Core Subjects

Instilling a love of literature and the thrill of ‘discovering’ new texts are central to the path of creating thoughtful readers and powerful young writers.

Thus, the celebrated annual event of Bede’s Book Week is not only a thrilling way to start our academic year but is also a springboard to inspiring a love of reading throughout the year. The weeklong festival of events includes visits and workshops from acclaimed authors as well as book-themed competitions that encourage creativity and originality. Our well-stocked library also plays a core role in promoting reading for pleasure and our librarian is on hand to recommend and inspire the children with the latest book titles.

Year 3

n Year 3, we consolidate and build on the literacy learning that has begun in Years 1 and 2. The Autumn Term focuses on transition and a shift away from teacher-led learning to more independent study. One of the studied texts, ‘Changes’ by Anthony Browne, helps the children to explore the idea that change, although perhaps different to our expectations, can be viewed positively.

Classic fiction and poetry inspire creative writing and performance in the Autumn Term. Children use ‘The Twits’ by Roald Dahl to explore character and enjoy transforming dialogue into performance by writing and presenting a play script. Children also learn the techniques and features of non-fiction writing including writing instructions and explanations.

Year 3’s topic travels to Kenya in the Autumn Term, with further skills in storywriting and diary-writing developed and inspired by ‘Akimbo and the Elephants’ by McCall Smith. Children design travel brochures and use the scenic landscapes and wildlife reserves to inspire writing poetry using powerful imagery.

In the Spring Term, Year 3 focuses on the Romans with ‘Escape from Pompeii’ being a springboard to writing a news report of an unfolding event using commentary and detail. In the Summer term, children focus on the Anglo Saxons, and ‘Beowulf’ becomes a central text to the topic of Myths and Monsters. Children are inspired by the epic fighting and defeating of the monster, Grendel, and there are myriad opportunities to write creatively and persuasively including filming lively and dramatic book reviews which both engage and enrich learning

Year 4

In the Autumn Term, Year 4 research sea creatures and publish information texts for display. With a focus on Grace Darling, they use headings and subheadings to write a news report. Children explore different forms of poetry and use the beautifully lyrical ‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield as a model to create their own verses.

After half-term, creative writing is inspired by reading classic fiction, such as Stig of the Dump by Clive King. Children explore narrative order and write an episode, prequel or alternative ending. Of course, the many themes in the books which raise social, moral or cultural issues are used as stimulus for writing non-fiction.

After Christmas, the Americas topic is woven through the curriculum. Children read Incan legends in Guided Reading sessions whilst creative and non-fiction writing is inspired by Katherine Rundell’s The Explorer set in the biodiverse Amazon rainforest.

In the Summer Term, children delve into Greek myths, researching Greek gods and goddesses, tracing character transformations and main themes such as the triumph of good over evil. The class create their own mythical creature which will feature in their own version of a Greek myth

Year 5

In the Autumn Term of Year 5, children explore story openings and respond to ‘The Iron Man’ by Ted Hughes. With such rhythmic writing and a lyrical style, they begin to analyse how successful writers engage and maintain the interest of the reader through the use of a variety of literary devices. The children use this knowledge to write an alternative opening using their own characters by imitating the style of the author.

Communicating ideas in cohesive and appealing ways are core to English and, after the October half term, children investigate an engaging current issue such as food waste to produce a persuasive speech with the end goal of using digital media to film their work. They extend their understanding of narrative poetry by exploring literary classics such as ‘The Jabberwocky’ by Lewis Carroll or the Listeners by Walter de la Mare and write an additional verse.

After Christmas, children explore classic fiction such as Carrie’s War by Nina Bawden, by writing and talking about them analytically and imaginatively. They build skills in writing effective explanatory texts which are formally assessed. Finally, in the Summer Term , children explore belonging and diversity through ‘Windrush Child’ by Benjamin Zephaniah. They study transcripts from Windrush to build context, create settings and write a letter in the role of a character

Year 6

At the start of Year 6, the children begin their journey into more serious literary study, learning how to annotate texts using supporting quotations. In the Autumn Term, they explore books from other cultures and traditions such as Oranges in No Man’s Land by Elizabeth Laird, creating settings and writing an episode to include a different cultural viewpoint. They also use the core text as a springboard for persuasive writing.

During the Spring Term, in collaboration with the Geography department, pupils research, write and record news reports on plastic pollution. They use digital media to record and present their reports. Later in the term, poetry becomes a focus as children explore form, tone and language techniques through listening, reading and performing a range of diverse poetry linked by a common theme. Children create an anthology of poetry inspired by the poems studied on the theme of seasons and are invited to perform poetry by heart in a national competition.

In the Summer term, children read exciting and rich contemporary literature such as ‘October, October’ by the Carnegie prize winner, Katya Balen. They explore the main features of characterisation, including empathy with the main character, using discussions and debates about the choices the main character makes. They zoom in on imagery, powerful and figurative language before creating character, settings and atmosphere using literary techniques. Finally, they analyse the effectiveness of the ending of the novel and write an epilogue.

At Bede’s Prep, our commitment to mathematics education ensures that pupils in Years 3 to 6 develop a deep understanding and appreciation of mathematical concepts.

We aim to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment where every student is encouraged to explore, question, and excel in their mathematical journey.

At Bede’s Prep, our approach to teaching mathematics from Years 3 to 6 is designed to build upon the solid foundations established in earlier years, guiding pupils towards becoming confident and skilled mathematicians. As pupils progress through these years, they are encouraged to explore mathematical concepts in greater depth, apply their knowledge to a wide range of problems, and develop resilience in tackling increasingly complex challenges. Our curriculum is structured to ensure that pupils not only acquire essential mathematical skills but also develop a deep understanding of the subject, preparing them for the demands of secondary education.

