Curriculum

We aim to provide your child with a broad curriculum during their education at Avenue House. 

English

English is taught using lively and creative methods through a variety of texts and resources including ICT, from Nursery onwards.  Our primary aim is to develop confidence and achievement in the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening so our children leave us with enthusiasm for English as they enter secondary education.  Progress is carefully monitored and pupils are supported so they achieve their potential.  Children participate in a reading activity every day and staff regularly listen to them read on a one-to-one basis.  Our recently refurbished library is well stocked with fiction and non-fiction books and visits from authors and other interesting speakers are arranged.

Mathematics

Early Mathematics is taught through sorting, sequencing, matching and measuring.  Emphasis is placed on understanding concepts and solving problems through investigation processes.  Numerical skills are developed through number bonds, learning times tables and computation skills.  Through our teaching we enable children to experience success and enjoyment in Mathematics so they have a positive and confident attitude to this subject.
ICT is used to support Maths teaching throughout the school and the interactive whiteboards are a valuable tool for practical activities as well as aiding children's understanding.  Pupils in Years 5 and 6 have the opportunity to take part in a national Mathematical Challenge. 

Science

Science stimulates and excites pupils' curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them.  We use a variety of teaching and learning styles during lessons to capture the children's interest and develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of the subject.  They particularly enjoy the practical activities in each topic where they further develop lateral thinking skills.  We recognise that there are children of widely different scientific abilities in each class and we ensure that we provide suitable learning opportunities for all by matching the challenge of the task to the ability of the child.    Theoretical understanding is further reinforced with practical experience via school trips for example to Kew Gardens, Epping Forest and The Science Museum. 

PSHCE

Through Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education children are given the opportunity to reflect upon their thoughts, feelings and experiences.  As well as developing your child academically, we provide each child with with the tools necessary to become a valuable member of society.  Learning about themselves and how to be healthy, both physically and emotionally is the starting point.  They then learn to understand their role in the local and ultimately global community in which they live and to consider the contributions they can make.

RE

Whilst we are a non-denominational school, we believe that it is important for our children to have a good knowledge of the main faiths and to foster respect and tolerance for the beliefs of others.  We are lucky to have pupils from a range of cultures and religions at Avenue House.  We encourage children to share their own ideas and experiences, finding both similarities and differences.  We welcome visitors from different faith groups and take children to visit various places of worship within the locality.

ICT

Every classroom at the school has an interactive whiteboard ensuring ICT is integral to each child's educational experience.  A class set of laptop computers allows each child access to the tools they need to become confident users of technology.  Information and Communication Technology allows children to become familiar with and proficient in using a range of modern technology, not only computers.  Whilst they learn core programs, for example creating databases, spreadsheets and presentations, they also acquire skills which can be used across the wider curriculum and which will be essential when they progress to senior school and in their future endeavours.