The curriculum comprises all the opportunities for learning provided by the school. It includes the formal programme of lessons in the timetable, any extra-curricula activities promoted and supported by the school, and the climate of relationships, styles of behaviour and general quality of life established in the school community as a whole.
The National Curriculum is organised on the basis of five key stages, the first three stages covering the primary years.Key Stage 1:
Key Stage 2:
Years 1 and 2
Years 3, 4, 5 and 6
In particular the curriculum includes Religious Education, the core subjects of English, Maths, Science along with the foundation subjects of Information and Communication Technology, History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education and Design Technology. In addition, PSHE is taught including aspects of health education, social education, road safety and home safety.
For each subject and for each key stage, programmes of study set out what pupils should be taught and attainment targets set out the expected standard of pupil performance.
Religious Education
The Cathedral is a Roman Catholic school and children are instructed in the doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church. Religious Education is at the heart of our curriculum and is seen as a tripartite effort, you as parents, we the teachers and the Church.
Formal Religious Education takes place in the form of 'Here I Am', the national RE scheme adopted by the diocese. This scheme complements the catechesis which takes place in the home and in the parish. In addition, regular assemblies, worship and music contribute to our children's religious awareness. As a Roman Catholic school we acknowledge that RE has a unique status as part of the basic curriculum and as such is allocated 10% of curriculum time.
The school welcomes visits from the clergy of the parish. The children are prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion whilst in Year 4 through a parish based Eucharistic programme.
Under the regulations of the 1994 Education Act, parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Collective Worship. The school, however, is not able to provide supervision for pupils withdrawn at these times and parents will be expected to arrange supervision.
English
English is recognised as being the key to the curriculum as a whole. The school follows the framework of the National Literacy Strategy. Reading is developed by exposing children to a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts, through shared reading which is done with the whole class and guided reading where the children work in ability groups on developing specific reading skills. Writing is usually linked to the texts studied and is developed through the teacher modelling a piece of written work in shared writing sessions and through guided writing when children take it in turns to work in small ability groups with the teacher. Spellings, phonics, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation are approached in the Word and Sentence Level part of the Literacy Hour and developed through guided and independent work.
Maths
Maths is used to analyse and communicate information and ideas and to tackle a range of practical tasks and real life problems. The school follows the framework of the National Numeracy Strategy. Emphasis is placed on a daily 5 or 10 minute session to develop strategies for solving problems using mental mathematics. Children initially record their work using informal methods and formal written methods are only taught when the children are confident in using mental strategies and informal written methods. A plenary session at the end of the lesson is used to consolidate and assess the learning outcomes.
Science
In Science lessons children explore three main scientific areas:
- Life Processes and Living Things covering aspects of animals, plants and the local environment
- Materials including grouping, classifying, changing and separating different materials
- Physical processes including electricity, forces, light, sound and the Earth and beyond.
Science is essentially a practical subject and emphasis is placed on practical investigative problem solving.
Children are encouraged to ask questions, suggest hypotheses, and devise and carry out tests to investigate ideas.
Information and Communication Technology
Information and Communication Technology is seen to have an essential role to play in children's ability to acquire and communicate knowledge and ideas in a modern world. Children will be given the opportunity to develop skills in word processing, data handling, graphics, logo and problem solving. They will have access to E-mail and the use of the Intranet and Internet to aid independent study. The focus will be on developing the use of ICT across the curriculum.
History
Through the study of History we hope to encourage children to gain a sense of their own identity through an understanding of the past in relation to themselves, their families, their community and the wider world. History work is organised into topics at all key stages based upon the study units for National Curriculum History. History is integrated with other curricula areas wherever possible.
Geography
Through the study of Geography, we hope to enable the children to appreciate the variety of human and physical conditions on the Earth. The children are encouraged to have an enquiry approach to this subject and we recognise that first hand experience and field work is an essential part of Geography education. Geography is integrated with other curricula areas wherever possible.
Art
Art is seen to have a central role to play in communicating ideas. Children are encouraged to study the work of different cultures and artists and to apply techniques to their own work.
Within this subject, children are encouraged to develop the skills of drawing, painting, collage, printing, modelling, 3D work and critical studies.
Music
Music is a practical experience of sound and silence and children are given the opportunity to sing and listen to music of different cultures and composers. They develop skills in the main elements of music, which are duration, pitch, timbre, texture, pace, dynamics and structure. A peripatetic music teacher comes into school on a weekly basis to offer tuition in guitar and violin.
The sporting aims of the school are:
- to develop physical skills, habits and interests that will promote a healthy life-style,
- to develop in children a spirit of team-work and co-operation,
- to develop a spirit of healthy competition, perseverance and fair play,
- to develop the ability to accept victory modestly and to lose gracefully as the case demands.
These will be achieved through a variety of activities including gymnastics, games, dance, swimming, athletics and outdoor activities
During their time at Cathedral School, children will have the opportunity to go swimming at the Lancaster University Swimming Pool.
Parents are reminded that Physical Education is seen as an important part of the school's curriculum. As part of the National Curriculum it is a compulsory part of the school's timetable. Parents should inform the school in writing if their child is unable to take part in any aspect of PE including games or swimming. If absence is expected to last more than two weeks a medical note from a doctor will be required.
Design Technology
Design Technology gives children the opportunity to design, plan, make and evaluate a product. Children are encouraged to generate their own designs, use appropriate tools and techniques, identify strengths and weaknesses in their product and suggest ways in which it could be improved.
The information in this website relates to the 2009/2010 school year and was correct in relation to that year on 02/07/09. It should not be assumed, however, that there will be no change affecting the relevant arrangements in some particular matters either before the start of, or during the school year in question, or in relation to subsequent school years.