HAWTHORNS FIRST SCHOOL

There are two hard play areas, a smaller hard play area is being developed for the younger children in the school for outside play. There is a large school field that is used for physical education, other curriculum uses and for play in the summer months.

Hawthorns makes a positive impact on children’s lives.

Core Values:

Every member of the school will be recognised and valued as an individual.

We will provide quality education and excellence in teaching and learning.

We will communicate effectively with all those involved with the school.

School improvement and development are the core of our philosophy.

The school endeavours to provide a curriculum that is relevant and meets the needs of individual pupils. It meets both the requirements of the National Curriculum and seeks to develop the children academically, socially, physically, morally and spiritually.

To fulfil this children are taught through a variety of approaches including class teaching, group and individual teaching. This will vary as the approach will be determined by the learning experiences being undertaken.

The different subjects within the curriculum are taught as discreet subjects. Literacy skills are taught specifically through the Literacy Hour Framework but children have opportunities to use and practise these skills in other curriculum areas. Mathematics is taught daily during the Numeracy Session.

The curriculum is carefully planned by staff following an overall long term plan. This plan ensures that children receive the necessary coverage of the subject areas and necessary progression, pace and continuity.

Assessment of children's achievements is an integral part of their learning from the time that they enter school.

The teachers use assessment to monitor children's progress and to inform them when planning for the next steps in learning.