ONYX

Key Stage 2 (Age 7 - 11)

In Key Stage Two the children extend their learning through a broad and balanced curriculum. Emphasis is given to the necessary life skills of Literacy and Numeracy. They also experience a wide range of subjects which encourage understanding of the diverse world we live in through considering their own place in the world, recognising their own responsibilities and rights, and those of others.

Literacy
In studying Literacy the children develop their skills in reading, writing and speaking and listening. This enables them to express themselves imaginatively and creatively and to communicate with others effectively. We encourage the children to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama as well as all other forms of text such as non-fiction, media text and instructional writing. By exposing the children to the full range of text they are able to communicate to different audiences using the appropriate form.

Literacy is divided into the following three strands:

Reading
In Key Stage Two the children are encouraged to read a range of text using their knowledge of words, sentences and texts. They increase their ability to read challenging and longer texts independently, reflecting on the meaning of text and it’s uses.

Writing
In Key Stage Two the children develop their understanding that writing is essential to both thinking and learning. They investigate the range of genre and understand that meaning can be expressed in many ways for a range of audiences. They are encouraged to plan, draft and edit their writing to reflect their developing vocabulary choices.

Speaking and Listening
In Key Stage Two the children learn to change the way they speak for a range of audiences, situations and purposes. They learn how to respond to others appropriately making appropriate vocabulary choices.

Mathematics
Mathematics equips the children with the tools for logical reasoning, problem-solving and the ability to think in abstract ways. Mathematics is a vital skill in the childrens’ everyday life both today and in the future. By using their developing mathematical and thinking skills the children are encouraged to discover solutions to the everyday problems encountered in the wider world.

Numeracy is divided into the following four strands:


Using and Applying
The children learn that mathematics can be used across the curriculum and they use their knowledge to problem solve in Numeracy and other subjects such as Science and Geography. They recognise the need for standard units of measurement and use a range of mathematical equipment, including ICT to support their learning. The children understand that there is a need to decide when the use of a calculator is appropriate.

Number
In Key Stage Two the children use the number system more confidently. They understand and use the four number operations, often tackling problems using mental before written methods. The children use a wider range of mathematical language to explain their reasoning. They are beginning to investigate alternatives methods of solving and presenting problems.

Shape, Space and Measures
In Key Stage One the children learn about Shape, Space and Measure through practical activities building on their experiences in their immediate environment. They investigate the properties of shapes using mathematical vocabulary to explain their findings. In Key Stage Two the children explore features of Shape, Space and Measure in a range of contexts, using charts and diagrams to show their reasoning. They use a wider range of mathematical language to describe and present their findings. The children recognise right angles and the properties of angles through 360°.

Handling Data
The strand of Handling Data is not explicitly taught in Key Stage One. However, the children are introduced to some basic skills such as categorising and sorting objects and abstract items such as colour and presenting their findings in basic charts.

In Key Stage Two the children learn to identify the necessary data to solve a problem. They decide how to organise and present their findings using the appropriate vocabulary as well as retrieving data from secondary sources. The children develop an understanding of probability and discuss events using the terms ‘fair’, ‘unfair‘, ‘equally’, ‘likely’ and ‘certain’. They investigate averages, using the terms mode, median and mean.

Science
We believe that Science should excite and stimulate childrens’ curiosity about the world around them. The children are encouraged to investigate and analyse phenomena and events around them and consider their impact on the world today.

Science is divided into the following four strands:

Scientific Enquiry
In Key Stage Two the children make predictions and learn the importance of collecting evidence to prove or disprove their predictions. They recognise the need for fair-testing and understand the effects of changing one or more factors of an experiment. They use a wider method of presenting their findings including ICT.

Life Processes and Living Things
In Key Stage Two the children are taught that humans share life processes with other living things, including plants. They are able to make links between animals and their habitats. They understand the major internal organs of a human and their functions. The children consider the effects of good nutrition and health care and consider comparisons in other livings things such as plants. They extend their learning of habitats to consider the effects of environmental change on the life forms found there. They learn that some micro-organisms are beneficial and some are not.

Materials and their Properties
In Key Stage Two the children investigate the thermal, conductivity, permeability and appearance of materials. They investigate the differences between solids, liquids and gases and their properties. The children learn about the water cycle and the processes of change that water goes through. They understand that some changes are reversible and some are not.

Physical Processes
In Key Stage Two the children build circuits incorporating motors, switches and bulbs. They investigate how the strength of the battery affects the brightness of the bulb or the speed of the motor. They use basic symbols to represent a circuit. The children extend their learning on movement to include air resistance and gravitational pull. They learn about light and sound through investigating shadow, reflection and volume. 

ICT
ICT is used across the curriculum to support the childrens’ learning. The children learn to present, edit, store and share material. They experience the use of digital cameras, video and scanners. The children are taught how to use the Internet appropriately and to consider when ICT will benefit their investigation and final presentation of work.

