The school places an emphasis on the core subjects of MATHS, SCIENCE and ENGLISH. A
greater amount of time is given over to these subjects in order to develop a high level of
competence. Other subjects are taught in order to develop the children into well rounded
individuals with a desire to learn, create and experience.

MATHS

The school has a policy on maths that aims to develop continuity throughout school. The
school uses the government approved units of study which create a natural progression from
the Reception class to Year 6. The work is covered in a variety of ways,
using many different methods. These include group and class work as well as individual work,
each one involving the use of practical, investigative, oral, written and problem solving skills.
Pupils are expected to record and present their work in a variety of ways depending on the
nature of the activity. Methods used include symbolic, graphical, diagrammatic, pictorial,
written, model and verbal presentations.
In this way we intend to cover the requirements of the National Curriculum tailoring it to
the needs of individual children whilst making the subject enjoyable and meaningful to the
children’s lives.

ENGLISH

Following the National Curriculum guide-lines in English, we aim to develop skill, confidence and
competence in speaking and listening, reading, writing, spelling and handwriting to help each
child achieve their highest potential. In English, Hallam School takes into account
the individual needs of every child through continuous evaluation and assessment whilst
using a wide variety of teaching methods. We aim to achieve the highest possible
standards, through an extensive range of activities and tasks that encompass other areas of the
curriculum. Our ultimate wish is to foster a love of books and encourage a creative, fluent use of
written and oral language which will be developed wherever possible through a variety of
direct experiences.

SCIENCE

We aim to develop the children’s natural curiosity about the environment in which we live.
Opportunities are provided for the children to investigate and explore scientific ideas. Every
child follows a course that covers the programmes of study as targets defined in the
Science document of the National Curriculum.
Emphasis is placed on introducing the children to the skills involved in scientific thinking, investigation,
and the recording of results.

GEOGRAPHY

To build on the children’s pre-school environmental experience is our first aim. Following the
National Curriculum in Geography we will provide a framework to meet the children’s
growing curiosity about the World.
Throughout key stages 1 and 2 the children will study, in their topic work, environmental,
physical and human geography and will develop geographical skills.
The immediate environment around the school, and contrasting environments, will be
covered as well as a study of the wider world through a variety of media. By considering
similarities between individuals and communities first, and differences second, we aim to promote
positive images and to challenge myths, stereotypes and misconceptions.

HISTORY

We aim to develop an interest in the past and, by introducing particular study skills, help the
children to make historical sense of the world in which they live.
Every child will follow a course that covers the programmes of study as targets defined in
the History document of the National Curriculum.
Emphasis is placed on introducing children to historical concepts (including historical facts) and
acquiring historical skills, as well as providing opportunities to develop historical attitudes.
Television programmes, use of ICT and visits are an integral part of the programme.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

The computer is seen as a vehicle to extend and enhance children’s learning across the curriculum
and to support communication, creativity and cooperation.
IT work throughout school will focus on developing the 5 strands of IT capability
outlined in the National Curriculum (communicating information, handling information, modelling,
measurement and control and evaluating applications and effects). The school is committed
to providing up-to-date and relevant IT experiences for pupils. The school has a suite of 20
computers and others are available in classrooms. Each is connected to an internal network and the
Internet. Interactive white boards are installed in most classrooms. Staff have access to a range of
software and additional hardware for teaching.

MUSIC

Our aim is to provide all pupils with musical experiences and opportunities in order to
develop their own unique aptitude and ability in music. The pupils learn by working first hand with

raw materials of music in the areas of performance, composition, listening and appraisal. Our
objective is to foster both an enduring enjoyment and love of musical activity and appreciation
through the acquisition of skills, concepts and positive attitudes and ideas about, and
towards music making.
The school provides pupils with opportunities to learn various instruments and runs a range of
orchestras, recorder groups and choirs. All pupils take part in performances for parents.

ENVIRONMENTALSTUDIES/OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Much of Geography and History work is included here. A topic-based approach is used, supplemented
by visits and fieldwork. This way we aim to foster a better understanding of the environment
and to provide opportunities to learn from reality. This is not a single subject but covers all
aspects of education and has many varied aims and objectives. It includes not only the expansion
of knowledge and provision of meaningful, challenging and worthwhile experiences, but
also, above all, the development of self-confidence and self-discipline. In addition we hope
that an appreciation and enjoyment of the outdoor environment will be encouraged. The
programme includes field trips supported by extensive in-school project work.

