Our School Curriculum

https://www.olneyinfantacademy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/OIA-Curriculum-Intent.pdf

Reading

There is a daily phonics lesson in every class.

We use the Read, Write Inc systematic Phonics scheme.

We aim that children should be able to read a range of different kinds of material fluently and with understanding. We hope that they will find pleasure in reading for interest, enjoyment and information.

Children will read with their teachers in school as part of a structured programme. All children are encouraged to take books home at a similar reading level to share with parents. A Book Week is held each year and children have the opportunity to meet authors and illustrators. Children make good use of our well-stocked library.

Writing

In writing, children are encouraged to write independently from an early stage. Phonics, spelling, grammar and handwriting are taught as skills to be used in writing e.g. stories, poetry, descriptions and reports.

Speaking and Listening

Children are encouraged to express themselves clearly and confidently and to listen attentively to others. They take part in activities such as story telling, imaginative play, drama and group discussion.

Children are taught to read using the Read Write Inc scheme of work. We use both the structured phonics scheme in which the children are taught systematic phonics each day in all year groups. This supports the children's reading of the books they then use in guided reading sessions.

The children  read a wide variety of other reading material and take books home of a similar level to read with their adults. We encourage the children to read as often as possible and to record this in their reading diary.

Work in Mathematics in Foundation is planned to follow the framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Years 1 and 2 follow the National Curriculum for mathematics.

Across the school we have adopted a mastery approach to teaching maths where we teach each aspect in depth rather than jump around from one topic to another.

Oral and mental work features strongly in each lesson. Over the year children are taught to use numbers, make calculations, handle data and solve problems. They are also given opportunities to measure and work with shapes.

At Olney Infant Academy we understand the importance of Science in our everyday lives and as a core subject within the primary curriculum. We ensure that the subject is given the fitting importance that is deserves. Our intention is to grow a sense of amazement, excitement and curiosity towards science and the role it plays in helping us comprehend the wider world around us. We understand the importance of children being curious of the world around them and encourage the children to question what they have learnt, understood and what they have observed during the lesson. Children are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. 

The processes of ‘Working Scientifically’ – questioning, comparative and fair testing, sorting and grouping, identifying and classifying, observing and measuring, experimenting, analysing, explaining and evaluating - underpin our entire curriculum and permeate all science teaching across the school.  

We wish to develop children’s thirst for knowledge and to grow a genuine love for science, so they leave Olney Infant Academy with a solid foundation to continue their scientific journey.  

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Olney Infant Academy gives children the opportunity to experience the very best possible start to their education. We ensure that our children establish solid foundations on which they can build for their future learning journey. This ensures that they continue to flourish throughout their school years and beyond. The EYFS prepares children for learning in Key Stage 1 and the KS1 National Curriculum.

Our Foundation Stage curriculum and learning experiences build upon what the children have already experienced either at their pre-school, nursery or home settings. In Literacy, skills are taught daily, with specific emphasis on phonics. The children learn to read and write in a variety of fun and practical ways. The foundation to their learning is provided by the Read Write Inc phonics scheme which teaches the children to hear, say, write and read the sounds in words. Maths is also taught daily in a fun and practical way. We value all areas of the EYFS curriculum and celebrate children’s successes in whatever they excel in.

Each day through our comprehensive assessment and planning, children will access learning challenges in each of the 7 EYFS areas of learning. In practice, most challenges will develop a number of different skills and knowledge. For example in role play children could be learning to play with others whilst developing their language or story telling skills or during modelling with construction children could be learning positional language, to count, spacial awareness skills and fine motor control.

Each week is carefully planned to ensure children receive personalised learning experiences, taking into account their skill development and interests. Some challenges will be adult-led, whilst others will be independent activities chosen by the child. We provide opportunities for learning indoors and outdoors whatever the weather.

We have excellent working relationships with the parents of our pupils and value working in partnership throughout the Foundation Year.

ICT Computing intent statement

At Olney Infant Academy we want our pupils to be able to thrive as digital citizens who are confident and competent using a range of technology positively, responsibly and safely. We aim to give pupils high quality, enjoyable and memorable learning experiences whilst providing a wealth of opportunities within computing with an open-minded and adaptable approach. We recognise that the world of technology is fast changing therefore computing education needs to progress appropriately in order that our children move forward with the skills and knowledge necessary to be active participants in today’s, and the future’s digital world.

At Olney Infant Academy we aim for pupils to have a foundational understanding of computing to include algorithms, simple programs, logical reasoning and prediction. Pupils to purposefully and creatively store, manipulate and retrieve digital content as well as recognise how technology is used across the wider world. Our intention is that pupils will also be able to use their computing skills across the whole curriculum to inform and enhance life-long learning whilst developing children’s curiosity and critical thinking.

We understand and promote the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for all our pupils. We encourage staff to make learning creative and accessible whilst our school values of independence, being courageous in undertaking challenging tasks, being supportive with their peers and being open-minded about all tasks undertaken are integral to every day school life at Olney Infant Academy. We want our pupils to be fluent with a range of tools to best express their understanding and hope by the end of Key Stage 1, children have the independence and confidence to choose the best tool to fulfil the tasks and challenges set by teachers.

Our teaching implements all aspects of the Computing curriculum – Digital Literacy, Information Technology and Computer Science. Knowledge and skills are taught progressively, allowing the children to embed their learning over time. Children are taught to be supportive, respectful, understanding and kind towards others and everyone they meet through our online safety teaching whilst nurturing each child to be a unique individual.

We are proud holders of the NAACE ICT Mark since 2013.