History
The children learn about local, European and International history. They find out about why some things change and some things stay the same. They are encouraged to consider political, social, religious and economical viewpoints. The children study the historical impact that some of the major cultures and civilisations have had on our world, such as the Ancient Greeks, the Ancient Egyptians, the Romans, the Vikings, the Tudors, the Victorians and Britain Since 1948 and how their way of life, beliefs and achievements still impact on our world today. 

Geography
The children learn about the physical and human features in the wider world. They consider the ways people and the environment affect each other; including the effects of human development on the landscape and eco-structure. The children learn to use maps, atlases, photographs and compasses to support their learning.

PSHE
The strands of PSHE are taught as a subject as well as being an integral part of school and daily life. The children learn about their responsibilities in society and the school environment both to themselves and others. They develop the confidence and responsibility to make the most of their abilities. They are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and use these experiences to develop themselves personally and socially, enabling themselves to make appropriate decisions when faced with moral, social, health and cultural decisions. 

Sex Education
Children within both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two will learn about basic reproduction through their Science lessons. However, in Year 6, lessons become more focused on how our bodies change so that pupils have an understanding of puberty.

Music
Music is delivered as a practical and creative subject which stimulates the childrens’ imagination. It develops their ability to express personal feelings and thoughts. The children are encouraged to perform and compose, individually and as part of a group, both through singing and playing instruments. The music elements of pitch, duration, timbre, texture, dynamics and structure are investigated by the children.

Religious Education
The children are encouraged to recognise that we live in a diverse, mulitcultural world. They study the six main religions of the world, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism, Islam and Buddhism. The children consider the similarities and differences between the religions as well as comparing their own beliefs and way of life with that of others.

We are giving the children the opportunity to learn about religions through:

• Exploring and finding out about important features of Christianity and other religions, for example, beliefs, ideas, music, symbols, people, events, books, places, activities and stories.

• Being able to recognise similar features in different religions.

• Recognising that taking part in religious and spiritual activities is important to many people, for example weddings and christenings.

• Expressing ideas, personal thoughts, views and feelings and asking questions.

• Understanding about right and wrong and fair and unfair in appropriate situations.

• Recognising the values in relationships, for example trust and loyalty.

• Recognising that others may have different views, beliefs and practices.

It is important that everyone is encouraged to learn more about the characteristics of, and people associated with, religions as well as understanding the diversity of the world we all live in.

Art
The children are encouraged to express themselves through the medium of art. They develop an awareness of colour, pattern and shape by using a wide range of media such as paint, clay, wood, card and materials. The children learn about famous artists and their forms of artwork, looking at sculptures, paintings, engravings and murals.

The children learn the necessary skills for making familiar products and objects. They investigate how things work and why they have been developed. The children learn the range of practical skills, such as cutting, gluing, joining, fixing, strengthening and mixing, required to produce quality and useable items. They design and make their own products for specific audiences using a range of materials such as food, textiles, wood, card and paper. Many of their designs involve the use of electrical and mechanical mechanisms. They consider all aspects of producing a design including packaging.

Drama
Drama is taught by The Helen O’Grady Academy to all children in the Primary Department. Drama teaches the children self-confidence. Twice a year all pupils participate in a stage production which parents and carers are invited to attend.

Sport
The children develop many personal skills through sports such as confidence, co-operation, tolerance, teamwork, self-discipline and perseverance. They learn how their bodies work and the benefits of a healthy life style. They are taught to understand the body’s need to prepare for exercise and rest. The children take part in a range of activities including swimming, running, team games, dance, gymnastics, field games and athletics. Each year all children participate in our school sports day. Pupils are divided into house teams and a trophy is presented to the winning team. Individual certificates are given to pupils who win, but also for sportsmanship, team participation, excellent progress throughout the year etc.

Spanish Studies
At Mar Azul International School we teach Spanish to all children as part of the school curriculum. We believe that the earlier a child is exposed to an additional language, the faster the acquisition of that language takes place. Children learn to develop communication and literacy skills that lay the foundation for future language learning. They develop linguistic competence, extend their knowledge of how language works and explore differences and similarities between the Spanish and English languages.

The learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for the children; extending their knowledge of countries, cultures, people and communities. Learning an additional language raises the childrens’ awareness of the multilingual and multicultural world they live in.The programme of study for Spanish is applied throughout all year groups. This allows for lessons to be delivered at the appropriate level for gifted linguists and those requiring more support regardless of their age group. 

The programme of study is based on the guidance material in the QCA Scheme of Work for Modern Foreign Languages (MFL). This has been adapted to meet the unique needs of our children and school. 

The Spanish programme is divided into three parts, Literacy (Lengua), History (Historia), and Geography and Science (Conocimiento del Medio). The children develop skills in reading, writing and speaking and listening.