The school curriculum comprises all learning and other experiences that St Michael's plans for its pupils in each phase of education. Teaching and Learning at St. Michael's is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales supplemented by material from the various cultures represented in the school. The national curriculum is an important element of this Whole School Curriculum. It sets out the requirements to be taught in each subject, at each key stage. Subjects studied include all aspects of the English Language- including Library Skills, Mathematics, Science, Information Communication Technology (using computers), Geography, History, Music, Art, Religious Education, Japanese, French language and Physical Education. Educational visits and swimming instruction are important additional features. Basic Numeracy and Literacy programmes are started in Pre-School and, during this stage and throughout the early Primary classes, much attention is given to the acquisition of basic concepts which will form the building blocks of a firm academic foundation to facilitate more advanced work in the Upper Primary classes. All Literacy is based around the National Literacy Strategy and all Mathematics is based around the National Numeracy Strategy .

    Assessment is an important part of the curriculum and provides information to teachers, parents and pupils about how a child is progressing at school. At St. Michael's we keep records on every child including the results of any national tests taken. These results help to provide a written report to parents each year.

    The foundation stage is a stage of education for children aged three to the end of reception year. Early learning goals provide six areas of learning that lay a secure basis for children's future learning and much of the early years curriculum is based around these Early Learning Goals.

For typical examples of work at different levels, visit the following web site. Exemplification.

For information regarding lesson structure and teaching strategies,
visit the St. Michael's Parent Information link

AGE OF STUDENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2006 ENROLMENT
Class	Age	Date of Birth - Between	US System
Nursery	3-4	Sept 2002-August 2003	Pre-K A
Reception	4-5	Sept 2001-August 2002	Kindergarten A
Year 1	5-6	Sept 2000-August 2001	Kindergarten B
Year 2	6-7	Sept 1999-August 2000	Grade 1
Year 3	7-8	Sept 1998-August 1999	Grade 2
Year 4	8-9	Sept 1997-August 1998	Grade 3
Year 5	9-10	Sept 1996-August 1997	Grade 4
Year 6	10-11	Sept 1995-August 1996	Grade 5