Key Stage 2 - Years 3 to 6
EnglishDuring Key Stage 2 pupils learn to change the way they speak and write to suit different situations, purposes and audiences. They read a range of texts and respond to different layers of meaning in them. They explore the use of language in literary and non-literary texts and learn how language works.
Pupils learn how to speak in a range of contexts, adapting what they say and how they say it to the purpose and the audience. Taking varied roles in groups gives them opportunities to contribute to situations with different demands. They also learn to respond appropriately to others, thinking about what has been said and the language used.
Pupils at BST read a range of materials enthusiastically and use their knowledge of words, sentences and texts to understand and respond to the meaning. They work hard to increase their ability to read challenging and lengthy texts independently. Children are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of texts, analysing and discussing them with others.
During Key Stage 2 at BST pupils develop an understanding that writing is both essential to thinking and learning, and enjoyable in its own right. They learn the main rules and conventions of written English and start to explore how the English language can be used to express meaning in different ways. They use the planning, drafting and editing process to improve their work and to sustain their fiction and non-fiction writing.
Mathematics
Our approach to numeracy at BST is to make the subject as practical as possible. A strong emphasis is placed upon learning by doing; the children spend time investigating and manipulating physical objects to support their understanding. Wherever possible practical equipment is used to extend children's learning, and this is particularly relevant at Key Stage 2 when dealing with the many varied and often complex concepts involved in spatial awareness and measurement.
Investigations, problem solving and applying knowledge to real life situations are all key elements of our maths curriculum. However they are supported by a firm grounding in the basic rules of number, mathematical language and essential concepts, such as fractions, percentages and decimals.
Our curriculum is based around the Primary Numeracy Framework and is enriched by the use of further challenging resources and educational websites.
Science
At Key Stage 2 pupils learn about a wider range of living things, materials and phenomena. They begin to make links between ideas and to explain things using simple models and theories. They apply their knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas to familiar phenomena and everyday things. They carry out more systematic investigations, working on their own and with others. They use a range of reference sources in their work. They talk about their work and its significance, and communicate ideas using a wide range of scientific language, conventional diagrams, charts and graphs.
Information Communication Technology
Our children are taught key skills and how to use key applications. These range from word processing and drawing packages to creating animations and editing audio files.
Every classroom has an interactive whiteboard which the children regularly use to enhance and consolidate their learning and ICT Skills
History
During Key Stage 2 pupils learn about significant people, events and places from both the recent and more distant past. They learn about change and continuity in the local area, in Britain and in other parts of the world. They look at history in a variety of ways, for example from political, economic, technological and scientific, social, religious, cultural or aesthetic perspectives.
They use different sources of information to help them investigate the past both in depth and in overview, using dates and historical vocabulary to describe events, people and developments. They also learn that the past can be represented and interpreted in different ways. Our Key Stage 2 History topics are Romans, Ancient Egypt, Victorians, Ancient Greece, World War II as well as local history studies.
Geography
During Key Stage 2 pupils investigate a variety of people, places and environments at different scales in the United Kingdom, Japan and around the world and start to make links between different places. They find out how people affect the environment and how they are affected by it.
They carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. In doing this they ask geographical questions, and use geographical skills and resources such as maps, atlases, aerial photographs and ICT.
Japanese and French
Our emphasis is on speaking, listening and developing vocabulary, to enable children to communicate effectively. Some of the topics covered include hobbies, food, likes and dislikes, numbers, animals, directions and clothing.
Children are introduced to grammatical concepts from Year 3 upwards and are encouraged to use these in written and oral situations. Classes are set by ability so that all levels of language proficiency are supported and challenged.
Religious Education
Throughout Key Stage 2, pupils learn about the major world religions, recognising the impact of religion and belief locally, nationally and globally. They make connections between differing aspects of religion and consider the different forms of religious expression. They consider the beliefs, teachings, practices and ways of life central to religion. They learn about sacred texts and other sources and consider their meanings.
Children are encouraged to recognise diversity in religion, learning about similarities and differences both within and between religions and beliefs and the importance of dialogue between them. They extend the range and use of specialist vocabulary. They recognise the challenges involved in distinguishing between ideas of right and wrong, and valuing what is good and true. Children communicate their ideas, recognising other people's viewpoints; they consider their own beliefs and values and those of others in the light of their learning in religious education.
Personal, Social and Health Education
Pupils learn about themselves as growing and changing individuals with their own experiences and ideas, and as members of their communities. They learn about the wider world and the interdependence of communities within it. They develop their sense of social justice and moral responsibility and begin to understand that their own choices and behaviour can affect local, national or global issues and political and social institutions. They learn how to take part more fully in school and community activities.
They learn how to make more confident and informed choices about their health and environment and to take more responsibility, individually and as a group, for their own learning.
Art
We encourage pupils to develop their creativity and imagination; they build on their skills and improve their control of materials, tools and techniques. They increase their critical awareness of the roles and purposes of art, craft and design in different times and cultures. They become more confident in using visual and tactile elements and materials and processes to communicate using a range of materials and processes, including ICT, for example,painting, collage, print making, digital media, textiles, sculpture.
Design and Technology
During Key Stage 2 pupils work on their own and as part of a team on a range of designing and making activities. They
think about what products are used for and the needs of the people who use them. They plan what has to be done and identify what works well and what could be improved in their own and other people’s designs. They draw on knowledge and understanding from other areas of the curriculum and use computers in a range of ways.
PE
At BST we offer a wide range of sporting opportunities which include dance, gymnastics, swimming, athletic, outdoor and adventurous activities . Lesson time is devoted to skills teaching, and provides a grounding in the rules of competitive sport. A strong emphasis is also placed upon personal fitness and healthy living.
