At Ravensdale, we believe that being mentally and physically healthy is at the forefront of achieving a happy and successful life. Therefore, facets of these areas are woven throughout the curriculum in areas such as Commando Joe, R-time and the daily run. We offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, including residential visits in every year group. We also offer, for those children who need it, group work such as Lego Therapy, to help develop social skills
With Maths and English, we have implemented strategies that research has shown to be effective for both progression and pupil engagement. This is also true of specific interventions which are implemented where the need arises.
The broader curriculum is based on topic themes covering a wide range of areas. These have been systematically designed to ensure that pupils progress in both skills and knowledge in all areas of the curriculum. This is carefully monitored by our subject leads and the progression documents are available below.
Children are naturally curious beings who often learn best when active. Therefore, wherever possible, we make our learning hands on and practical, often using visits or visitors and taking learning outside.
Our popular half termly parent partnership mornings enable parents to learn more about the curriculum through a presentation and then working alongside their child in class. We look forward to meeting many of you there!
For more information on the National Curriculum, please visit this page.
Our long term plans for 2023-2024 are:
Year 3 Long Term Plans
Year 4 Long Term Plans
Year 5 Long Term Plans
Year 6 Long Term Plans
Subjects:
Phonics and Early Reading
English on a Page
The Ravensdale Writing Process
The teaching of English at Ravensdale Junior School, aims for each child to read, speak and write with confidence and understanding. Children explore a wide variety of genres as required by the new September 2014 curriculum. Genres covered vary from fiction such as poetry, plays, long and short stories to non-fiction such as reports, instructions and explanations.
Children are taught to read and develop their comprehension skills through the application of our RAVENS Reading Assessment Focuses. Children are encouraged to read regularly at home and have an allotted time in our wonderful Library each week to freely choose a book to take home and enjoy. Drama, which the children enthusiastically participate in, is used to aid speaking and listening, self-confidence and acting skills. It is one of many strategies to encourage understanding of texts and dialogue.
Children develop their powers of imagination through creative writing activities. They are taught to plan and sequence ideas, draft, edit and redraft work. Cross curricular writing is also a high priority and is often used in English lessons. Grammar, spelling and punctuation skills are taught in line with the National Curriculum and the children are encouraged to aim high and use exciting and powerful vocabulary.
Handwriting and the presentation of work has been one of our priorities over the last few years. Children learn a specific style of joined writing (Ravensdale Handwriting) and are given regularly opportunities to practise it in sessions which are recognisable in each class. They are expected to consistently use it across the curriculum when writing.
We use the No-Nonsense Phonics Scheme to assist any children who need it.
For more information on the scheme we follow, please click here Click here for the yearly overviews
Click here for the Written Calculation Policy
Click here for the maths subject on a page
Click here for the mental maths subject on a page
At Ravensdale, we want our children to adopt a positive, fearless approach to learning maths. We believe in promoting a sustained and deepening understanding by employing a variety of mastery strategies, with teaching for conceptual understanding at the heart of everything we do. Our children will develop their mathematical learning through a Mastery approach that involves the use of concrete manipulatives, which support pictorial representations that develop secure, abstract thinking. Underpinning this pedagogy is a belief that all children can achieve in maths. This helps deliver the three aims of the National Curriculum: fluency, problem solving and reasoning. Upon leaving, we strive for our children to have the necessary skills and knowledge to become confident mathematicians.
Click here for the Y3 progression document
Click here for the Y4 progression document
Click here for the Y5 progression document
Click here for the Y6 progression document
Click here for the subject on a page
Both nature and physical sciences are included in our studies. We aim to develop skills of observation, investigation and recording, through hands on learning in the environment and experimentation, including data collection, planning and evaluating. Emphasis is placed on the correct use and understanding of scientific vocabulary.
Relationships and Sex Education forms part of the basic curriculum for all children. We follow the Statutory guidance, along with The Christopher Winters Project, which is a programme of lessons to help children prepare for growing up, carefully linked to their age and stage of development. Parents are given the opportunity to view RSE material and discuss content prior to its delivery. Parents the right to withdraw their children from certain aspects of the year 6 curriculum. Resources used for RSE include: Flour Babies by Anne Fine, What’s Happening To Me (boys and girls) (Usborne) by Susan Meredith, Relationships by Pete Sanders, Sex and Relationship Education by Molly Potter and Let’s Talk About Sex by Robie H.Harris.
Click here for the progression document for Digital and Computing
Click here for the progression document for Online Safety
Click here for the subject on a page for Digital and Computing
We believe that every child should have the opportunity to become confident, competent and creative users of digital technology and responsible digital citizens. They are taught and develop new skills using laptops and iPads in the classrooms, both as tools to support learning in other subjects, and to develop the necessary specific computing skills that they will need in a digital world. We aim to give all children opportunities to use a wide range of software in order to remove barriers to their learning, prepare them for participation in a rapidly changing digital world and develop their skills in an engaging and creative way, whilst covering the curriculum. Every child in Year 4 and 5 has an iPad which they access on a regular basis within class.
We believe that online safety is incredibly important and is taught both alongside the rest of the curriculum and as a stand alone subject.
Click here for the progression document
Click here for the subject on a page
In History we aim to develop all children's sense of identity through learning about the development of Britain, Europe and the world. Our purpose is to introduce children to what is involved in understanding and interpreting the past, while engendering a love of the subject. At Key Stage 2, history is about people, important events and developments from recent and more distant times. As well as chronological understanding and knowledge of facts, we develop the skills of historical interpretation and enquiry.
Our curriculum will make strong links to our local history and encourages children to have an appreciation of their own rich historical environment.
Click here for the progression document
Click here for the subject on a page
In Geography we aim to stimulate children's interest in their surroundings and the variety of human and physical conditions on the earth's surface, thereby enhancing their sense of responsibility for the care of the earth's environment and its people.
We aim to develop knowledge and understanding using studies of children‟s own locality to appreciate the similarities and differences that exist between people and places. Children use geographical enquiry skills, geographical terms as well as making and using maps, photographs and resources on the internet.
Click here for the progression document
Click here for the subject on a page
Children learn to work independently and as part of a team on a range of designing and making activities. They are encouraged to explore what products are used for and to consider the needs of the people who use them.
Children are taught to develop knowledge, skills and understanding and are given opportunity to apply these when developing ideas, planning, making products and evaluating them.
Click here for the progression document
Click here for the subject on a page
Children are taught to closely examine and explore the world around them. They are encouraged to be creative and to use their imaginations. Children use a range of media to represent images as well as learning about artists and their work. Children will have the opportunity to use 3D, painting and drawing through each year.
Click here for the progression document
Click here for the subject on a page
Children are taught to understand and appreciate other cultures and languages, with an emphasis on French, using the Language Angels scheme. They are taught using a range of interactive methods, with the aim of making language learning as much fun as possible. Children use written French in a variety of ways in every year group.
Click here for the progression document
Click here for the subject on a page
At Ravensdale pupils enjoy being active and using their creativity and imagination in physical activity. During their time in KS2, children are taught the knowledge, skills and understanding of P.E. through different areas of activity – Dance, Games, Gymnastics, Swimming, Athletics and Outdoor Initiatives. We aim to ensure that all children should achieve and feel success in sport, regardless of their ability. P.E. also helps children learn that playing fairly and co-operatively together makes sport more fun.
Click here for the progression document
Click here for the subject on a page
Children are taught music across the school. Their curriculum includes five key elements of music. Firstly, learning to control sound through singing and playing instruments, secondly by composing their own music and performing to others, responding to music and exploring their feelings to what they hear and being able to discuss using the correct musical vocabulary. Finally we ensure they have access to a wide range of music from different times and cultures.
Click here for the progression document
Click here for the subject on a page
Through our RE curriculum we aim to develop the children's knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal religions including Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and Judaism during the weekly lesson. Children are encouraged to respect and respond to the different religions, beliefs, values, and traditions. They are given the opportunity to develop their sense of identity and belonging, preparing them for life as a citizen in our multi-cultural society. R.E. at Ravensdale does not seek to promote or force religious beliefs on children, nor to compromise the integrity of their own beliefs.
