Teaching & learning
Early years
The Early Years consists of Nursey and Reception class. In the early years there is a topic based curriculum covering the 6 areas of learning: Personal and social (PSE); communictation, language and literacy; maths; knowledge and understanding; creative development and physical development. Learning tales place both in and outdoors and is a combination of focused teaching and structured play. In Reception there is guided reading and big writing and the RML phonics scheme is followed.
Middle phase
The Middle Phase includes Years 1, 2 and 3. As this phase spans both Key Stages 1 and 2, it is particularly important to create some unity between the year groups. Children attend a weekly assembly which cover important issues that are relevant to them locally or globally, as well as moral issues. They often receive “take-away activities” to do at home to follow-up the ideas covered. Often speakers come in from the local community too.
The middle phase covers an age range when it is important for children to develop their independence and maturity. Through years 1, 2 and 3 children are encouraged to take on more responsibility for their behaviour, their learning and being part of the school community.
Upper phase
The Upper Phase consists of Years 4, 5 and 6. The Upper Phase have weekly assemblies with their phase leader or with visiting speakers. Assemblies cover a range of topics which focus on moral issues or other national and international topical issues. In the run up to concerts during Christmas time and the spring term, the Upper Phase assemblies become lively singing rehearsals!
Children in the Upper Phase begin to assume whole school responsibilities. Many Upper Phase children have the opportunity to become a Bully Buster, a Stair Monitor or a Playground Friend. In the Upper Phase children have the chance to take on responsibilities and are encouraged to take on more nurturing roles throughout the school.
At the end of the Upper Phase, we like Duncombe children to feel prepared for life in their new secondary schools.
