TEACHING AND LEARNING
The staff of
THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE
Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage outlines the Stepping Stones and Early Learning Goals for Nursery and Reception age children. Our aims and objectives are the same as the rest of the school, however our curriculum work is primarily based on practical tasks, first hand experiences and structured play.
KEY STAGE 1 & KEY STAGE 2
Frithwood follows the National Curriculum for Years 1-6.
English
We believe that the language development of our pupils is fundamental to their success in all aspects of school life. We follow the 'Read, Write, Inc.' programme which teaches reading and writing with a phonics focus. The children also develop their literacy skills through topic based work throughout the year and they take part in 'Big Write' sessions where they are given the opportunity for independent extended writing. This is very successful in developing creativity and improving grammar skills.
Mathematics
Every day at least one hour (50 minutes in KS1) is dedicated to the teaching of numeracy skills.
During the teaching of the Numeracy Framework, learning is focused on clear objectives. There is a clear progression through the key stages of mental strategies to written calculations.
There is a balance of practical and written activities to develop and consolidate areas of learning, and, where possible, lessons are linked to cross-curricular topics.
Science
From a young age children have a natural curiosity about the world around them. The development of a scientific, investigative approach supports their learning; whenever possible the work is of a practical nature.
We encourage the children to record their scientific ideas/findings in a variety of ways and integrate the use of I.C.T. when and where appropriate to process information.
Information and Communication Technology
The school is equipped with an ICT suite dedicated to the whole class teaching of ICT skills from Reception to Year 6. Each class also has two networked PCs and an interactive whiteboard so that ICT can be fully integrated into the curriculum and personal skills can be practised and enhanced. The children have opportunities to use a full range of media including I-pads, digital cameras, microphones and controllable toys, as well as a wide selection of software packages to equip them for their future in the digital world.
Collective Worship
Our daily assemblies are occasions when we meet together as a community for a period of sharing reflections and thoughts. They are also a time when we celebrate each other’s achievements.
Religious Education
We follow the Local Education Authority religious syllabus, which must 
have a predominantly Christian theme. We acknowledge however the diversity of faiths that are represented in our school population. We celebrate all the major religions of Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
We have developed strong links with a number of religious leaders in the community and regularly invite them to be guest speakers at our assemblies.
In accordance with the 1944 Education Act any child can at parental request be withdrawn from religious worship/education in school.
Humanities
The History curriculum aims to bring history to life and give children a better understanding of times gone by.
The Geography curriculum develops skills through 
studying concepts such as physical and economic geography, and looking at their own locality as well as settlements in other parts of the world.
History and Geography are taught through topic work, which is linked to the national curriculum to ensure continuity and progression of skills. There is a balance of history and geography over the year.
Music
provide a sense of enjoyment and a positive attitude towards music. Children develop skills in singing and playing a variety of instruments. They compose music and perform to others.
From Year 3 children have the opportunity to be selected to play a musical instrument with an LEA peripatetic music teacher. Children, who play musical instruments, play in the school orchestra. There is a range of extra curricular musical activities in school, including a school choir.
Art and Design
We aim to give the children a wide variety of experiences in art. We use a wide range of art 
materials for drawing, painting, printing, collage and three-dimensional works. Our scheme of work includes many aspects of art history and children study artists’ work from a variety of cultures.
Design and Technology
We aim to offer opportunities to be creative, to think in new ways and to bring their original ideas in to reality through design and making in our DT curriculum. Children learn skills of construction, textiles, food preparation and graphics, and are taught to plan, design and evaluate their work and the work of others.
Physical Education
During their time at Frithwood every child will have the opportunity to experience games, athletics, dance, gymnastics, outdoor and adventurous activities and swimming. We have regular sessions led by local golf and cricket coaches. There is a variety of after school sports clubs and the school participates in the borough football, netball, athletics, cricket, rounders and swimming events.