~ The National Curriculum ~ The Other Subjects ~

NON-CORE FOUNDATION SUBJECTS

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Children are very inventive and really enjoy designing and building things. Design and Technology is a subject that not only helps them think more creatively, but also helps develop them as individuals as well as part of a team. Building on their early experiences of investigating things around them, young children find out about how things work and talk about their ideas. As they get older, they look at the work of designers and examine how products are made. At the end of Key Stage 4, much of their work is linked to the community and industry. 


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ICT
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ICT stands for "Information and Computer Technology." Whether booking a holiday or sending an e-mail, we are constantly using information technology, computers and the Internet. In a rapidly changing world, it is important that our children have access to this technology and are able to use it confidently. 

Whilst at school, children have the opportunity to learn how to use information technology to help them with tasks such as word processing, finding out information, developing research skills and communicating with others via the Internet. 

Your child will also be using computers in lots of different subjects for various purposes, such as writing reports, gathering information and using databases. The skills and knowledge your child picks up in the early years provide an excellent basis for later investigations. 

Schools linked to the Internet should have a system to protect children by filtering out any unsuitable material. 

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HISTORY

History is being made all the time. Events such as man's first steps on the moon or the fall of the Berlin Wall have affected everybody. Studying the past shows children how it affects both the present and the future. 

Children study the lives of important men and women in Britain and abroad as well as certain periods, such as the Roman, Victorian and Britain since the 1930s. They may also look at a medieval period or examine significant twentieth-century figures.

Historical skills 
The study of History is not just about learning historical facts. It involves a lot of investigation and enquiry. Your child will encounter a variety of information sources and may use information technology for research and presentation. 

History is compulsory in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3. 

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GEOGRAPHY

In studying Geography, children look at local areas, comparing and contrasting them with places abroad. They will study different countries and investigate the environment and the problems it faces. 

Geography is compulsory in Key Stages 1, 2 and 3. 


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ART


This stimulates children's imaginations, extends their experiences and helps them understand the world more completely. It is very much a hands-on subject, but it also includes art appreciation - looking at works by different artists, designers and craftspeople. Children work on this subject from Key Stages 1 to 3.



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MUSIC

Music is a form of communication that can be enjoyed by most children. It helps them feel, express and reflect. It also develops listening and social skills. Music is an excellent way of making links between home and school. It is covered from Key Stages 1 to 3.

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MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

While it isnt a legal requirement to teach a foreign language to children below the age of 11, guidelines are provided for primary schools that wish to. Some schools hold French lessons outside the main hours. If your child is interested, ask the school for details.

From 2001, at least one foreign language will have to be studied at Key Stage 3, and from 2002, at Key Stage 4. As they move to Key Stage 4, they become more familiar with the language by reading and listening to materials from the countries where the language is spoken. 

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PE

In Physical Education (PE), children take part in dance, gymnastics, games, athletics, swimming and outdoor pursuits, although its benefits are not just physical. It is excellent for developing confidence and social skills. It helps build a positive attitude and teaches children how to work in a team. It is compulsory from Key Stages 1 to 3, and it will become compulsory in Key Stage 4 from 2001. 


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OTHER SUBJECTS

RE

Under the Education Act of 1996, schools have to provide Religious Education (RE) for all their pupils. Parents can, if they wish, withdraw their children from these lessons or events. In state schools, except for voluntary-aided schools and those with religious links, children follow a course approved by the local education authority. Whilst most of the work is on Christianity, it is a requirement that schools take into account other religions and the agreed programme should reflect this. The aim is for your child to gain a broad understanding of religions, languages and cultures. 


Your child's RE studies reflect the diversity of faith found in the community. Children study Christianity along with other faiths. Many schools now celebrate festivals such as Diwali and Id ul-Fitr, as well as Christmas and Easter.

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SEX ED

Sex Education in primary schools is not compulsory, but schools must be able to provide a written statement that says whether it is to be part of the curriculum. If it is in the curriculum, you may take your child out of the lessons if you wish. Secondary schools must provide Sex Education. Again, you can withdraw them from these lessons. 

Schools use a number of different approaches to the subject - for example, they often involve a local nurse or doctor in the lessons. Sex Education can be a sensitive issue, and schools do take into account the social and religious backgrounds of their pupils. Secondary schools are obliged to include teaching about AIDS, HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases. This teaching must include moral considerations and respect for the value of family life.

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PSHE AND CITEZENSHIP


PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) is not legally compulsory, but schools are given certain guidelines to follow. The idea is for children to learn about being individuals and members of a community. They will learn how to behave appropriately in particular situations and develop confidence in making decisions.

Your child will learn about: 
• keeping safe 
• resisting bullying 
• right and wrong 
• the needs of others 
• health issues 
• the environment 
• changing body shapes 
• relationships 

Citizenship is combined with PSHE at Key Stages 1 and 2, and is a subject in its own right at Key Stages 3 and 4. It deals with many subjects including: 
• fairness 
• social justice 
• respect for democracy 
• global issues 
• the justice system 
• government and the voting system 

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CAREERS


Secondary schools must provide information about post-16 training, employment and self-development to pupils in Years 9 to 11. Schools are also encouraged to provide career information before Year 9 wherever possible.

E-mail: christine@usbornebooks.freeserve.co.uk