Our daily act of worship supports the RE curriculum. It takes place with the whole school together. Although it is broadly Christian, stories and festivals from other faiths are regularly included. Collective Worship also includes acknowledgement of awards and achievements. Visiting speakers are invited to give our children a broader understanding of the world around them.
Collective Worship is an important part of the school day as it gives our whole school community the opportunity to meet together and consider spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of life. We also use this time to keep children up to date with world events.
Parents are entitled to withdraw their children from R.E. and Collective Worship. If for any reason you wish to do so, please discuss this matter with the Head teacher.
Click here for the progression document
Click here for the subject on a page
Click here for the PSHE Policy
Click here for the PSHE Policy
Click here for the PSHE Policy
PSHE aims to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy independent lives and to become informed, active, resilient and responsible citizens. Through outdoors and classroom-based activities, children develop speaking and listening skills, the ability to work as a team, problem solve, empathy for others and develop perseverance. PSHE is taught through the delivery of practical and classroom-based lessons, covering the three-core theme: Health and Well-being, Relationships and Living in the wider world. The school council and children’s parliament play an active role within the school, raising money for charities and voicing the opinions and concerns of their peers. Resources which are used to support the learning are PSHE Matters, The Christopher Winter’s schemes, internet-based resources such as Betty’s Bus and Lillets. Books which may support RSE at home included: Flour Babies by Anne Fine, What’s Happening To Me by Susan Meredith, Relationships by Pete Sanders and Let’s Talk about Sex by Robie H.Haris.
Some clubs will only run at certain times of the year and some clubs may include a charge.
For information on our extra curricular clubs for Spring last year please visit this page
For information on our extra curricular clubs for Autumn last year please visit this page
Previous clubs have included:
| Boys Football | Girls Football | Rounders | Running | Multi-Sports |
| Netball | Tag Rugby | Cross Country | Cricket | Archery |
| Cookery | Knitting | BSL | MFL | Debating |
| Gardening | Lego | Choir | Recorders | Orchestra |
| Magic Maths | Dance Bytes |
We currently offer a residential for each year group.
Year 3 have an overnight camp at school.
Year 4 go to Castleton for 1 night.
Year 5 go to an activity centre for 2 nights. This has previously been a centre in Shropshire
Year 6 go to an activity centre for 3/4 nights. This has previously been a centre in Norfolk
Please see this for more information about our home learning:Home Learning Policy
Transform Trust believes its children are entitled to broad horizons, opportunity and high aspirations for themselves. Children in our schools deserve to be inspired and challenged, enabling them to develop their unique potential to the full
Academic achievement is important to Transform but preparing children for life requires more than this. To this end, all schools deliver the Transform Enrichment Diploma programme usually referred to as TED.
TEO is intended to :
- Enrich cultural capitol
- Empower children as agents of change through the Transform values
- Engage children In citizenship
- Develop childrens hollstic identity and personal view
- Develop leadership and independence
It's also Intended to be fun ond provide memorable childhood experiences.
Each child will tackle TED through a programme tailored to their year group. This will be scaffolded by Transform values. TED's aim is to Inspire children to develop skills, talents and character through a wide range of activities, using their curiosity and creativity to find ways of achieving their potential. Having the confidence and drive to live out the Transform values.
This enrichment opportunity will take Transform children beyond the usual to deliver a range of memorable experiences to surprise and delight. It will link to Transform's curriculum, bringing breadth to educational experience and allowing for a more personalised approach.
The Transform Trust community and/or Individual schools will celebrate the children's achievement at the end of each stage. Each school has Its own way of tracking what the children have achieved and to celebrate and display this.
Your child's school will be planning to deliver each element for their year group. Although these are subject to revision, dependent on Individual schools circumstances, you should be able to expect a broadly comparable programme. Some schools already have their own enrichment programmes and these may run alongside TED.
We hope your child will enjoy and benefit from this throughout their time In Primary School
If you have any questions regarding the TED, please do not hesitate to contact your childs class teacher.