Primary

Introduction

At Braeside Thika Primary School you will find a long established reputation for ensuring that children in our care enjoy the very best possible start. We provide opportunities to develop and succeed whilst enjoying a safe and happy learning environment nurturing a sense of social responsibility and respect. It is our constant aim to bring out the best in our children and to provide a well-rounded experience for every child; developing a blend of creativity, confidence and courtesy, which will enable our young people to cope with the demands of life in the 21st century, wherever in the world they may live. We encourage all students from the ages of three to thirteen, to develop their individual talents to the full whilst at Braeside and to aspire to excellence in all they undertake; we strongly believe in a holistic approach to learning where an equal emphasis and weighting is placed on academics, music, sports, the arts, outdoor pursuits and drama.

Curriculum

In Key Stage One (Year 1 and 2), phonics sessions continue. The child-led approach to lessons, gradually shifts over the course of Year 1 to become more teacher-led and children start to follow a timetable that includes an hour of English and Mathematics a day. Other subjects taught include Science, Computing, Topic (mainly covering History and Geography skills and knowledge), Physical Education, Music, Swimming, Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) and Art & Design Technology.

In Year 2 an introduction to French is added. Time is also allocated to Handwriting, Spelling, Guided and Independent Reading and Writing. Children continue through the reading scheme using Oxford Reading Tree resources supplemented with a banded book scheme and books from other reading schemes. Library sessions are once a week. Children begin to be set in English and Mathematics from Year 2. There are three groups, split between four teacher: Accelerated, Core (x 2) and Foundation.

In Key Stage Two (Year 3, 4, 5 and 6): In addition to Key Stage One subjects, a specialist teacher, teaches Drama. French classes are set from Year 4; there are three groups (two classes taught at a time): Accelerated, Core and Foundation.