The Curriculum
During their time at Burys Court, children will be taught the full range of National Curriculum subjects. Great importance is attached to the teaching of English and the Phono-Graphix system produces early and competent readers. Maths and Science syllabi include much practical work so that children develop a real understanding of the subjects. Since the school is located in a beautiful rural setting with a range of habitats on our doorstep, we pay particular attention to studying our local environment, emphasising the importance of conservation and ecology.
Whilst our core curriculum covers all the subjects of the National Curriculum, we ensure that the needs of children entered for Public School Common Entrance examinations are met.
Computers are an integral part of most children's lives and we aim to broaden their horizons. Children are taught to use software to design a variety of projects which are constructed in the purpose built Design Technology workshop. Full use is made of Microsoft Word and in particular PowerPoint, to produce evaluation reports. In summary, pupils design, make and evaluate. Children responded positively to this approach, learning to think with their fingers and to develop practical pre-engineering skills.
It is recognised that learning to touch type is a vital skill that will equip pupils for the future. Children learn touch typing from the age of seven and those at Moon Hall College will be entered for the OCR Entry Level Certificate in ICT, and the Entry Level Certificate in Text Processing.
Teachers from other disciplines also make full use of computer room to deliver the ICT aspect of their subject.
In addition to timetabled music lessons, every child learns an instrument. From the age of 7, children learn and practise the recorder. They then learn either the violin or clarinet, in small group sessions, for two years. After that, they can continue with individual lessons from visiting teachers if they choose: many children do and go on to take the Royal School of Music exams. Regular practice takes place at school. Opportunities are given for them to perform in assemblies, the Christmas Production and the Annual Instrumentalists' Concert.
This wide-ranging curriculum is backed up with visits to places of interest, which bring topics to life, enhancing the children's understanding and enriching their knowledge.
Skills for Life
All pupils are taught study skills and memory techniques. These enable them to adopt strategies for learning, particularly relevant when it comes to public examinations.
In the 10 years that Moon Hall Schools Educational Trust has been entering pupils for the OCR typing examinations, pupils have achieved 100% distinctions in the Initial Text Processing examination.
In their Report of November 2006 Ofsted commented:
"The curriculum makes good provision for pupils' academic, physical and personal development. It is broad and balanced and provides a secure framework which enables pupils to make progress."