Personal, social and health education (PSHE) deals with many real life issues young people face as they grow up. It gives them the knowledge and skills needed to lead healthy and responsible lives as confident individuals and members of society.

PSHE and RSE is a statutory part of the curriculum, and we believe in the importance of learning how to lead healthy lifestyles, manage feelings and build positive relationships. PSHE promotes children’s positive behaviour, mutual respect and self-awareness. We follow the PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) Programme across our school called Jigsaw, the mindful approach to PSHE. This approach has also been adopted by the Middle School. We have always taught RSHE to our children at OIA but now we have a whole school approach that includes lessons throughout the year on topics like anti-bullying, healthy friendships, keeping our bodies fit and healthy, staying safe, growth, changes and many more. Our aim is to carefully build on children’s understandings of these things each year and we do this in an age-appropriate and sensitive way.

The lessons introduced during the year, built children’s emotional literacy, self-esteem and knowledge of who they are and how they relate to each other and the world in a positive and healthy way.

PHSE Policy click to view

Geography is challenging, motivating, topical and fun. In our diverse society children need, more than ever before, to understand other people and cultures. Geography makes a major contribution to children's physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. In short, geography matters! 

At Olney Infant Academy, we believe that Geography helps to provoke and provide answers to questions about the natural and human aspects of the world. Children are encouraged to develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the world, as well as their place in it. Our curriculum is taught through our Imaginative Learning Projects with a focus on knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. Geography is, by nature, an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity about the world and to promote the children’s interest as well as offer children a range of practical educational experiences. We aim for children to build on prior knowledge and promote a love of learning that will stay with them for the future.  

At Olney Infant Academy our exciting and creative history curriculum reflects our whole school approach of open-ended exploration, building on the Early Years principles. Our vision for history is that all children develop skills through an enquiry approach. In history children are encouraged to question their understanding of the past, in order to enjoy and access all history has to offer. Through a combination of artefacts, exciting trips or visitors and enquiry based learning, children gain an in-depth understanding of significant people and events in British history, as well as appreciating how things change over time. Our approach ties in with the exciting development of Olney and Milton Keynes, along with well-known people and events. By understanding the complex people and communities of the past, children can work towards understanding a positive, exciting future.  

Being updated...

We aim to encourage enjoyment and understanding of music through listening, composing and performing. Children are taught a wide range of songs and introduced to a variety of instruments. Children in Year 1 are given the opportunity to take part in Elfin Strings. Year 2 children can do Infant Strings and are also given the opportunity to learn the recorder. We also run a singing club and the children take part in community events such as Dickens of a Christmas and sing to the residents of Broomfield and Bayhouse.

The Curriculum

Children develop their understanding and enjoyment of art, craft and design through a wide range of activities that include drawing, printing, painting, collage, sewing, claywork and weaving. They are taught to use a range of materials, tools and techniques to produce a variety of work. They are introduced to the work of artists, crafts people and designers, locally and from other cultures.

Take One Picture

Each year the whole school collaboratively takes part in a project called 'Take One Picture'. 'Take One Picture' is the National Gallery's countrywide scheme for primary schools. The Gallery focuses on one painting to inspire cross-curricular work in primary classrooms. Every year we exhibit the work we have created in our school hall which is open to parent, carers and members of the community. The National Gallery then chooses a few select items to be exhibited in the Gallery. Olney Infant Academy has been very fortunate to have their work displayed numerous times and we have also featured on BBC Television’s “Look East”. We are very proud of our achievements!

At Olney Infant Academy we want to inspire and encourage our children to be great thinkers and we provide many opportunities where they are able to creatively and practically solve problems, both as individuals and as members of a team. Through our teaching of Design and Technology we encourage our children to use their creativity and imagination - to design, make - using a range of tools and equipment, and evaluate their own/other’s products considering their own and other’s needs. We aim to, wherever possible, link their work to other disciplines across the curriculum such as computing, mathematics, art, science and engineering. We provide ample opportunities for them to revisit their learning and really embed those taught skills through our continuous provision in the classroom. They are encouraged through our values to be open-minded and courageous; taking risks and unafraid to try out/explain their concepts and products to others. We want our children to leave Olney Infant Academy with a solid foundation in Design and Technology; eager to continue their journey in being resourceful, confident and competent creatively, technically and practically – better prepared and armed with the skills they will need for an ever-evolving world of innovation and engineering in which we live.    

At Olney Infant Academy our vision is to develop children's skills of enquiry, reasoned argument and reflection. In school, our RE curriculum is built using Cornerstones Curriculum and the MK RE Syllabus. 

Religious education contributes dynamically to children and young people’s education in school by provoking challenging questions about; the meaning and purpose in life, beliefs about God, ultimate reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. Our world is enriched by a wide and profound diversity of cultures and beliefs. We as human beings are strengthened and empowered by learning from each other. Engaging and stimulating religious education helps to nurture informed and resilient responses to misunderstanding, stereotyping and division. It offers a place of integrity and security within which difficult or ‘risky’ questions can be tackled within a safe but challenging context.  

In R.E pupils discover, explore and consider different answers to these questions, in local, national and global contexts, through learning about and from religions and other world views. They learn to appraise the value of wisdom from different sources, to develop and express their insights in response, and to agree or disagree respectfully. 

Teaching should equip pupils with knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and other world views, enabling them to develop their ideas, values and identities. It should develop in pupils an aptitude for dialogue so that they can participate positively in society with its diverse understanding of life from religious and other world views. 

Pupils should gain and deploy the skills needed to; understand, interpret and evaluate texts, sources of wisdom and authority and other evidence. They learn to articulate clearly and coherently their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences, while respecting the right of others to differ.