The teaching of reading

At Balliol Primary, we are passionate about reading! We try to share what we most enjoy about reading and encourage our children to read new genres and ever more challenging texts. Our children learn to read for enjoyment every day to develop a broader vocabulary, increased general knowledge and a better understanding of other cultures.

In early years and key stage 1, we use the Read Write Inc reading scheme both in school and for home reading. This ensures home reading books match the phonics children have learned so, early on, they experience success and gain confidence. As children complete Read Write Inc., they follow accelerated reader with a focus on comprehension, engaged reading time and complexity. 

Reading enables children to transform the way they see the world outside of school. Our children are encouraged to see that the written word can compete with electronic media. Reading requires the creative participation of the individual - that is what makes it so rewarding and special - but we also ensure a daily class story or novel is shared in all year groups. We hope you agree that our creativity will help children to share our own love of reading.

The teaching of writing

At Balliol Primary we really enjoy writing because, unlike other subjects where there is only one true answer, writing has no single answer! The process of writing is challenging and exciting, but when children are finished they have the reward of a story or a report that has been brought to life.

Writing is a great form of escape and allows children's imagination to flow. We write to tell stories with amazing characters who face dilemmas, to inform and report on the world around us, or to persuade adults and friends to listen to a cause close to our hearts. Our children are very proud of their writing and love to share it with friends, family and visitors.

The teaching of maths

At Balliol Primary we love maths! Our lesson approach in all year groups enables children to work independently and with a partner, to discuss the maths they are learning to solve problems and challenges.

Our pupils have access to a 'maths toolkit' containing a range of maths resources to support independent learning and a deeper understanding of the maths concepts involved.

Children are also encouraged to use pictures, jottings and drawings to help them develop their mathematical thinking before moving on to more abstract presentations such as number sentences (For example, 6x5 or 56+234). Maths helps us in the everyday world but also allows us to describe, investigate, create, reason and explain.

The teaching of RE

The current 2014 curriculum for schools in England and Wales states that “All schools are required to make provision for a daily act of collective worship and must teach Religious Education to pupils at every key stage". All NELT primary schools use this aim as a foundation to deliver an education that goes above and beyond these expectations.

RE is an important curriculum subject. It is important in its own right and also makes a unique contribution to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils and supports wider community cohesion. 

Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. RE is an important subject in itself, developing an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society. Religious education provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human. It can develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, of other principal religions, other religious traditions and worldviews that offer answers to questions such as these. 

RE also contributes to pupils’ personal development and well-being and to community cohesion by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. RE can also make important contributions to other parts of the school curriculum such as citizenship, personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE education), the humanities, education for sustainable development and others. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development, deepening the understanding of the significance of religion in the lives of others – individually, communally, and cross-culturally.

In early Years we focus on three key themes: special people, special places and special times. Special people theme explores children’s a sense of belonging: what is special about me, who do we think are special and how can we make others feel special.  Special place’s theme explores what makes certain places feel special, what is a place of worship and why is our world a special place.  Finally, special times studies the special times of a school day, special occasions throughout the year and does everyone celebrate in the same way.  

In Key Stage 1 and 2, the areas of Religious Education covered include the faiths of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, World Views, Sanatana Dharma, and Buddhism (the largest worldwide religions, in order to encompass the culturally diverse experiences and population of our society today. In addition, each year group looks at similarities and differences within and between religious and non-religious worldviews.