FAQ | Round Diamond Primary School

Maths Faculty

How can I access MyMaths for home learning?

The school has its own log in and password for MyMaths. This was issued to your child by their class teacher. For individual home learning, the children have a password and username to access tasks set. Please ensure that you go to the website www.MyMaths.co.uk as there are a number of other versions worldwide that will not accept the log in details.

Any further support, please speak to your child’s maths teacher.

How can I support my children at home with maths learning?

The termly Maths Fluency Facts assist you with helping your child at home and informing you of the skills that need to be learnt and secured. My Maths home learning can be revisited and there are a number of activities and games that you can play with your child to assist with their maths learning.

Can I find out the methods my child is being taught in maths?

The school has a calculation policy, which sets out the expectations and methods taught throughout the school. The policy segments each year group to allow you to find the appropriate expectations for your child. This is located in the curriculum area of the website.

How are children assessed in maths?

What are the home learning expectations for my child?

In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, all children are set weekly My Maths home learning to complete online. They also have home learning books in which to work on their maths fluency skills. Termly, we send out Maths Fluency Facts to assist you with helping your child at home, these can also be found on the school website.

How is maths taught in school?

A typical 60 minute lesson in Years 1 to 6 will be structured like this:

Maths fluency sessions daily in addition to lessons to practise fluency facts, over learning of number facts and putting learnt skills into different contexts.
Oral learning and mental calculation (about 5 to 10 minutes) whole-class learning to rehearse, sharpen and develop mental and oral skills.
The main teaching activity (about 30 to 40 minutes) teaching input and differentiated pupil activities – work as a whole class, in groups, in pairs or as individuals.
A plenary (about 10 to 15 minutes) working as a whole class to address misconceptions and identify progress. Also to be used to summarise key facts and to make links to other learning as well as giving the children the opportunity to self-evaluate their learning. Mini-plenaries may be used throughout a lesson to revisit, consolidate and share next steps in learning.

English Faculty FAQ

Reading

How do I access Bug Club?

You access Bug Club at www.activelearnprimary.co.uk using your child’s log in which they will have been given by their class teacher. The school code is HKQG.

What do I do if I have no books/incorrect books?

Please speak to your child’s class/setting teacher and they will update them.

What does my child’s colour band mean?

Information regarding book bands and progression can be found at https://www.rounddiamondprimary.net/subject-information/

When will my child move to the next colour band?

At Round Diamond we use a ‘miscue system’ to identify when a child is ready to progress to the next book band. The miscue focuses on both word reading and comprehension. In order to make the best progress your child should be reading at 95% accuracy.

Writing

What is All-Write?

All-write is an opportunity for children in years 1-6 (reception in the summer term) to write about an experience which has been provided by the school. This often forms part of our cross-curricular days. The writing is used to help inform teacher assessment and moderation. These are carried out termly.

How is handwriting taught?

Handwriting is taught in all year groups across the school. Teaching is supported by the PenPals for handwriting scheme. Teachers deliver handwriting lessons at least 3 x per week. Modelling of letter formation and joins is accompanied by fine and gross motor skill activities. Further guidance can be found at https://www.rounddiamondprimary.net/curriculum-guidance/

When will my child start to use a handwriting pen?

Children use handwriting pens from Year Four.

What is SPaG?

SPaG is short for spelling, punctuation and grammar. At Round Diamond it is taught in both isolation and as part of English lessons. Every teaching space has a grammar wall so that the children receive a consistent approach.

How many of lessons of PE per week?

Your child will receive 2hrs of PE teaching per week.

What will my child learn in PE?

At Round Diamond we provide the children with sporting activities that develop basic skills of balance and co-ordination (KS1) To gain more competence in sport using skills such as aiming, kicking striking and throwing (kS2) Personal fitness, co-operate and competitive skills, as well as we value sporting opportunities of both a competitive and non-competitive nature. We provide a varied curriculum across the whole school, which includes an element of theory within P.E.

How will my child be supported in PE?

We have three members of the Round Diamond P.E. Team: Mr Stephenson, Mr Wickens and Miss Parry (Sports Apprentice).

