Subjects
English
General Overview
English at our school aims to create an inclusive and positive learning environment via collaborative learning. We aim to promote independence and confidence through reading a variety of texts, literacy based tasks and spoken language. We utilise whole school initiatives including the accelerated reader programme to develop vocabulary, focus and imagination.
Key Stage 2
During Key Stage 2 English, the emphasis is on the development of a positive student approach towards core English competencies; Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We ensure that our teaching of the national curriculum is both creative and engaging to enable students to make the necessary subject progress and develop a sound foundation in English, which in turn underpins their learning and time at Insights.
Science
General Overview
Science lessons aim to promote enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the curriculum. We have an established history of promoting and rethinking scientific literacy which help students to achieve their target grades. Unfamiliar vocabularies are emphasised on to further support their scientific literacy. The lessons are designed to include practical and educational trips relating to Chemistry, Physics and Biology.
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 2 Science focuses closely on the participation in practical Science activity and the development of individual student scientific thinking and analyses. This is achieved through encouraging relevant scientific questioning and then discovering how to answer those questions through experiments, tests, observations, and discussions.
Maths
General Overview
Mathematics lessons are aimed to develop students’ knowledge, skills and understanding of methods and concepts. The mathematics curriculum is divided into five subject areas – Number; Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change; Algebra; Statistics & Probability; Geometry & Measures. These are taught and revised over the key stages to provide greater variety and mental stimuli for our students. We also put emphasis on the Functional Skills element of mathematics to improve on the confidence of those students who joined us with little interest in mathematics. We do this by incorporating mathematical games, real-life examples of how maths is used and kinaesthetic materials.
Key Stage 2
During Key Stage 2 Mathematics, the emphasis is to ensure that our students develop confidence and mental fluency with whole numbers, counting numbers and place value.
Primary
General Overview
The primary curriculum follows the National Curriculum with an emphasis on engaging delivery to and social development of students. A safe and stimulating learning environment has been cultivated where core subjects, PSHE, Citizenship, Geography, History, Religious Studies, Physical Education, Music, Art and Enrichment lessons are taught. Alongside the educational focus there is also an emphasis within Key Stage 2 on the necessary personal and social development for students so they have a foundation for learning as they move into the higher key stages.
PE
General Overview
The underlying principles of our approach in PE are to help students develop an understanding of the benefits of maintaining balanced, active and healthy lifestyle as well as the opportunities and pathways for participation in physical activity. This is achieved through a rich culture of practical sports activities, theoretical lessons, and whole school initiatives.
Key Stage 2
During Key Stage 2 students continue to develop the fundamental movement skills and learn to apply and develop a broader range of skills. They learn how to use these skills in different ways and learn to link them to actions and sequences of movement. They learn how to communicate, collaborate and compete.
Pupils also learn to play competitive games that are modified where appropriate to apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending. Students take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and part of a team. They also compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to reach their personal best. Sports have included, swimming, badminton, health related fitness, football, boxing and team building games. They have also been taught about healthy active lifestyle and why physical activity is good for their health and well-being.
Art and Design
General Overview
Art and design at Insights focuses on providing students with visual, tactile and other sensory experiences to develop creativity and awareness of how ideas and meanings can be communicated through Art. Within all age groups the development of confidence, competence, relevant skills and importantly imagination in Art underlie the planning and delivery of the national curriculum and GCSE classes.
Key Stage 2
As part of Key Stage 2, Art students are encouraged to develop their own artistic voice, style and imagination in lessons. Alongside being taught drawing, painting, textile, photography and new media techniques students look at Art from various time periods and different cultures.
Music and Music Technology
General Overview
Music lessons at our school involve teaching through practical activities and playing instruments. Students develop their individual as well as group music skills through various performance and practice activities. There is also a strong use of Music Technology facilities within the department allowing students to become proficient using Music software and learning the art of audio engineering and music production.
Key Stage 2
During Key Stage 2 Music, the main emphasis is on play and development of students’ musical awareness. This is done through drama and music games as well as accessing different instruments including percussion, recorders and keyboards.
Alternative Learning, Enrichment and Work Experience
Alternative Learning and Enrichment
The Alternative learning & Enrichment programmes enable students to experience a range of activities that enrich and enhance their learning. This holistic approach to learning enables our students to achieve and excel both academically and socially as well as developing their individual talents and interests.
The Alternative Learning and Enrichment programme is carefully designed to challenge and stretch students by providing new opportunities that broaden their horizons, increase their range of skills, enabling them to reach their full potential.
Key Stage 2
Within the younger key stages, the focus is on development of personal and inter-personal skills through activities. This has been achieved through, fishing, orienteering, water sports, team building sessions, Martial Arts, Nature and other outdoor pursuits.
