English is a core subject that is taught by the form teacher in small classes. We aim to provide a high quality education in English to teach pupils to speak, read and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others.
English
Our English curriculum aims to inspire a lifelong love of reading, a deep understanding of the written word and mastery of written communication. In lessons, our children are exposed to a range of text types across genres to model quality literature and promote high standards and expectations. Children are also guided to hone their speaking and listening skills not only in English lessons, but in show and tell opportunities, class assemblies and LAMDA. Maldon Court has developed a ‘reading for pleasure' culture which starts in Key Stage 1 and continues throughout the school. The Book Nook is a calm and peaceful space where children can choose to spend time reading. Our library is also a wonderful resource where all classes spend time each week selecting a book to take home. Many classes also spend time in the public library at various times throughout the year.
Children are regularly assessed in English and this data informs of any interventions that may be needed to ensure potential is always reached.
Some of our special days in English include World Book Day, No Pens Day, Poetry Picnics and creative writing competitions. There is certainly something for everyone.
““The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.””
Mathematics
Mathematics is a core subject that is taught by the class teacher, with focussed small group teaching, in KS2, led by the Deputy Headteacher. At Maldon Court we use a variety of teaching styles - working as a class, in groups, in pairs and independently, on tasks that are appropriate for each individual’s ability. In all year groups, we link mathematics with other areas of the curriculum, particularly science, geography and ICT. We believe that this helps pupils to recognise the connections between classroom activities and real-life situations.
Pupils move seamlessly from using stories and games in the early years to more complex activities (including making predictions and analysing data in Form 6) to foster their understanding of the four mathematical operations. Problem solving and reasoning are encouraged at all stages of their learning. So too is the use of computing to support and enhance learning.
Teamwork is encouraged by special events such as National Numeracy Day, World Pie Day and the Big Schools Bird Watch, where pupils work in groups using their mathematical skills to solve problems and understand the world around them. We believe that these concrete experiences will help form the basis for applying various mathematical principles to effective problem solving.
““The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics.””
Homework
At Maldon Court, our children are introduced to homework from entry to the school in Pre-Prep. From the very beginning they are given books to take home and share with parents. As they progress they are given word wallets to consolidate at home work done in school.
The parents of our reception children will be invited to a meeting early in the autumn term, in order to discuss the different ways of helping their child to read. The children will be asked to learn spellings from Year 1 onwards and multiplication tables from Year 2.
When the children reach Key Stage 2, a clear and specific homework timetable is adhered to. English, mathematics, spelling, verbal reasoning and topics related to humanities subjects are given on a weekly basis.
A realistic attitude is adopted to homework, which is used to reinforce work done at school. Early years children can expect to have fifteen minutes per night. This increases gradually until Year 6 when children will be expected to work for up to 40 minutes.
Alternatively, children have the opportunity to attend after school care to complete their homework under the supervision of a fully qualified teacher.
