Curriculum
Our view of education is child centred. We are concerned with providing a rich environment in which children’s experiences and interactions can help them to develop individually.
At St. Joseph’s we want to educate children who have learnt how to learn and in planning the curriculum we stress the importance of being able to acquire information. We introduce children to knowledge and ideas, as set out in the National Curriculum, through topics that interest and excite them.
We ensure that creativity is nurtured and that children are given the opportunity to digress from expected pathways. Children are never put down because they say something unusual; they are encouraged to think “outside of the box”. We value originality and tenacity.
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We encourage the belief that adults do not know all the answers but that learning is for life. Children’s answers and solutions are as valid as adults and worthy of consideration.
At St. Joseph’s we are constantly examining the learning opportunities provided for the children and the teaching styles we employ. We seek the active involvement in the learning process from children and their families and use a variety of learning methods to allow all to participate and grow.
We aim to provide a wide range of educational activities and opportunities. In addition to the basic work in English, Mathematics, Information Technology and Science, the core subjects of the National Curriculum, we, as a Catholic school, add Religious Education as an equal partner with these at the centre of our curriculum.
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“The Hidden Curriculum”
We are very aware of “the hidden curriculum”; how we talk to children, how we encourage then to talk, how we foster respect for the opinions of others by discouraging interruptions. Everyone has the right to speak and be heard. We are very aware that the relationships between members of staff send signals to children about accepted behaviour and respect in St. Joseph’s and we are careful to always foster considerate and supportive relationships.
Additional Needs
Children with additional needs are supported by their teacher and teaching assistant with back up from education authority specialist staff if required.
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Personal, Social and Health Education
Personal and Social development is central to the education of our children and permeates the whole of the curriculum. It is concerned with acquiring attitudes and values, knowledge and understanding, abilities and skills necessary for the development of self, the self in relation to others social responsibility and morality.
Extra-Curricula Activities
The extra-curricula activities of the school are an important, less formal, part of the learning that goes on in school.
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The school seeks to provide a full and varied programme of activities, particularly for the older pupils, consistent with the interests of the staff and the amount of time they can give to these voluntary pursuits. Many of these activities are sporting, including Football, Netball, Aerobics and Dance. We also have a French Club, Chess Club and an after school Computer Club.
We also offer Violin, Flute and Clarinet tuition from the Lancashire Music Service. We compete against other schools at football and swimming and have in recent years played in a National Chess Competition.
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