P.E./GAMES

Initially the school’s aim is to promote the enjoyment of Physical Recreation at all levels of ability.
Pupils are involved in movement, agility work and educational gymnastics. They are also
encouraged to develop the four main ball skills, i.e. throwing, catching, hitting and kicking.
We hope to encourage co-operation and sportsmanship through team games and activities.
For those wishing to become involved in competitive sport, opportunities will arise
through inter-school competitions in football, netball, rounders, cross-country, tennis and
swimming etc.
All pupils will receive swimming lessons during Y5. The aim of these lessons is primarily
to develop water safety and competence. For indoor work pupils will require a plain
white ‘T’ shirt with dark blue or black shorts. For outdoor work they will require suitable footwear,
e.g. plimsolls or trainers in addition to the shorts and ‘T’ shirt.

ART CRAFT DESIGN &TECHNOLOGY

Art Education we develop creativity. We aim to help pupils to express their feelings and knowledge
of the world, and grow in aesthetic awareness. We aim to provide experiences at Hallam
Primary School that will challenge and stimulate imagination, visual perception together with an
appreciation of art and artists and the development of ideas and skills in image making.
Pupils are given opportunities to undertake a balanced programme of Art, Craft and Design &
Technology activities which clearly builds on previous work and takes account of earlier
achievement. Pupils will work individually, in groups, and as a class, make appropriate use of
information technology, work in two and three dimensions and on a variety of scales. Pupils are
encouraged to evaluate their own work and to appreciate the work of others. We value all the
children’s attempts and foster this placing emphasis on displaying work about school.

SEX EDUCATION

We to provide all pupils with accurate information about health matters, to help them clarify
the attitudes and values which influence health choices, and to promote the acquisition of

healthy patterns of behaviour.
At Hallam School, we aim to nurture the understanding of the factors which contribute to
the healthy working of the body, whilst delivering the requirements of Science in the National
Curriculum.

The material covered will form part of an integrated topic approach, being an essential
part of the learning process in relation to the pupil’s social and emotional life.
In the early years, the topics include themes of love, caring, family life, growth, and ageing.
When it is introduced, the biology of sex education is developed from an understanding of
reproduction being a vital part of the cycles within the natural world. Questions about related
issues are dealt with as naturally and sensitively as possible in the context in which they arise and
with due regard to religious and cultural factors.
Our teaching is matched to the maturity of the children whilst recognising their different rates of
development. We aim to prepare our pupils for the physical and emotional changes of growing up, developing
notions of both self-esteem and responsibility to others in society.
Parents are invited to view materials and discuss the programme before it is taught at Y4
and Y6. Should parents wish to withdraw pupils from sex education they should contact the class
teacher.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Individual pupils often have their particular educational needs. Some, however, can be
identified as having particular handicaps or difficulties in a specific area that is impeding
progress in learning. When this exists or becomes apparent parents are immediately
informed and steps are taken to help the child overcome any difficulties. This may take the
form of a more structured individual programmeof learning within the class. It may include some
work on a one-to-one basis or in a small group, which on occasion may involve specialist
support teachers or the school’s educational psychologist.

PASTORAL CARE, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The general welfare, well being, and personal and social development is vital for pupil success
in education. We wish children to enjoy coming to school and to gain confidence in themselves
as people so that they develop high self-esteem.
We seek to provide a school ethos which gives pupils confidence in our readiness and ability to
support them whenever necessary. Your child’s class teacher plays a key role in this and will
usually be the person who deals with any problems or difficulties if they arise. You will
always be made aware of any concern we have for your child and we would appreciate your help
in solving any problems that arise. A designated member of staff attends to
pupils with special needs. There is also a member of staff who has responsibilities related
to child protection. Other members of staff with specific pastoral responsibilities are the
Headteacher, Deputy Head and Senior Teachers.
Members of staff with qualifications in first aid attend to children who become ill in school or
who sustain an injury. You will be contacted by telephone if your child needs to be taken home
or to hospital.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

This is taught in all year groups using the Sheffield Agreed Syllabus, which explores the
main principles of the major religions of the world. It is taught in such a way as to encourage
a lively interest in and a tolerance of the beliefs of others as well as encouraging the children to
develop an understanding of their own cultural, moral and spiritual needs.
The school provides a collective act of worship each day in Infant and Junior assemblies.
During these the pupils are introduced to themes and materials of a broadly yet not exclusively
Christian nature which are relevant to their age and experience. Pupils are often actively
involved in producing or taking part in assemblies.

Parents wishing to withdraw their children from the collective act of worship should make
their request in writing to the Headteacher.