Primary School Curriculum
Literacy
We develop children's’ spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary as integral aspects of the teaching of every subject. Individual targets are set for each child to suit their learning needs. Each term children study a range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry from the UK and abroad. They learn the vocabulary they need to discuss their reading, writing and spoken language. Guided reading is a key feature, and a love of telling, reading and writing stories is regularly brought to life with events such as Book Week and visits from authors and storytellers.
Maths
The principal focus of IPC maths is to ensure that children become increasingly confident with whole numbers and the four operations. The children develop their ability to solve a range of problems, including simple fractions and decimal places. They learn how to analyse shapes and their properties, and confidently describe the relationships between them. We introduce algebra in upper Key Stage 2.
Science
The principal focus of science teaching is to enable children to broaden their scientific view of the world around them, through exploring, discussing, testing and developing ideas. We encourage them to draw simple conclusions and use scientific language to talk and write about what they have found out. At La Garenne, science is about trying to find the answers to questions in a fun, practical and meaningful way.
French
Children in Key Stage 2 have up to five lessons a week of French as a Foreign Language, taught by native-speaking French teachers. The children are guided to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. In Key Stage 2 there is a greater emphasis on reading and writing and the children are prepared for the gold standard DELF French Language Diploma. You can find our more about DELF here.
Music
Children have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. Recorder is taught in class music lessons, while piano and violin are available as individual private lessons. The children use ICT to understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated. They are introduced to music from a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, with work linked to the topic being studied in IPC.
Art
Children explore colour, shape, texture and space. Works by artists who focused on a particular design element are presented to the children to evaluate and explore. During art lessons and after school in the art club, children get to discover working with clay and other sculpture materials. Each term at least one art project ties into an IPC topic which the children are following in other subjects.
Sport and PE
PE instruction is planned to develop and improve performance skills, to inform children about the fitness and health benefits of regular exercise, and to help young children develop and maintain physical fitness. Activities include: Skiing, Hockey, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Basketball, Field Sports and Athletics. We work closely with ski schools in the winter months.