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Sibford Junior School Curriculum,
Sibford's rural surroundings are central to the learning experience of our pupils as we seek to develop a love of, and concern for, the environment. The core subjects of literacy, numeracy, science and information communication technology remain at the heart of all we do and teaching is tailored to the needs of each individual pupil to ensure that all children become competent in these areas.
Junior pupils are encouraged to spend plenty of time outdoors where they are given the chance to grow and develop away from classroom constraints. The outdoor classroom encourages active rather than passive learners, supports development in all aspects of the curriculum and provides opportunities to:
* Talk listen and interact * Imagine and invent * Create and construct
* Investigate and explore *
Express ideas and feelings *
Assess and address risks
* Demonstrate independence and responsibility *
Work as part of a team.
Lessons learnt outdoors are consolidated indoors where pupils have access to a wide range of facilities including a sate-of-the-art IT suite, interactive white boards and well-resourced library. They also benefit from the school’s excellent purpose-built sports complex, including a 25 metre indoor swimming pool where all junior pupils are taught to swim.
Our small class sizes (maximum 18) provide a structured, caring and supportive environment where the emphasis is on participation and enjoyment. Educational visits form an important part of school life and include theatre workshops, day trips to places such as the British Museum and residential trips both home and abroad. All junior pupils also have the opportunity to go skiing.
In Year 6, pupils benefit from a 'Transition Programme' with some lessons taught by teachers in the Senior School using specialist facilities such as the food technology room and science laboratories. This process enables the children to gradually acclimatise themselves to life in the senior school.
Specialist staff and teaching facilities from Sibford’s Enhanced Learning Programme Faculty are available to assist children requiring additional support and for those with dyslexia.
In recent years there has been rising concern that national tests at the ages of 7 and 11 are hindering rather than enhancing childhood development. This matter was given serious consideration at Sibford and, as a result, it was decided to drop SATs from our junior curriculum with effect from September 2008.
Sibford School, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5QL Telephone: +44 (0)1295 781200