Darkley P.S has fully embraced the introduction of the Revised Curriculum which stresses the importance of developing Literacy and Numeracy skills whilst recognising that an emphasis on personal, social & emotional development is crucial for our young learners. Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities are also developed throughout all of the six revised Learning Areas, namely: 

Through training and subsequent detailed planning, teachers in Darkley P.S ensure that children are provided with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding through a range of worthwhile, challenging, relevant and enjoyable learning experiences. Annually our school sets out detailed plans to support the curriculum and assessment. Assessment is an integral part of the learning and teaching cycle in Darkley P.S. 

Children are regularly assessed using a variety of tools and the outcomes inform the best steps forward for your child. If your child is identified as experiencing difficulties with any aspect of the curriculum, you will be informed and may be asked to attend meetings whereby targets can be set to plot the way ahead and so forge a partnership for improvement. 

Reading

At Darkley P.S we recognise that a love for reading is a gateway to countless other opportunities. 

We ensure that children have extensive opportunities to read by providing access to a wealth of quality reading materials. The books within the school are updated on a termly basis to suit the topics being covered. 

Regularly listening and reading to your child and talking about what they have read from an early age will undoubtedly support and develop your child’s literacy skills. 

Each year the school holds a Book Fair to coincide with World Book Day in March. 

Homework

It is school policy to ensure that regular homework is part and parcel of the learning routine. Homework may not always be of the written variety, as in keeping with the Revised Curriculum it could take the form of, for example, a challenge of making or creating; an interview or a piece of research. Generally homework will be given each night, with no written homework at the weekends or holidays. Pupils who fail to complete their homework or bring their reading book to school will be required to stay in at breaktime and or lunchtime as needed. Please encourage your child to keep their books neat and tidy. 

Homework Guide 

The time allocated to homework varies throughout the year and so the following times are to be read as a general guide and are by no means prescriptive. 

Promoting Positive Behaviour 

We recognise the importance of a positive approach to children’s in our school. We consider the best way to encourage good standards of behaviour is by establishing a clear and consistent code of conduct backed by a combination of rewards and sanctions. Our code of conduct is based on six ‘Golden Rules’: