Key stages
The school is organised into three departments:
The Early Years Unit (Ages 3-5 - Nursery and Reception classes), Key Stage 1 (Ages 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-11).
It is our belief that an appreciation of the nature and character of God is central to our understanding of all areas of the curriculum. Units of work are prepared and delivered with specific themes or heart concepts relating to the character of God and His purposes for our lives. These themes and concepts underpin all areas of learning and are communicated to parents so that they too can be involved in the development of these areas of character and understanding in the lives of their children.
We teach from six main areas of learning, adhering to the main aims and objectives of the 2014 National Curriculum so that children’s knowledge and understanding in these areas progresses in a comparable way to that of children in other schools.
Early Years
The EYU is run in accordance with the new guidelines (Updates September 2021) of the EYFS as required by Central Government. The activities in the Early Years Unit are set within a Christian framework, into which we have incorporated the three prime areas of the new EYFS and the four specific areas (Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive. Arts and Design)
The activities are carefully differentiated for the different age groups and abilities, with the older children having the opportunity to be challenged with more structured learning activities. ‘Free Play’ forms part of all sessions and is planned so that all the areas of development are covered.
The EYU supports the entitlement to 15 hours of free provision for ages 3-4 year olds (up to 30 hours for eligible families on the registered scheme). This is available from the term after your child turns three up to compulsory school age. To find out more about our nursery click here
Key Stage 1
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) is taught as a mixed age class. The children benefit from a wide variety of activities provided by two qualified and experienced teachers, Mrs Edwards and Mrs Butler.
Key Stage 2
Our Key Stage 2 is split into two mixed age classes, Year 3&4 and Year 5&6. A full timetable, covering the National Curriculum is delivered by qualified and experienced teachers; Mrs Stokes and Mrs Berry for Year 3&4 and Mrs Cernik and Mr Snowdon for Year 5&6.
Transition
On leaving Emmanuel School children go to diverse Secondary schools across the city, where they settle well and flourish in a new environment.
areas of learning - Early Years
There are four main areas that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) focuses in on: A Unique Child, Positive Relationships, Enabling Environments and Learning & Development. Each principle applies to all children from birth, and is supported by four commitments that describe how the principles work.
In Learning and Development there are 7 areas which make up the curriculum
KS1 & KS2
The teaching of Numeracy and Literacy follows the framework of the Primary Strategy. We use the ‘Abacus Active Learn’ scheme to support this in our Maths teaching. Literacy is supported by our use of the resources provided by Hamilton Trust which includes phonic teaching based on the ‘Letters and Sounds’ programme. This gives the children a solid grounding in phonics.
Science, History, Geography, Art and Music often form the basis of topic work. We encourage physical development and well-being through our varied PE and Games lessons. Children have the opportunity to use computers, and to design and make objects using a variety of materials in Technology lessons.
THE SCHOOL DAY
The school day for Reception, KS1 and KS2 starts at 8.55am and finishes at 3.15pm. Parents are encouraged to drop their children off at school from 8.45am and, on specific mornings in the week, can bring them to their classrooms to get involved with their children’s morning activity for a few minutes!
Children attending the nursery should be brought into nursery by 9.00am and collected at 12.00 noon for morning sessions, and at 12 noon and 3pm for afternoon sessions.
Each day usually starts with an assembly, which is varied, instructive and fun! At 12.15pm the children eat their packed lunches together in the hall and then, weather permitting, have 30 minutes to enjoy fresh air and exercise. The younger children also have a break in the afternoon.