Curriculum

During their time at Checkendon School, children achieve well, and standards reached on leaving are good.

Although the National Curriculum and the New Primary Strategy form the basis of the curriculum at Checkendon, we believe that there is much more to learning than this and so our curriculum is designed to contribute to the development of the whole child.

Much of the mathematics and English is taught in the mornings but there are also opportunities immediately after lunch for pupils to take part in guided reading activities, and support and challenge programmes. Geography, history, science, ICT, art and design technology, religious education, PE and music are often taught as part of themed projects. French is first introduced in Key Stage 1, with a more formal French curriculum in Key Stage 2. The school has the added advantage of a specialist music teacher for Key Stage 2, and with our school hall, playground and field, there are plenty of opportunities for a wide range of PE activities during the week. Swimming takes place at a nearby indoor pool.

Physical, Social, Health and Cultural Education (PSHCE) and Citizenship are important and are covered weekly, in dedicated lessons, and in special days and visits. Each class has a number of off site visits every year, and Rhino Class pupils have the opportunity to spend a week undertaking outdoor adventurous activities at Woodlands Centre, in Wales.

Each term the school has days dedicated to a PE topic, such as golf, orienteering, and a PSHCE or Citizenship topic, such as financial capabilityor healthy lifestyles.

The school has a large number of extra-curricular activities, including lunch time judo, violin lessons and mathematics club, and after school there is multi-sports, choir, football and art & craft.

The school has Healthy School and Eco-Silver Awards.