Curriculum
Reading is given a high priority. Children follow The Ruth Miskin, Read Write Inc. course as they take the first steps in learning to read. Children then move on to the Oxford Tree Reading Scheme and beyond. From Reception to Year 2 all children read to a member of OVS staff at least three times per week. In most schools, children will read to an adult once a week. We think this is unsatisfactory! All children keep a daily diary of their school and “at home” reading until the point that they are confident, independent readers. We would expect a confident independent reader in Year 2 to have achieved a reading age of 10+, three years ahead of their chronological age. For the children who need additional reading support they will continue to read to an adult for as long as necessary, throughout their time at OVS. A rewards system for reading operates across the school. Children receive certificates and prizes on an ascending scale as their reading develops. We want reading to become an integral part of a child’s life so that they develop a lifelong love of reading.
The core subjects of Mathematics, Science and English are given a high priority. Achieving recognition for learning all their times tables is recognised at assembly when they pass the test to receive their times tables badge. Other awards incentivise the children such as milestone awards for reading or winning the Bronze, Silver or Gold and platinum Geography badges.
Children have specialist lessons in French, Humanities, Games and Music, alongside the other subjects, as part of our broad and excellent curriculum. Children are taught to stand up and present in public regularly, so whether they are naturally introvert or extrovert, all children gain an inner confidence and learn how to be good communicators.
The children continue to enjoy outdoor learning as a significant part of their curriculum. Exploring in nature is a fantastic way of supporting their confidence, resilience and risk taking abilities.
A busy, engaged and enthused child is a happy child. This is why we have developed an excellent co-curricular programme of exciting Clubs and Activities taking place before school, during break times and after school.
Extra Curricular Activities
Children enjoy the opportunities offered through our termly extra-curricular programme. Nursery and Reception children enjoy a variety of clubs before school, at break times and after school.
Clubs change regularly and have included: Dance, Soccerstars, Gardening & Bushcraft, Karate, Junior Sports, Tennis, Mini-Tag Rugby, Drama, as well as Musical Theatre, Pet Club, Yoga Bugs, Chess, Ukulele, Homework Club and singing in House Choirs.
Transition through OVS
The combination of educational data and our personal knowledge and understanding of each child in our care, ensures a solid foundation for smooth transition throughout the Old Vicarage School.
At each transition at OVS there is a gradual transition to the next stage of their education. Class Teachers in Key Stage 1 link with the Early Years teachers to ensure a full transition takes place. This is one of the most significant where the focus of education moved from Child lead to teacher led activities.
Pupils in Reception will spend time with their new teachers during transition mornings to help them prepare for Year 1. There are many aspects of the curriculum which form a natural link from Early Years learning styles, offering children many creative opportunities to learn both in and outside the classroom.
Every child’s progress is carefully tracked and monitored through the Tapestry online learning journal. Each parent has an individual login and can contribute to their child’s learning as well as monitor their progress remotely. We have extended the Tapestry system all the way to Year 6 resulting in every child having an online record of their progress throughout their OVS career.
The children have a personalised ongoing tracking document called The Rainbow Tracker. This charts their progress throughout their time at OVS, containing data from their standardised scores collected at regular intervals through their school years.
