The National Curriculum states that foundation subjects are: 

Art and Design, Citizenship, Computing and IT, Design and Technology, Languages, Geography, History, Music and P.E.  At Potton Primary School, this also includes Religious Education (RE) and Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE)

They differ to the core subjects of: English, Maths, and Science which are explored in further detail. 

Even though foundation subjects are not explored as thoroughly, they are still important because they introduce students to a wide variety of skills and knowledge. Foundation subjects also give a taster to students on what they enjoy and excel at doing to give them a clear idea on what to progress further in their education. 

How are Foundation Subjects taught? 

Art and Design

This foundation subject is a great way to encourage creativity in the classroom. Students will experiment and learn how to draw, paint, sculpt and explore other art and craft techniques. For Art and Design, we follow the Kapow curriculum.

Computing

An essential skill that students need to learn is I.T. (Information Technology), in order to participate in a rapidly changing world.  This foundation subject will teach students concepts such as: algorithm, simple programming, reasoning, sequence and selection in a way that engages young students. For computing, we follow the Teach Computing curriculum. 

Design and Technology

Students are given the opportunity to engage in practical problems and develop their skills, knowledge and confidence in designing and creating functional products. For Desing & Technology, we follow the Kapow Curriculum.

Languages - French

Schools are free to choose which second language they teach their students and it can range from: French, German or Spanish. Children are introduced to a different language through songs and games and then begin to develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. At Potton Primary School, children learn French from Year 3 upwards and we follow the Language Angels Scheme. 

Geography

Geography is an important foundation subject as it sparks interest and fascination for children about the world around them. Students learn about the world through: comparing locations, investigating, writing and talking about places.  For Geography, we follow the Kapow Curriculum.

History

Engage your class in History lessons by teaching them important and iconic historical events. Students should develop knowledge of where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework. For History, we follow the Kapow Curriculum. 

Music

Music is a great foundation subject for allowing students to express themselves using their voices. They can experiment by combining sounds using instruments and inter-related dimensions of music. For Music, we follow the Kapow Curriculum.

Physical Education

Students will master their balance, agility and coordination by participating in team games and sports, such as: football, cricket and basketball. It is also essential that swimming and water safety are taught in KS1 and KS2 so children can confidently swim a distance of at least 25 metres. At Potton Primary School, children have swimming lessons in Year 5. For PE, we follow the PE Hub Curriculum.

PSHE

PSHE stands for Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education.

As a subject, PSHE aims to provide children with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves happy, healthy and safe, as well as to prepare them for life and work. PSHE aims to give children the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy and independent lives.

Navigating our complex world can be challenging, and parents and teachers play an essential role in preparing children for the future. As such, PSHE aims to equip pupils to:

• Take individual responsibility for their physical and mental wellbeing;
• understand the risks of drugs and alcohol and how to stay safe online;
• develop resilience, independence and responsibility;
• develop the personal and social skills required to succeed in commerce and industry;
• identify misleading information and be critical of misleading news or views they might encounter.

Since September 2020, it is a statutory requirement for primary schools to provide the Relationships Education and Health Education aspects of PSHE education, and for secondary schools to provide Relationships, Sex and Health Education. This content makes up the majority of PSHE education, though schools are also encouraged to cover non-statutory content relating to economic wellbeing and careers. In primary education, citizenship is a non-statutory subject. There is a curriculum framework for citizenship which should be used to plan citizenship provision in key stages 1 and 2. For PSHE, we follow the Jigsaw Curriculum.

Religious Education

Religious Education (RE) is a subject taught at Potton Primary School, that aims to develop children's understanding of the world's religions. Through religious education, children will learn about different religions and their traditions, practices and beliefs. Religious education also promotes children's tolerance and mutual respect in a diverse society. Our RE teaching is inclusive for all pupils, however, it is acknowledged that parents/carers do have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of the RE curriculum. Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss this with the headteacher if they are considering withdrawing their child from RE. For RE, we follow the agreed syllabus for Central Bedfordshire.