Learning and Teaching
Trafalgar Infant School offers a rich, varied and exciting curriculum covering academic, creative, personal, social and health education. A balance of adult led and child initiated activities is at the core of our approach to learning and teaching.
Here we provide information on how we teach basic skills. We provide information about our reading scheme, our approach to phonics and our approach to maths. We have also provided information about our curriculum.
Our Reading Scheme
These are some of the published graded reading schemes used in school. They can be found within each of the book bands.
EYFS
KS1
How We Teach Phonics
We use Jolly Phonics. Jolly Phonics is a fun and child-centred approach to teaching literacy through synthetic phonics. With actions for each of the 42 letter sounds, together with songs and videos the multi-sensory method is very motivating for children.
Our Approach to Maths
Lessons are carefully planned to follow the National Curriculum objectives. Progress of children’s developing sense of number and calculation strategies is monitored using maths target walls. This ensures that pupils and teachers are aware of the next steps to secure mathematical proficiency. A problem solving approach enables children to recall and apply their developing maths skills.
Assessment
Our assessment principles support effective teaching and learning.
Lessons are never dull, but a lively mix of teacher-led, group and individual work aided by a range of interesting resources
Ofsted’s Outstanding judgement 2011
Our Curriculum
Alongside the teaching of the basic skills, each year group covers 6 topics throughout the year so they can use and apply all their reading, writing and maths skills.
We have provided more detail about each of the topics below.
Pupils are full of curiosity and common sense - a credit to the school’s successful focus on developing inquiring minds and well-rounded individuals.
Ofsted’s Outstanding judgement 2011