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Curriculum News

Numeracy
This year our school target for numeracy is to improve children's ability to solve word problems. Many children find it difficult to use and apply mathematical skills to solve mathematical questions based in real life contexts. For instance children may be able to add and subtract but have difficulties when asked a question such as:
A boy has 70p to spend. He goes to the shop and buys a pencil for 15p, a comic for 30p and a ruler for 14p. How much does he spend altogether? How much money does he have left?
They could quite easily add the amounts involved and undertake the subtraction sum if they were presented as sums in a book. Children tend to panic when words are involved and find it difficult to think through what calculations they actually need to carry out. Our target involves helping the children look carefully at what questions mean, being able to explain what the question is asking, and being able to choose appropriate mathematical calculations and check whether their answer makes sense. We would really appreciate any support you can provide at home, it may just be asking simple "real life" questions, for instance in the supermarket: If I buy 3 apples which cost 12p each, how much will I spend? We aim to help the children understand how mathematical concepts can be used in everyday life and that they aren't just something you use in a numeracy lesson at school.
Alongside the focus on problem solving we are trying to ensure that times tables are learned and known off by heart. The quick recall of multiplication facts enables children to tackle problem solving questions much more easily. Knowledge of tables is essential. Throughout school from Year 1 to Year 6 there will be a focus on learning times tables. At home you may want to perhaps buy times tables charts or a times tables CD, write times tables rhymes, or just ensure you practise with your child on a daily basis. It only takes five minutes and can be fitted in for instance on the way to school. This extra effort will really help your child.
After half term extra support targeting numeracy will continue to be provided. This may involve your child working in a small group outside the classroom. If your child is going to be receiving extra support on a regular basis, you will be informed. The "New Wave" strategy that will be implemented after half term targets very specific misconceptions. Children may only receive a few sessions of input on one particular area. Teachers use ongoing assessment of the children's work and data from tests and more formal assessments to help target children who would benefit from extra support.

Literacy
The school focus for literacy this year continues to be writing. Last year we had INSET for teachers involving a literacy specialist who focused on modelling writing. The teachers found it very useful and felt it really impacted positively on the children's writing.
The school has also purchased a new handwriting scheme which will be introduced very soon. Mr Fingleton, the Literacy Coordinator, has spent many months researching a suitable handwriting scheme. The one that has been purchased was highly recommended by our School Advisor and has been used successfully by a number of schools in Cheshire.
We have purchased new computer software for the school library. It will enable all books to be barcoded and a record of the popularity of books and the whereabouts of books to be kept. The children will also be able to access their records by using a thumb print. We hope that this will ensure greater use of the library. A number of parents have kindly volunteered to barcode books in the library.