The National curriculum in primary schools is organised on the basis of two Key Stages which are as follows:
1) Key Stage 1 - 5 - 7 years
2) Key Stage 2 - 7- 11 years

The National Curriculum consists of ten subjects which all children must study in school. The subjects are:
English, Mathematics, Science, (known as the CORE SUBJECTS). Information & Communication Technology, Design Technology, Physical Education, History, Geography, Music, Art (known as the FOUNDATION SUBJECTS).
Religious Education, PHSE and Citizenship and French are also taught throughout the school.
It is our aim to ensure that the majority of our children attain at or above the average national level of attainment before they transfer to Secondary School.

CORE SUBJECTS

ENGLISH
The National Curriculum divides English into three main areas, Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing.
Through a structured programme of study it is intended that children will encounter a range of situations, audiences and activities which are designed to develop their confidence in speaking and listening irrespective of their initial ability or home language. They need to develop an ability to speak with confidence, clarity and fluency in appropriate forms of speech, in a variety of situations and for a variety of audiences.
We aim to enable pupils to read a range of different materials fluently and with understanding. All classes have access to a well-stocked library and resources area, where they can learn information retrieval strategies to support their studies.
We also aim to enable pupils to construct and convey meaning in written language, matching style to audience and purpose.
For the many pupils joining us with English as an additional language, we have a EMAS teacher who will work with them . The structured work is mainly language based and geared to the children's individual needs. The aim is to develop their comprehension and use of the English language.
Through a consistent, planned approach, with regular opportunities for assessment and target setting, we aim for every child to attain high standards in literacy.

HANDWRITING
Good handwriting is important both because well presented work shows that care and pride is taken in doing things well and because correctly formed letters help to develop good spelling. Cursive writing skills are taught as a whole school policy.
Children learn to express themselves in writing through reporting things that have happened to them, through descriptions and through their own original thoughts and feelings.

MATHEMATICS
Children are encouraged to explain their own mathematical thinking and realise that mathematics is a powerful and enriching means of communication.
Problem-solving and investigative activities are undertaken in order to develop logical thought and awareness of the uses of mathematics across the curriculum and within the environment.
A wide variety of mathematical resource books and challenging open-ended activities are used throughout the school.
Children cover the areas required by the National Curriculum: number, measures, shape and space and handling data.
Children are taught in sets when they reach Key Stage 2 (Juniors). At present, the more able pupils in Year 3 and Year 4 are taught together. In Year 5 and Year 6, pupils are taught mathematics together within their set.

SCIENCE
We seek to foster children's knowledge and skills that allow them to explore the science curriculum and to develop a full understanding as scientific thinkers. We provide opportunities throughout the school to:
1) plan, hypothesise and predict results
2) design and carry out investigations
3) interpret results and evaluate scientific thinking
4) communicate their findings clearly using appropriate scientific language
Each child will experience the following areas of science in their time at Tidemill.
1) scientific investigation
2) life and living processes
3) materials and their properties
4) physical processes

FOUNDATION SUBJECTS

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (I.C.T)
We aim to give every child the opportunity to become confident users of I.T. equipment for a variety of purposes.
For the children of today, familiarity with the use of the computer is vital as an aid to learning across the curriculum.
Our school is fortunate to be generously resourced with two computers in every class as well as a small ICT suite which is networked across the school.
We seek to use these constructively and to give all children 'hands on' experience as often as possible to develop their skills and confidence.
The PTA have spearheaded a fund-raising drive to purchase interactive white boards which will be in operation in September.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Everyone makes technological decisions every day, often without realising it. The basis of design technology, both at school and within society, is the response to human needs.
Our aim is to enable children to develop a wide range of transferable skills such as designing, measuring, predicting, recording and problem solving, as well as the manual skills exercised in making things. We also aim to encourage perseverance and co-operative team work.
Children are taught the skills necessary for using tools safely. This is stressed and demonstrated, and activities are closely supervised.

HISTORY
Our aim is to introduce pupils to an understanding of the past, and to help them to discover a sense of their own identity, which will prepare them for adult life.
Pupils begin by investigating personal and family history; moving on to study a variety of historical periods and cultures as they progress through the school.
We give our pupils the opportunity to investigate local history and learn about the past from a range of sources of information and visits to local museums and galleries.

GEOGRAPHY
Our aim is that pupils will be able to make sense of their surroundings and gain an appreciation of the variety of physical and human conditions on the earth. Many aspects of geography relate to the pupils' own lives and their immediate environment.
Pupils will broaden their geographical knowledge through the study of economically developing countries and other localities in the world along with their physical systems and cultural values.
We also have a school journey in the summer term for Year 6 children at Ullswater in the Lake District where an exciting, challenging and relevant educational programme is implemented for them within a safe, informal and relaxing rural setting.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.)
We aim to build on the children's natural ability and enthusiasm for movement through experimenting, refining and practising skills in a purposeful and planned way. We aim to foster a positive attitude towards a healthy lifestyle and use PE as a way of building self-esteem.
The children follow a programme which includes:
1) gymnastics
2) dance
3) games
4) swimming
5) athletics
6) orienteering
Pupils have the opportunity to learn to swim in Year 3+4 during the year at Wavelengths pool. A specialist P.E teacher takes most classes for lessons.

ART
We aim to develop in children the ability to observe and interpret the world through artistic expression. For most children art offers a satisfying means of expressing and communicating creative ideas and thought, and thereby contributing to the enrichment of the learning environment.
Art and craft work with the younger children is often the most important means of communication and as such highly valued. For the older children it is often the means of sustaining interest in a particular project. While creative ability is encouraged, the teaching of techniques is not neglected and this takes into consideration the developmental stages of individual children and groups.
We introduce the children to the work of other artists from different periods, cultures and traditions, helping them to recognise different methods and approaches and respond to them critically. Classes make regular visits to local art galleries and places of artistic interest.
Art displays around the school reflect the ongoing work within the classroom and the multi-cultural nature of our school. It is hoped that these would show the wide range of techniques and materials used throughout the school and add to its general ethos.

MUSIC
Our aim is to promote the enjoyment of music in all children in a way that develops their enthusiasm, imagination and skills and to teach them to listen and appreciate a variety of styles from around the world. We aim to strike a balance between listening and appreciating music and composing and performing music for themselves.
We are fortunate at Tidemill to have a part-time music teacher and two instrumental tutors providing tuition in a variety of instuments. The school has a choir, which recently took part in the major concert at Catford Theatre. Alongside weekly music lessons there are opportunities for listening to music and for singing during assemblies that are held each term.

OTHER SUBJECTS

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (R.E.)
The RE curriculum at Tidemill School aims to increase children's knowledge of all religions including Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
Through story, discussion, and assemblies children are given opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of world faiths.
The Education Act of 1944 gives parents the legal right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and worship.

SEX EDUCATION
The school has a whole-school sex education policy.
Children have sex education within the context of health education and the science curriculum. We give children an overview of how their bodies work and change as they grow up and how to form good relationships with others within the framework of traditional Christian values.
In Year 6, pupils are taught about human reproduction; parents are given the opportunity to discuss this beforehand with the class teacher.

PERSONAL, SOCIAL & HEALTH EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP
PSHE and Citizenship are taught throughout the school through either directed curriculum time or through other subjects, such as science, design and technology, English.

At Tidemill School we aim that our pupils:
1) stay healthy and safe
2) respect differences between people
3) form worthwhile and fulfilling relationships
4) learn to be independent, responsible and active members of a democratic society
5) make the most of their own and others' abilities.