History & Geography

History

At Crosby Ravensworth we teach history to help children gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world.  We aim to inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past.  In line with the new curriculum for 2014, we plan to equip them to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence and develop perspective and judgement. Our history is taught through cross-curricular themes where children will be able to develop an understanding of the history of Britain, how lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world. Over the course of their time in school, children will also learn about significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; the expansion and dissolution of empires; characteristic features of past non-European societies and the achievements and follies of mankind.  Trips will be organised trips, including residential visits, to support the learning and excitement of learning about history.

Geography

At Crosby Ravensworth we teach geography to inspire children to become curious and fascinated about the world and its people.

Children will learn about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deepening understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes.  Geography is taught through cross-curricular themes where the children will be given opportunities to develop their own geographical skills including map reading, using aerial photos and satellite images, globes, diagrams and the internet. These skills will have a much greater focus than previously with the new curriculum for 2014.

French

French is taught in Key Stage 2 by Mrs Walsh, who is a specialist language teacher linked with Appleby Grammar School.  The emphasis is on Oral work, learning vocabulary through games and rhymes.  The culture of France is also studied.  As a French language speaker, Mr Priestley also supports the teaching of French through regular short daily activities such as taking the register or during transitional periods in the day.

This knowledge organiser enables parents and pupils to access and practice key words, phrases and topics from the curriculum.

Art & Design

At Crosby Ravensworth we aim to engage, inspire and challenge pupils creatively. Through our teaching we equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. Pupils learn to be reflective and critical of their work. An understanding of how art and design has influenced history and culture in our nation and in others around the world will be developed through studying various artists and art forms.  As of December 2019, the school has begun a two-year journey to achieving Artsmark accreditation, aiming to further increase opportunitieis, celebrate pupil achievement and raise awareness and aspirations of pupils regarding future careers working in the arts.

Foundation Stage

Pupils will be introduced to and have opportunities to explore a range of materials. They will be encouraged to share and develop their ideas, experiences and imagination through creative media.

Key Stage 1

• Pupils will be introduced to a range of materials and how they can be used.
• Develop skills in drawing, painting and sculpture.
• Develop techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space.
• Learn about other artists and their techniques to apply to their own work.

Key Stage 2

• Pupils will improve and develop the skills they have learnt in Key Stage 1 and be introduced to a wide range of materials.
• Use sketch books to develop observation skills and develop ideas.
• Be introduced to and deepen their knowledge of artists and designers.

P.E.

We believe that through physically demanding activities, pupils can be inspired to become confident individuals. They can learn to set themselves goals and be proud of what they have achieved.  Children can learn values such as fairness and respect for others through participating in pair, group or team activities.

We aim to provide all children with a high quality physical education. We ensure:

• All children engage in physical activity for sustained periods of time 
• All children are taught basic skills
• All children have opportunities to develop their basic skills and apply them to a range of activities including dance, gymnastics, athletics, games swimming and outdoor adventure activities.
• All children have opportunities to engage in competitive sport.
• All children understand and can make healthy choices.

The school has close links with other schools and there are opportunities for KS2 children to participate in inter school sport activities. These include local tournaments and friendly matches for football, cricket, high five and district athletics.

The school attends swimming sessions at Appleby swimming pool, which we use in the spring term. Each class from Reception to Year 6 swims each week during that time, with children split into ability groups regardless of age.

Where possible, the school encourages all children to engage in a range of after school activity clubs provided by outside agencies.

ICT Computing

Our school believes in encouraging children to use a range of devices and as such has purchased an array of PCs, lap-tops, android tablets and i-pads.  We also have an excellent range of software that covers both the requirements of the National Curriculum for IT and which also support other subject areas. We know the vital role that computers will have in your child's life and we will ensure that they become confident and able users of technology and its various applications, including e-mail and the internet.

PSHE

This is an important area of our curriculum which aims to give children the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead healthy lives and be responsible citizens. It forms an integral part of a child’s development, and is brought into our cross-curricular activities and discussions in such a way as to ensure that knowledge and understanding of oneself and others is developed.  The pupils grow more confident about aspects of their own lives, their self-esteem, their health, their beliefs, their relationships with others, and their ability to express their feelings and to cope with life’s problems. We encourage pupils to participate in these discussions and activities, which lead to a greater awareness of their social and moral responsibilities.

Sex and relationship education is also part of the PSHE curriculum, with specific sessions delivered along with our partner 'MESS' schools to children in Years 5 and 6.

Parents have a right to withdraw their child from all or part of specific SRE lessons.

Design Technology

Design and technology inspires children to use their imagination and creativity to solve real and relevant problems in a variety of contexts. They apply their skills from other disciplines such as mathematics, computing, science and art. Design and technology involves the pupils in developing skills of analysis, planning, designing, making and doing, and evaluation what they have produced. We aim for pupils to learn to take risks, become resourceful, innovative and enterprising. Children will be taught skills systematically and made aware of how to use resources safely. Children will evaluate their own work and that of others including major designers.

Foundation Stage

Children will be introduced to basic skills and materials for making a range of products. They will be introduced to making a design for their product and refer to it in their making. They will learn about where food comes from and healthy foods in a variety of  cooking activities.

Key Stage 1

Pupils will be taught to design functional and appealing products based on specific criteria. They will make their designs using a wide range of tools and equipment. Pupils will explore and evaluate products and make references to their own products. They will develop their technical knowledge of different mechanisms and techniques to improve their work.

All children will develop skills in food technology and an understanding of where food comes from and it’s nutritional value.

Key Stage 2

Pupils will build on their knowledge and skills developed in Key stage 1. They will research and develop their own criteria for products and plan in various ways including annotated sketches, diagrams, prototypes and computer aided designs. They will learn to use a wider range of tools safely and purposefully and become more selective in the choice of resources for their projects. Pupils will be able to make effective use of their evaluation to improve their work. They will be able to apply knowledge of mechanisms to their own designs including electrical and computing systems.  Pupils will deepen their knowledge of how technology has affected and shaped the world we live in.

All children will develop their skills in food technology, cooking a range of dishes using a variety of techniques. They will develop a deeper understanding of how food is grown, reared, caught and processed.

Music

Our aim is that the pupils experience a balance of composing, performing and appreciating music. The pupils use a variety of instruments as well as their voices in their lessons. Music enables the children to express themselves through sound and gives an opportunity to perform in groups.

Opportunities are given during weekly singing practice to learn and rehearse the singing of hymns, traditional and popular songs.  

Every child in KS2 receives weekly peripatetic tuition, learning to play recorders while following musical notation.  Children will also have the opportunity to experiment and compose music using computer packages such as 'audacity'.