Reading

At Old Catton Junior School we follow the National Curriculum and the ’Read Write Inc’ scheme is used to teach reading to some of our children. Children are taught the key skills of reading through group phonics sessions, whole class shared reading, small group guided reading and through paired or individual reading.

Physical Education

Physical education at Old Catton is valued by all. It contributes to overall achievement and develops social and moral skills. Our aim is that every child develops physical literacy, is physically active and enjoys taking part in some form of physical activity. We develop an awareness of health and the advantages of physical fitness.

The school takes part in many competitions organised by local leagues, local associations and the School Sports Partnership. We pride ourselves in being successful in many sports rather than coming first in one and in order to sustain this level and variety of competition funding will be allocated to update our school mini bus. Additionally all pupils compete for their houses in a variety of activities, learning to lose as well as win.

All pupils have 2 hours of physical education teaching within the weekly curriculum. Amongst our staff we have specialist physical education teachers and those who have extended their knowledge through in-service training. Recent Government funding has enabled further professional development to be undertaken, this has been disseminated to all staff. The funding has supported the employment of specialist staff to ensure that the teaching of physical education is rigorous, in quality and quantity.

After school activities include football, tag-rugby, athletics and dance, offered to pupils free of charge. We now offer lunchtime clubs in tag-rugby and korfball as well as cross country running. Once a week, a Sports Coach is available at lunchtime to encourage less active pupils to join in some form of exercise.

In order that learners self-evaluate and recognise excellence we have bought equipment which allows performance to be videoed and instantly displayed on whiteboards.

By using funding in this way we have endeavoured to embed the outstanding practice already evident at Old Catton and ensure that high quality physical education at Old Catton is sustainable.