Curriculum continued...
More information on the subjects we teach.
History
The history curriculum covers a diverse and interesting range of topics both within and beyond living memory: Ancient Greece & Egypt, World War Two, the Race to the Moon, the Titanic and the 1980s. All topics aim to develop an appreciation of the past and its role in both the present and the future. We believe that direct experience of History outside the classroom is of paramount importance in developing pupils' interest and understanding of the subject. In recent years the children have participated in highly successful cross-curricular residential trips to Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight and many of the termly outings have a strong historical basis. Guest speakers, workshops and a themed day all play their role in keeping history alive at Avenue House.
Geography
Geography aims to create confident citizens of the world. Pupils experience topics with a local, national and international theme. Children learn to develop an understanding of fundamental concepts, key ideas and independent thinking. We particpate in the Geographical Association's Barnaby Bear project and all the children enjoy taking Barnaby with them on their travels! Geography benefits from the school's links with charitable organisations such as 'Shelter Box', educational institutions in other countries and other school based activities.
French
Pupils start learning simple vocabulary in the Foundation Stage and continue to develop and become familiar with the basics of the French language throughout their time at Avenue House School. We believe that the earlier a child is exposed to a foreign language, the faster the language in question is acquired and this lays the foundation for future language learning. We want the pupils to enjoy learning French and to feel confident using the skills they acquire and so it is introduced in a way that is enjoyable and fun. They gradually develop their speaking and listening skills through games, role play and the use of the interactive whiteboard.
Music & Drama
Each year group enjoys two 30 minute class music lesson per week following the Music Express Scheme. This covers all the musical elements of the National Curriculum. Please see the Extra Curricular section for more information about music at the school.
Drama plays a prominent part in the life of the school. There are numerous opportunities for pupils to take part in plays, musicals, assemblies, poetry recitals, public speaking and debating. Drama activities help pupils to become articulate speakers and good listeners. The Senior Production takes place at The Questors Theatre in Ealing. We also have a weekly drama club.
Art
Art is celebrated throughout the school. With colourful displays and intricate models on show, the classrooms provide an engaging environment in which effective learning takes place. All children enjoy Art and the richness of this subject at Avenue House captivates many who visit the school. The creativity and imagination that the children are encouraged to express allows them to produce pieces of work that they can be incredibly proud of. Art moves from strength to strength in the school, as was highlighted in our recent ISI inspection.
Physical Education
The aim of all our physical activity and play is to get children confident and happy enough to enjoy being active now and in the future.
In KS2 the emphasis is on building a repertoire of developed abilities, stamina and skills and extending confidence. This is achieved by exploring different sports, testing skills and fitness levels, and offering awards schemes; we extend this further in offering challenges through our extra curricular programme. Running teams, an inclusive “Sports day”, House competitions and offering a range of educational visits and residential trips including the outdoor pursuits trip to “Black Mountain”
Our commitment is to provide each child with a core of physical literacy, a broad based experience and unhanding them with the confidence and desire to keep fit and participate in physical activity in their future.
This school year 2011-2012 is highly significant because of the summer 2012 Olympics being held here in Britain. It provides a natural focus for much study across the curriculum. We will be exploring all aspects of the Olympics and sport: the history and heritage, the events and the games. This will include an emphasis on P.E. including a special sports day, assemblies, events and a general profiling of fitness and sporting achievement. An exciting prospect ahead!