Laude The Lady Elizabeth School

What is the National Curriculum?

State Schools in England must teach a range of subjects according to targets set by the National Curriculum. This was established in 1989 to ensure the same standards of teaching and learning across the nation. Therefore, as a British School in Spain we follow the same guidelines and use the same guidance as the State Schools in England.

• Which subjects should be taught:  Literacy, Mathematics, Science, ICT, MFL (Modern Foreign Language – Spanish), History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Music and Physical Education. In addition we also offer Drama as a designated lesson and Spanish is also taught as a first language to native (and advanced) speakers. Where needed, English as a Foreign Language is also taught to our non-English students.
• The knowledge, skills and understanding your child should achieve in each subject (according to your child’s age).
• Targets - so teachers can measure how well your child is doing in each subject.

The Primary Curriculum is taught within 2 main Key stages:

• The first is Key Stage 1 – which relates to Years 1 and 2
• The second Is Key Stage 2 – which relates to Years 3, 4, 5 and 6

Our School also includes the Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS).

At The Lady Elizabeth Junior School we also work hard to enrich the curriculum in as many varied and creative ways as possible. We pride ourselves in giving our children the opportunities to experience and develop beyond the basic requirements set by The National Curriculum.

Many of our curriculum areas form the basis of the trips we take the children on – giving them opportunities to ‘see’ the subject in the real world; for example a trip to the L’Oceanografico supports the Science curriculum, whilst trips to the local farms and coastlines enrich the teaching of Geography. History trips include those to the chocolate factories whilst studying The Aztecs.

Our History curriculum is further supplemented by the inclusion of themed-based days: Victorian Day (to allow Year 6 to experience ‘life’ in a Victorian School), Greek Day (to allow Year 3 the chance to experience the Olympics) and a whole school History Day where the children experience History from eras different to those studied in the classroom.

The Music Department add to the enrichment of the curriculum by offering instrumental lessons, choir and a junior band. Regular musical events are performed by the children which include, Musical Mornings and Choir performances. Musicians from the local area are invited to perform on a regular basis and the children truly enjoy listening to some first class entertainment.

Our curriculum also encourages the children to consider and support those less fortunate than themselves with many additional events taking place. Team spirit is developed by the House System and many charitable initiatives are organised to help to raise money for local charities and those further afield.

National Days, such as ‘El día de la Paz’, Constitution Day etc are acknowledged within the Spanish Department, encouraging the whole school body to embrace the country we live in.

Our members of staff are well qualified and enthusiastic and support is given to children with certain learning difficulties.