Phase 2 - Years 4, 5 & 6
Phase 2 Leader - Mr Levy
English
The national curriculum for English aims to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.
At Garfield Primary School, we recognise the crucial importance of English to every child’s future. We encourage children to communicate effectively, purposefully and with enjoyment through their spoken and written work. Developing and fluent readers benefit from guided reading, shared reading and comprehension activities. Children are strongly encouraged to read daily for pleasure. They have access to books in their classrooms and in our beautiful, well-stocked school library. Through exposure to a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, they become confident, eager and enthusiastic readers, who are engaged in their own learning journey.
The core skills of spelling, grammar and punctuation are taught explicitly and writing is developed through teaching a range of genres in fiction and non-fiction, providing the opportunity for the children to write for a variety of purposes and different audiences. Spoken language activities, including drama and debating, encourage the children to explore, develop and explain their ideas and to share their observations and opinions.
In addition, in the wider curriculum children are provided with opportunities to practise and consolidate their English skills, enhancing their achievement and enjoyment. Occasionally, children need extra support in developing their reading, writing and grammar skills. In these cases, targeted interventions are organised to help children gain the skills they need to achieve and feel more confident.
Maths
At Garfield Primary every child succeeds in learning Maths and is excited by finding out about new concepts. Children enjoy practical, hands-on learning experiences, using resources to develop number-sense, fluency and support mathematical thinking.
We use technology in Maths lessons to help our children visualise mathematical concepts, to model real-life situations and to make learning number facts fun. We are really keen that all our children learn their number facts. We are also keen that every child knows all their times tables by Year 4, in preparation for the Y4 Multiplication Tables Check in the summer term. We learn times tables at school and we encourage parents to continue times tables practise as part of home learning.
PE
We believe that physical education, experienced in a safe, engaging and supportive environment, is a significant factor in developing our children’s physical competence and confidence.
We promote physical skilfulness, physical development and knowledge of the body in action. We aim to give a stimulating, enjoyable and appropriately challenging learning experience. Children may work as individuals, be paired-off or take part in group activities. During co-operative, creative and competitive situations they are encouraged to use improvisation and problem-solving skills.
Our children are also encouraged to appreciate the importance of a healthy lifestyle and be aware of the factors that affect our health and fitness.
Merton School Sport Partnership
We are part of, and support the aims of, the Merton School Sports Partnership. Their vision is to inspire young people to achieve their best in sport and physical activity through the provision of high-quality PE, coaching, leadership, extracurricular activity and competitions. For more information, please visit the Merton School Sport Partnership website, below:
Transition from KS2 to KS3
Children in Phase 2 and in particular UKS2 - Years 5 and 6, are well supported to achieve increasing independence and to develop effective learning habits as they move through school in preparation for transition into Year 7 and secondary school.
As children leave Garfield Primary School, they are well on their way to becoming responsible citizens, able to make positive contributions in the community and beyond. Our curriculum celebrates the diversity and culture of the school community, while supporting the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Our children thrive as individuals - equipped with high aspirations, ambitions for their future, and able to deal with life's challenges. They are well prepared for secondary school and life in Britain and the wider world.