Design Technology is concerned with generating ideas, making and doing. Through design and technology children are encouraged to acquire skills, investigate a need, respond to an opportunity and produce an end product, modifying and evaluating their work as appropriate.
A wide variety of topics are covered to broaden historical knowledge and awareness. Whenever possible, the children will be involved in active research and investigation and be given the opportunity to participate in extra- curricular activities appropriate to the history curriculum for their year group.
In Geography, a wide variety of topics are covered to develop knowledge, skills and understanding relating to people, places and environments in the UK and overseas, and an appreciation of how places relate to each other and the wider world. The children are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility for their environment and are actively involved in research and investigations through the year.
We believe Personal Social and Health Education & Citizenship (PSHE&C) helps to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed active responsible citizens. This belief is inherent in our school aims. PSHE & C is taught through the "I am, I know, I can" scheme of work and is enhanced by much of the learning that takes place in other curriculum areas. PSHE & C is the responsibility of all the adults in the school community and should be shared with the family and the wider community. The children participate in many activities appropriate to the PSHE & C curriculum.
Lessons are of a practical nature, with everyone encouraged to develop performing skills through singing and playing. The children learn how to improvise and compose. They experience music from a variety of cultures. Individual Class teachers deliver the music curriculum within each class. There are opportunities for children to further their musical interests and skills in recorder groups, the school choir and individual singing lessons.
Seven peripatetic music teachers visit the school on a weekly basis. They offer specialist tuition in Brass, Piano, Violin, Guitar, Woodwind and Cello.
Through the local authority Music Service children all in Year 3 receive weekly tin whistle lessons and Years 4, 5 and 6 are offered specialist tuition for individual singing lessons and choir practice. This includes participation in public performances during the year.
Children have a natural curiosity and creativity. We aim to stimulate these qualities by providing opportunities to handle a wide variety of materials so they can develop an awareness of colour, style, design and practical skills. Children have the opportunity to extend their practical, critical and perceptual skills in art. This can be through drawing, painting, collage, clay, printmaking, textiles or construction. They also learn to appreciate and understand the work of other artists. Displays of children’s work are to be seen throughout the school.
Physical Education (P.E.) is delivered by specialist staff and encompasses a wide variety of activities, which include gymnastics, games and dance at Key Stage 1. At Key Stage 2 children also have access to swimming, athletics, and outdoor and adventurous activities, in addition to gymnastics, games and dance. We aim to provide all pupils with a variety of activities and experiences that will hopefully encourage an interest in sport and physical education. P.E. lessons are supplemented by extra curricular clubs and activities throughout the year. In P.E. we aim to teach the skills, knowledge and understanding involved in a range of activities working individually, in groups or in teams as appropriate.
A wide range of sports is offered at Sacred Heart, including football, rugby, netball, rounders, cricket, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, dance and short tennis.
We have a large playing field, which is used for games lessons. School team training takes place at lunchtime or after school, the field is also used at the weekend by local teams.
After- school and extra-curricular activities are also offered across the school and cover a wide range of activities including drama, netball, ICT club for girls, maths and science clubs.
As part of their PE curriculum, Year 4 pupils have the opportunity to receive weekly swimming lessons at Putteridge Swimming Pool. To cover transport and tuition costs a voluntary contribution is asked for this activity.
Jewellery must not be worn during PE lessons and long hair needs to be tied back. Further clothing matters and Health and Safety issues are detailed in the PE and Safety policy.
