Carousel

Computing

Computing at Akaal is a very important subject, owing to the fact that technology is used in almost every job. We prepare our children as best we can to use and understand a range of technology. Starting from Year 1, children are introduced to coding and using the web safely, progressing into the children being able to show what they have found both digitally and on paper, using a range of apps.

We are also very fortunate to have VR headsets, which can transport children to any location, including those in space. This is taught by Mr Hallam, someone who is knowledgeable and understands the need for good quality computing teaching, so that children will feel much more comfortable when using technology, opening up a range of potential careers in the future, such as web design, graphic design, programming, as well as the plethora of careers built around using the web and Office programmes.

Faith Studies

Faith Studies is taught from reception and continues through school all the way to Year 6. For all year groups, there is a dedicated slot where Faith Studies is taught, as well as it being entwined throughout the curriculum. Faith Studies is currently taught by one teacher who moves around the school. The Faith Studies curriculum has been tailored to meet the learning needs of our children and to provide them with opportunities to develop their thinking and understanding further. The curriculum stems from three overall headings, which are: believe, belong and behave, which covers a broad range of objectives.

A quarter of the carousel is RE, which covers the six main religions – Sikhi, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. There is also an assembly each week dedicated to teaching the value of the month through one of the religions. We teach RE in an exploratory way, covering three main areas of ‘believing’, ‘belonging, and ‘behaving’, and each topic starts with an overarching question. Examples of questions are – “Is God important to everyone?” (Year One), “Should people follow religious leaders and teachings?” (Year Two), “Can the arts help communicate religious beliefs?” (Year Three) and “Do sacred texts have to be ‘true’ to help people understand their religion?” (Year Four).

By teaching RE in this way, deeper thinking and respectful debate is encouraged, leading our children to be more accepting of others, whilst still being true to who they are and the beliefs that they choose to hold.

Spanish

Spanish is taught to all children in school from year one upwards. It is carefully planned to ensure a clear progression year on year. Children learn basic Spanish phrases and simple conversational language, they are given the opportunity to speak to their friends in Spanish to practice the correct pronunciation and practice responding to simple questions. Children are also given the opportunity to learn about Spanish culture and festivals through our lessons.

Personal Development

Personal Development is one of our carousel subjects, and one that will shape the future of the children’s lives by providing them with a broad range of skills to be used for the rest of their lives. These include areas such as “Health and Relationships”, “Keeping Ourselves Safe”, “First Aid”, “Personal Finance”, and “Home Economics”.

Within these topics, your children will learn all about different life skills. These include such skills as cooking basic foods such as pasta and baked beans, all the way up to planning and creating their own meals. They will also learn how to clean their homes, understand a how to manage money (including aspects such as how tax is collected and how a mortgage works), and keep ourselves healthy and whole by treating injuries.