We work, we share, we pray, we care
In accordance with relevant legislation and guidance from the Secretary of State for Education, the Local Authority, the Diocesan Religious advisers, and the Governing Body, we aim to ensure a balanced and broadly based curriculum which:
Every maintained school must have a daily act of collective worship and each must provide a curriculum which includes religious education and the National Curriculum, consisting of core and foundation subjects.
Through the curriculum offered at Bishop Parker Catholic School we set out to develop the skills and attitudes, which are acceptable in our society and to help each child become a responsible and valued member of society.
The school has a clearly defined Mission Statement which supports the aims that follow this paragraph. It is through these aims and the Mission Statement that the distinctive nature of the Catholic school is realised. In part this is realised from the religious education programme and worship but also, in part, from the life of the school and its members and the values that are promoted and should therefore be found in every aspect of the curriculum and activities that are pursued in the school.
Almost all of what is taught is prescribed by the National Curriculum (NC). There are 12 subjects. Each subject and each key stage has a programme of study which sets out what pupils should be taught
Mathematics (Numeracy) | Music |
Science | Geography |
Geography | English (Literacy) |
Technology | History |
Italian (MFL) | P.E. |
Art | Personal, Social & Health Education |
Citizenship | Computing |
Religious Education also has to be taught and is an essential element of this schoolʼs curriculum.
We have a happy and industrious school and set out to promote a caring community based on mutual respect and tolerance. We foster habits of self-control and self-discipline based on Christian principles.
Here at Bishop Parker we use the Read Write Inc phonics programme. If you would like more information it can be found on the link below.
Overall the main purpose of education at this level is to develop the basic skills of reading, writing, listening, thinking and talking, so that the children are able to communicate with confidence and pleasure.
We are lucky to have a specialist teacher of German in Bishop Parker. At present, each class group is taught between 30 minutes and 1 hour of German each week.
Key Stage 2 - 25 hrs, 50 minutes per week
Key Stage 1 - 24 hrs, 35 minutes per week
Copies of the school documentation are kept in the school office.
It is important that your child sees there is co-operation between home and school. If you have a problem that is likely to affect your child in school please contact your child's class teacher. Should you have any general queries please phone the school and you will be directed to someone who can give you an answer.
Parents frequently help in the school with small groups, for cookery and craft activities. Help is also sought for school trips and related ventures. One of those ventures would be sports activities, when help is needed to take children to venues. If you feel you can help don't wait to be asked, please volunteer. Please note that all people working with or helping children need to have DBS clearance. Forms are available from the office.
Throughout the year several social events are arranged, some of them fund raising. Please support these events. Funds raised are used to provide equipment and facilities for the children to use or benefit from in many ways. The Bishop Parker Friends' Association meets regularly and supports the school as a community. Its objectives are enshrined in a constitution. An Annual General Meeting is held each year at which a committee is elected.
The children are given the opportunity to take part in football, hockey, netball, basketball, athletics and other competitive games out of school time. Other extra curricular activities include singing, school council, karate, gardening, dancing, Rainbows, Italian. Parents are asked to encourage and support the children in these out-of-school activities and help us to develop a sense of commitment and loyalty, which is important as training for life.
You can view your child's curriculum for each half term on their class page under curriculum.