Year 3

In Year 3, pupils begin to transition from the concrete, hands-on experiences of Key Stage 1 to more abstract mathematical thinking. The focus is on developing fluency with numbers up to 1,000, including secure understanding of place value. Pupils learn to use formal written methods for addition and subtraction and are introduced to multiplication and division with an emphasis on the 3, 4, and 8 times tables. Fractions are also a key focus, with students learning to recognize, compare, and work with simple fractions.

Geometry lessons introduce right angles, basic properties of shapes, and the concept of symmetry. Measurement work continues with a focus on length, mass, capacity, and telling the time. Pupils are encouraged to apply their learning in practical contexts, helping them to see the relevance of mathematics in everyday life

Year 4

As pupils move into Year 4, the curriculum builds on the skills developed in Year 3, with a strong emphasis on multiplication and division. Pupils work with numbers up to 10,000, developing their ability to perform calculations using formal written methods. Mastery of multiplication tables up to 12x12 is a key objective, enabling pupils to tackle more complex arithmetic problems confidently.

The study of fractions deepens, with pupils learning about equivalent fractions and beginning to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator. Geometry lessons cover the properties of shapes, including symmetry and angles, and introduce coordinates on a grid. Measurement topics include converting between different units, solving problems related to time, and exploring the concepts of area and perimeter

Year 5

In Year 5, pupils’ mathematical understanding is expanded further, with work on numbers up to 1,000,000. The curriculum emphasises fluency in all four operations, both mentally and through formal written methods. Pupils are introduced to the relationship between fractions, decimals, and percentages, learning to convert between them and solve related problems.

Geometry lessons include the classification of angles and the calculation of area and perimeter for composite shapes. Pupils continue to develop their understanding of coordinates, working with the first quadrant. Measurement topics cover more complex units and problems, including those involving volume and capacity, reinforcing pupils’ analytical and problem-solving skills

Year 6

Year 6 is a crucial year as it prepares pupils for the transition to secondary education. Pupils work with numbers up to 10,000,000, ensuring a strong grasp of place value and arithmetic operations. Algebra is introduced, giving pupils the opportunity to explore patterns, sequences, and simple equations. The curriculum also consolidates understanding of fractions, decimals, and percentages, with pupils solving a wide range of problems involving these concepts.

In geometry, pupils study the properties of circles, calculate angles within shapes, and work with coordinates across all four quadrants. The introduction of ratio and proportion is another key aspect of Year 6, providing pupils with the skills to tackle more advanced mathematical problems. Measurement work includes solving complex problems involving area, perimeter, and volume, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for the challenges of secondary school mathematics.

Although separate topics have been mentioned above, mathematics is an interconnected subject and no topic is taught in isolation. The pupils are supported and encouraged to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas in order to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and have competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. Children will engage in periodic assessments to evaluate their grasp of the material and will receive advance notice to allow time for reflection and revision of the recently completed unit. Additionally, these updates will be posted on Google Classroom to keep parents informed.

The children are taught in three well equipped laboratories supported by a science technician.

In Year 3 & 4, where the children are taught predominantly by their class teacher, they come into the laboratories for practical sessions. When the children move into Years 5 and 6 science is taught by specialist science teachers. Using a child centred approach to learning we aim to stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment in this subject.

Children love to explore their environment, both the natural one and that created by man. The unique location of Bede’s, at the foot of the South Downs and on the beach, provides ideal opportunities for practical investigations of the natural world. Science extends that intuitive sense of enquiry by encouraging them to predict, measure and explain their observations. At all stages, emphasis is placed on the development of the key scientific skills: observing, hypothesising, predicting, investigating, recording and interpreting.

Year 3

Pupils in Year 3 take fortnightly trips to our local beach, as part of “Bede’s on the Beach”. This is a fantastic learning opportunity for the children, providing them with the opportunity to identify seasonal changes and discuss how the different weathers affect the beach-front. When the tide is out, the children are given the opportunity to explore life in the rock pools and gain a first-hand experience of different sea creatures and their habitats.

Year 4

In the Autumn the Year 4 science curriculum begins by building upon the children’s knowledge of the animal kingdom. They gain a deeper understanding of the animal groups, including vertebrates and invertebrates and use classification keys to identify their unique features. This information is then applied to animal diets, digestion, and teeth focusing on the difference in animals’ teeth compared to humans. This is followed by identifying how sounds are made, finding patterns between the pitch of a sound and the features of the object that produced it, between the volume of a sound and the strength of the vibrations. Children learn how to construct simple series electrical circuits, identifying and naming its basic parts, including cells, wires, bulbs, switches and buzzers. This is then applied to a real-life setting, for example lighting up a lighthouse.

Year 5

In Year 5 we start the academic year by looking at properties of materials including hardness and strength flexibility and magnetic behaviour. They then study reversible changes and changes of state. Later we look at different types of forces and how they are measured.

Year 6

The Year 6 science curriculum starts with the topic of electricity. This provides excellent opportunities for practical investigations of conductors and insulators by making switches that push, turn and slide from cardboard, split pins and paper clips. The children make models of faces with two eyes lighting up and thereby discover some of the difference between series and parallel circuits. In the study of humans and other animals pupils learn about the structure of the heart and lungs and the effect of exercise on the pulse rate. The opportunity to examine animal hearts and lungs up close, is always exciting! As part of the British Heart Foundation’s initiative to provide emergency life support training in the community, Bede’s Prep also enjoys an annual visit from ‘Heartstart’ which teaches life saving skills, including how to put unconscious patients into the recovery position, using manikins and CPR techniques.