DALE HOUSE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL- CURRICULUM

Below are details of our curriculum for: Pre-School: 2-5years

Pre-School Curriculum The Nursery children must learn to work and play together and the Nursery and Prep classes provide this initial social training. Children follow a curriculum based upon the “Foundation StageCurriculum 2007 and the revised " Birth to 3 matters curriculum 2007. In the Transition class the children begin to learn the basics of number and letter recognition, soon progressing to more formal reading, writing and number work. Every child is encouraged to participate in widely varied activities, for example, PE, music, drama, I.C.T. and art, in preparation for more formal school lessons. “Play time”, inside or outside, is a “lesson” they all enjoy.

Lower School Curriculum As children move through the school into the next two classes, they have a broad-based timetable which is subject based. Children enjoy a structured and balanced curriculum which, whilst it incorporates the guidelines of the National Curriculum, also goes beyond them to provide the widest opportunities for every child.Pupils are taught by specialist teachers for Maths,Science,Music,Drama,Spanish,French & ICT. High standards of academic achievement are expected and we trust that we recognise and nurture the needs of each individual child.

 

The teaching styles and approaches vary so that a good standard may be achieved as quickly as possible. The subjects studied are as follows: Mathematics, English, Science, ICT, History, French, Spanish,Geography, Religious Education, PE, Movement, Art, Speech and Drama, Craft, Design and Technology, Music, Needlework/Textiles and PSHE. On many occasions, particularly involving topic work and projects, these subjects may be combined. During the school year your child will be involved in plays, concerts ,school assemblies and church services. Religious Education is taught with Christian beliefs and daily assemblies are non-denominational. Dale House welcomes children of all faiths and backgrounds. The whole school celebrates Harvest, Christmas and Easter with special services held in the church next door. Special assemblies are held forEid,Divali,ramadan, Holi etc. A special Thanksgiving Service and Speech Day is also held in the Summer Term, where pupils receive House Colours, cups, badges and prizes to mark their achievements throughout the year. Parents are welcome to join this school celebration.

 

Junior School Curriculum (7-11years) When pupils reach the age of 7 years they move into the Junior Department. The pupils in these classes study all the National Curriculum subjects as well as French and Spanish and are prepared for public school examinations in year 6. They sit yearly SATS,exams and NFER tests. Extra Curricula Activities In addition to the curriculum above, the following are offered to all pupils as optional activities: Ballet, Tap Dancing, Musical Instrument Tuition, Singing, Choral Speaking, Sportds coaching,eg.football,rugby,hockey basketball etc.

All classes enjoy outings of an educational nature at least once a year. We try to tailor these outings to curriculum work. Regular theatre trips and visits to local places of interest are also arranged.   If you would like more information about our Curriculum, please telephone 01924 422215 or contact us by email