Our team deliver enhanced PE lessons and provide outstanding teaching and learning opportunities. Within our County Review (March ’16), it was stated that ‘The activities which teachers plan maximise lesson time and make every second of learning count.’ ‘Flexibility of teaching groupings allows pupils to take control of their own learning and be prepared to challenge themselves.’

The P.E. Team has a flexible approach to setting in KS2; this can be based on ability, confidence, interest and gender. This approach allows for differentiation for less able pupil and challenge for more able pupils to take place. Our PE lessons are communication friendly and inclusive, the staff use visuals to support all pupils to access the lesson and make progress. If your child requires additional support in PE, they may be chosen for our “more active” club, or receive input/advice from Stevenage Sporting futures.

Weather Conditions:

Here at Round Diamond School we have the luxury of an all-weather surface which helps provides us to run Physical Educational lessons in all conditions safely. Outside kit is required to be worn by all Pupils.

How will I find out how my child is progressing in PE?

Information will be shared about PE attainment and progress in the annual report in July.

How can I find out about sporting events/clubs?

This information is on our newsletter, website and Facebook pages. Round Diamond P.E team can assure all parents that as soon as final details have been confirmed to us by opposing Schools letters are given to the relevant Pupils. All Children are given the option to sign up to our wide range of sporting clubs termly, offered on a first come, first served basis. Free of charge.

RE/PSHE

What is covered in the RE/PSHE curriculum?

PSHE is adapted to the needs and age of the children but the majority of PSHE learning is based around three core areas: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World.

In RE, there are two attainment targets which set the broad objectives of all RE teaching: Learning about RE and Learning through RE.

This learning is based around 6 key areas:

Beliefs and teaching
Religious practices and lifestyles
Human identity, personality and experience
Ways of expressing meaning
Questions of meaning and purpose
Values and commitments.

How will I know what my child is learning in RE/PSHE?

Curriculum overviews are available on the website and are updated termly.

If I want to speak to a member of staff about the curriculum/learning, who do I contact?

Please speak to the Class Teacher in the first instance and they can direct you to a member of the faculty (Mrs Evans – Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, Mrs Dring - RE lead, Mrs Cottle - PSHE lead, Mr Stevenson - PE lead).

Computing

What equipment do the children use in their Computing lessons?

Every child from Year 1 to Year 6 has a timetabled computing lesson where they have access to laptop computers to help them with their Computer skills. There are also a set of iPads, a set of iPad Minis and a set of iPods that are available to be used. Available for use with the laptops are a mouse, so that children still get to develop these skills. In each classroom there a selection of desktop PC’s. In the Early years, there is a timetabled slot for the iPad trolleys to be used for their computing sessions. There are also class based iPads for use throughout the day. Extra equipment that is used consists of Flip Cams and Bee Bots for creating short videos and controlling devices.

Are children assessed in Computing?

All children in Years 1 to 6 are assessed once a term in Computing at the end of a unit of work. This will be reported at the end of the year in their school report where you will be informed whether they are working below, at or above age related expectations. In the Early Years their Computing learning goes towards their assessment in the Understanding the World section.

Where is any learning the children produce in computing?

Children have an individual log on for the school server which provides an area where they can save their learning not just from computing lessons, but for whenever they use technology for their learning across the curriculum. This is sometimes printed off and displayed in their subject books, or if they would like, take it home. The rest is stored on their network area.

Science

What areas of Science are taught at Round Diamond?

Throughout the school, all three subject areas (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) are taught. This can be through discreet science lessons or part of an IPC topic. The school also takes part in British Science week where we focus on Science through investigations which create awe and wonder.

How is Science covered in the Early Years?

Science is covered within 'Understanding the World' of the EYFS curriculum. As a school we also encourage the Children to explore e.g. the outside nature area has stimuli in place to provoke discussion around science.

How is Science assessed at School? Do Children do Science SATs?

Science is teacher assessed across the school. The school use the Herts Assessment Framework to aid this. In year 6, some schools are selected to take part in a Science SATs test, however, the results of these are not shared with the school and are used for data purposes only.

