Other Subjects
Science
In science, we give our children practical experiences of scientific processes by allowing them to experiment and find solutions to questions about the world in which they live. We encourage children to understand the relevance of science to their present lives and how discoveries made today may have implications on their futures. Children develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of the natural world, materials and physical processes. We want children to experience the wonder of the scientific world and be excited by what they discover for themselves.
Computing
Computing at Danegrove School prepares all our children to develop their skills and knowledge in order for them to participate in a rapidly changing world. Computers and iPads are used for a range of purposes including: data processing, word processing, animation and film creation. Our children often use the computer to publish their stories and poems and print these for display or to share them with others. They will also become familiar with coding through practical activities and the use of software packages. Safe practice using technology is encouraged throughout the school via our online safety sessions.
Geography
Our aim when teaching geography at Danegrove Primary School is to inspire children’s curiosity, interest and appreciation for the world that we live in. We intend to equip children with geographical skills to develop their knowledge through studying places, people and natural and human environments. As pupils progress through school, they will develop an insight into the links between physical and human processes and how landscapes and environments have changed and continue to change. Our geography curriculum has been developed to work alongside our history curriculum. Where possible, geography is woven into history lessons to ensure children have a good understanding of how changes have occurred over time.
History
At Danegrove Primary School, we are historians! We want our children to love history. As historians, our pupils are exposed to a rich and balanced curriculum that provides them with new vocabulary alongside historical facts. Pupils will be taught to make links between each topic studied and build upon their existing understanding of terminology. We aim to develop curious learners that can reflect on the past and make meaningful links. We have written a new, exciting and fascinating curriculum that teaches our pupils a sense of chronology, in order to develop their identity and to nurture a cultural understanding based on their historical heritage. We have embedded golden threads of the influence of women and the experiences of children into all the historical topics covered to ensure all of our children can identify with the curriculum. Our history curriculum is enquiry based and aims to encourage pupils to develop key enquiry skills and an appreciation and understanding of how the past has shaped their lives.
Modern Foreign Languages
We aim to provide all children with the language skills that our multicultural world demands. We want all children to be able to speak and write in Spanish with confidence and fluency. We achieve this by providing lots of speaking and listening opportunities during Spanish lessons and through opportunities to respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources. Alongside Spanish, we also offer French lessons for identified children who show an aptitude for languages.
P.E.
We ensure that all children follow a programme of physical education in order to promote fitness and health awareness in our pupils. A wide range of sports is played in our school. We run both successful mixed and girls' football teams and we regularly enter teams into Borough competitions, across a variety of different sports and activties. The sports offered to pupils include football, netball, hockey, kwick-cricket, rounders, basketball, swimming and athletics, as well as general PE, gymnastics and dance.
Art
At Danegrove, art is an essential part of our curriculum that ignites creativity and fun! Our pupils dive into a world of colour and exploration as they acquire a wide range of skills and techniques using a range of materials and artistic processes. Through the study of various artists, from a range of cultures, children discover the exciting visual language of art and are encouraged to express their individual interests, thoughts, and ideas in a variety of mediums. We embrace the messy and joyful process of creating, allowing our children to explore their imagination and develop their artistic talents.
Design and Technology
Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Design and technology encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. At Danegrove, we encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, computing and art. Children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness. Moreover, they are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers.
Music
All our children enjoy music and, from reception onwards, have the opportunity to sing and play musical instruments. Listening and appreciating music composed in the past and present from a variety of cultures and influential artists/composers that celebrate the diversity within our school. Year 4 have dedicated drumming lessons where children learn to play Samba drums in the autumn term, steel pans in the spring term and Djembe drums in the summer term.
Year 2 take part in the Barnet KS1 music festival, with our KS2 choir, and drummers from year 4, taking part in the Barnet KS2 music festival.
PSHE/RHE
Relationships and health education is seen as an important part of our whole Personal and Health Education programme. Through the Jigsaw programme we prepare young people to take a full and responsible part in adult life. The programme and materials are carefully selected to reflect the sensitivity and needs of all pupils. Parents are invited to view these materials and discuss them with teachers prior to their being introduced to pupils.
Religious Education
RE is taught across the school on a regular basis, following the Barnet SACRE Scheme of Work.
