Curriculum

Following our very successful "Take One Picture" project with the National Gallery, London, in 2000/2001,  we decided to name our four classes after famous artists. 

Lowry and O'Keeffe Classes

                                    Lowry Class                                                                    O'Keeffe Class              

An attractive, colourful and stimulating environment is provided for pupils in the Lower School classes of Lowry (Foundation) and O'Keeffe (Year 1). 

In order to ease the transition from home to the Foundation class, pupils are invited to at least three school sessions prior to starting school in September.  During the first term, pupils attend for mornings only.  Home visits are made and these help to develop a positive link between home and school.  Parents'  Workshops, led by the Foundation Stage teacher and Literacy Co-ordinator, enable parents to learn how best to support their children in their learning.  After Christmas, Foundation pupils attend full-time.

In the Year 1 class, pupils are taught Literacy, Numeracy, Music, ICT and PE in the mornings.  Both classes are smaller than average, with under 25 pupils, and a high level of staffing is provided.  This enables intensive programmes of work for Literacy and Numeracy to be implemented.  Both able and gifted pupils as well as those with delayed learning are catered for.

In the Spring and Summer terms, both classes combine on four afternoons a week for Science, RE, Art & Design, Geography, History and Role-play.  Differentiated learning experiences are planned to meet the age and ability range of all pupils.

Our aims are to inculcate a love of learning, for pupils to acquire enthusiasm and confidence and to  learn to care  for others.  These attributes will be built upon throughout their schooling.  All the staff work closely together to make the very best provision for the children so as to ensure a productive and happy time at Cranborne CE VA First School.

Van Gogh Class

Pupils from Year 2 and Year 3 are housed in Van Gogh class.  The tables are arranged in a horseshoe to enable all pupils to focus fully on the class teacher which is particularly important during Literacy and Numeracy lessons.  The large class library is divided into three sections: individual reading books colour coded into National Curriculum levels, picture fiction books and non-fiction books.

Teaching groups for English, Science and Humanities are organised to take into account the two-year groups in the class.  Pupils cover the appropriate curriculum for their year group.  Staffing levels are high, consisting of the Deputy Headteacher, two Teaching Assistants and the Headteacher who assists in the teaching of Maths and Science.  Work is exciting with much topical interest arising from the stimulating displays around the classroom.

Monet Class

In Monet class there are Year 3 and 4 children who are entering the first phase of Key Stage 2.  As the oldest children in the school they set an example to others by their good behaviour and standards of work.  They are responsible for ringing the bell each breaktime and the Light Monitors Scheme.  Many of the pupils from this class are involved in the extra curricula activities provided, for example, recorder, brass and violin tuition, Year 4 Choir, French Club and Football Club. 

At the end of the year the children take an active part in the Leavers' Service and organise their Leavers' Party as we bid them farewell.  They learn to be more independent, confident and are well prepared to face the challenges of Year 5 at their new Middle School.