Modern Foreign Languages

What modern foreign languages are taught at RDS?

At Round Diamond we teach French throughout Key Stage 2. This enables our pupils to be well prepared for secondary school as the majority of secondary schools in Stevenage teach French within their MFL curriculum.

How is French delivered at RDS?

French may be delivered to your child by their class teacher or by a covering teacher during the class teacher's Planning, Preparation and Assessment time. All French is taught by qualified teachers and is timetabled within the teaching week. In addition the children have further opportunities to access French through cross-curricular learning, for example, the children learn to sing French songs during their Music learning.

Which scheme of work do you follow?

At RDS French is delivered via a programme called Language Angels. Language Angels provides powerpoints, songs, interactive games and differentiated learning across a wide range of topics and is used throughout KS2. Language Angels is fully curriculum compliant and allows teachers to choose topics that complement learning in other areas such as topic.

Music

How is music taught at RDS?

Music is team taught by music specialists alongside class teachers from Nursery to Year 6. All of the children receive a weekly music lesson. In addition the children in KS1 and KS2 attend a weekly singing assembly where they learn a range of songs both modern and traditional and from a range of cultures. The children learn to sing French songs in order to make cross-curricular links with their learning in MFL and allow them to practise their French.

What additional musical opportunities are provided?

Throughout their time at Round Diamond School children are encouraged to take part in a wide range of musical activities. In addition to their timetabled music lesson and singing assembly the children learn to play the recorder in Year 3, the steel pans in Year 4 and the cornet in Year 5. These sessions are led by musical professionals and the teachers learn alongside their class. There is also a school choir who meet after school for one evening each week.

It is also possible for children to receive private tuition for various instruments, such as the keyboard, within school time.

When will I see my child perform?

Here at Round Diamond we are keen to allow the children opportunities to perform. Throughout the school year parents are invited to our Harvest and Christmas assemblies which highlight the songs learnt by the children in singing assembly. In the summer term we run an event called 'Proms in the Playground' where families are invited to join us after school and enjoy a performance of singing and the playing of instruments by the children. Throughout the year there are opportunities for the choir to perform at various venues and Year 6 perform a musical as their final concert at the end of the summer term.

International Primary Curriculum

How are the non-core subjects taught at RDS?

At Round Diamond School we teach 'Topic' lessons in the afternoons. These sessions allow us to combine learning in Art, DT, History and Geography whilst exploring a larger theme. Topics may last for a half-term or a full term depending on the content to be covered and cover a wide range of subjects from 'Holidays' to 'The Stone Age'. Across the years and keystages these topics allow each of the subjects to be taught in greater depth and support the development of the childrens' skills. In addition each teacher has a focus on including topic themed learning within the English and Maths that they deliver, allowing the children yet further cross-curricular learning opportunities.

Which programme of study do you follow?

At RDS we follow the International Primary Curriculum which is fully compliant with the National Curriculum for each of the subjects covered. The IPC topics provide differentiated learning ideas which the teachers adapt. This allows teachers to both meet the needs of the children and help them meet their full potential whilst allowing room to follow the interests of the children and encourage their love of learning.

How will I know what my child is learning in topic?

Each term you will receive information on the topic that your child will be covering from their class teacher. There is an opportunity each term for families to visit their children for a 'Topic Afternoon' within the school day. This typically allows parents and carers a chance to complete some topic themed activities with their children as well as watch presentations or performances prepared by the class. In addition, time is provided for parents to look at learning within their child's Learning Journey and children are able to show their families their learning displayed on topic boards throughout the school.

As part of out home-learning an optional family learning project is provided on a termly basis based on the topic theme for the term that allows families to explore the topic in greater depth if they should choose to do so.

Every term each class completes a class or year group Learning Journey for each topic that they cover. These journals include learning, photographs and pupil voice about the learning they have completed. Once finished these Learning Journeys are stored centrally in the school foyer for children and adults to enjoy. Please do feel free to stop by and look at our Learning Journeys, we are very proud of all that the children have achieved in their topic lessons.