning.
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French
French
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PSCHE
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Humanities
Humanities
- Curriculum Statement 2022
- PSHE Whole School Curriculum
- RE Believing and Belonging
- Reception Summer 2024 Newsletter
- Whole school Curriculum Long Term Plan
- Whole school subject Long Term Plan
- Year 4 Topic Web Summer 2024