Art and Technology encourages pupils to think creatively, make decisions, experiment and explore and to make discoveries of their own. Children learn about artists from around the world as well as a range of techniques and skills. They also have the opportunity to use different materials and tools to design and create their own products.

Pupils develop computational thinking and creativity through Computing and so it is taught both discretely and also within the Creative Curriculum. A combination of Computer Science and Digital Literacy helps pupils to become responsible and active participants in a digital world. Pupils develop confidence in using a range of technology independently, including:

• Personal computers
• iPads
• Laptops
• Programmable robots
• Lego
• 3D printer for design projects
• The internet

Pupils visit the Technozone every week and they have access to iPads which are used to enhance learning and creativity. Pupils from Year 5 upwards bring their own iPad to school for use in all areas of the curriculum, when appropriate.

Throughout Primary, pupils develop spoken word skills, fluency in reading a range of fiction and nonfiction, an enjoyment of literature including novels, plays, short stories and poetry, skills in research and using the library and the ability to write a variety of texts for different purposes and audiences.

Developing a love for reading is a priority for all of our pupils. Each classroom has a welcoming and inviting book corner and children are encouraged to read every day, whether it be their class reading book, novel, library book or an ebook.

Communication through talk is a key element of learning throughout the curriculum and pupils learn to articulate their ideas, thought processes and solutions with adults and peers. We are a ‘Talk for Writing’ school and engaging fiction and nonfiction texts are at the heart of this, providing pupils with inspirational material on which to base their own creative writing.

We aim to inspire pupils’ curiosity and fascination about the world and the people in it. Through the creative curriculum they learn about places, people, resources, natural and human environments, and also develop an understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.

The guidelines from the National Curriculum are used, although the topics studied at Caxton College are those relevant to our children, enabling them to gain a sound grasp of local and world history. Pupils research, take part in role play activities, go on day trips to local historical landmarks and receive visits from historical people! We aim not only to inform but also inspire their inquisitive minds.

Mathematics is taught separately from the creative curriculum, although mathematical skills are often an integral element of it. Our rigorous programme ensures that all pupils make rapid progress. Pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, developing conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.

Music classes are delivered by two specialist teachers. In the classroom, all pupils are taught the fundamentals of music and are introduced to a wide range of musical genres and instruments. The music department also teaches all pupils in Key Stage 2 to play a musical instrument. They also have the opportunity to become part of the Primary Choir which performs within and outside of school.

PE is taught by three specialist teachers, who strive to ensure all pupils experience and enjoy a wide range of physical activities and encourage them to have a healthy, active lifestyle. Activities take place indoors and outdoors, and also off site during their orienteering morning and golf trip.

We aim to make science an interesting and attractive subject and it is fully integrated into the creative curriculum. Pupils develop scientific language, knowledge and conceptual understanding through biology, chemistry and physics-based topics. We provide opportunities for pupils to develop their skills, creativity, knowledge and understanding of Science through a range of activities. They participate in first hand practical activities, visit the Secondary science labs and also develop their use of ICT through Science.

Our aim is for international pupils to attain competence in the Spanish language as a tool for communication that will help them to integrate more fully into new surroundings, a new culture and a new school.

The objectives for learning are:

• To understand and use Spanish as a tool for communication.
  
• To understand the Spanish culture and value this understanding as a tool for social integration.
  
• To enjoy the learning process and be curious about the language.

Methodology

Our methodology is based on communication, and deals with the child’s immediate surroundings and interests in order for the learning process to be as meaningful as possible. Learning is structured around topics and projects that can be easily adapted to the pupil’s level of language.

Children in Year 1 have five lessons per week taught by a specialist teacher. In Year 2, children have three lessons.

Through a variety of activities, the pupils develop and consolidate their reading and writing skills.

Children in Key Stage 2 have three Spanish lessons each week taught by a specialist teacher.

The principal objectives for improving communication skills are:

• To be able to express themselves by speaking confidently and with a varied vocabulary.
• To be able to express themselves in writing clearly, in a wide variety of styles and with appropriate grammar, spelling and vocabulary.
• To develop fluent reading and strong reading comprehension skills.

In Year 2, pupils have one class per week taught by a specialist teacher, in addition to the concepts that are integrated into the Spanish Language curriculum.

At this stage, the subject’s curriculum teaches children about the world around them, and also fosters a sense of belonging to a group, respect for others and an appreciation of all of the different elements that make up our local surroundings.

Children in Key Stage 2 have one class per week taught by a specialist teacher, in addition to the concepts that are integrated into the Spanish Language curriculum.

During this stage, the subject provides children with information about their environment and its history. The aim is for them to learn about their autonomous region and their country, with its geographical features, culture, origins and political and territorial organisation.

This subject contributes to the development of the whole child. Religious and moral education provides pupils with the tools to be conscious of their actions and abilities. Our aim is to promote our pupils’ love and respect for life through the teaching of Christian values.

Chapel Whilst respecting freedom of religion among all of our pupils, Caxton College has a Roman Catholic chapel that offers families the preparation required in order for their children to take the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation at school. The school’s chaplain, The Reverend Benjamín García, comes to school each week in order for any pupils who so wish to be able to have time for prayer and confession. Also, during the month of December, the chapel remains open in order to celebrate Christmas with the singing of carols. In the same way, during the month of May, anyone who wishes may come to pray and sing in honour of the Virgin Mary.

Our aim is for pupils of different nationalities to achieve a basic level of the Valencian language through a clearly communicative, practical and progressive approach, whilst respecting the pupils’ mother tongues.

• Know and use basic vocabulary learned during the year properly.
• Learn to respect and value the culture and history of Valencia.
• Learn about, appreciate and enjoy the customs and traditions of the Valencian people.

Methodology As with the rest of the subjects taught at school, the methodology is based on the Creative Curriculum. Each project will be organised around a central theme and pupils will reinforce their knowledge of the different basic skills (reading, writing and speaking) through enjoyable and inspiring activities.