The "Progress in Maths" (G.L. Assessment National Foundation for Educational Research) provides ongoing assessment in Mathematics for our 4-10 year olds. The assessments are administered in the Autumn and Summer term. These assessments shed light on aspects of understanding and use of specific mathematical skills and concepts. Namely knowing facts, using concepts, solving routine problems and reasoning.
The “Schonell” standardised assessments provide ongoing assessment in reading and spelling for our 5-10 year olds. From these results each individual’s reading and spelling age are attained. This is an English assessment designed for children with English as their first language. These assessments are also administered in the Autumn and Spring terms.
In the event of a child showing any difficulties in either reading or spelling (English as a foreign language) the school has a comprehensive support programme.
The information from both the Mathematics and Literacy assessments are used to enhance planning; highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. The results of both these assessments are reported on to parents.
Throughout the year Class Teachers carry out end of Topic Tests which indicate the general progress of children for overall teacher assessment and reporting.
Children are introduced to the use of computers from the outset in all classes, starting in the Foundation class. Each classroom is equipped with a multimedia P.C. which supports the children in their day to day learning. Wireless internet is available throughout the school. The school uses a vast variety of software for literacy and mathematics. The children also use the internet for research and support websites.
It is very important for all children to study Spanish, be it their main language or a foreign language. Time is allotted each day in order that pupils can develop confidence and learn to communicate through this medium.
Spanish nationals or those with a sufficient level of Spanish also have the option of following the parallel Spanish curriculum (Educación Primaria) from Year 2 up through the school to Year 5.
Music, Drama and Assemblies
All students participate in these events to develop their artistic abilities and contribute to exhibitions, concerts and school plays. All the age groups have two music sessions a week with the music teacher and learn to sing songs to the accompaniment of the school piano and other musical instruments. The school has a specific music scheme that it follows. Calpe School produces our own Christmas play at the local theatre. There is also an annual Carol Concert as well as an End of Term concert in the summer.
Assemblies are held every Friday and each class take turns at holding the assemblies. This encourages the children to speak in front of others. All these activities encourage and develop self confidence.
Children participate in physical education for two periods a week, during which they learn a variety of different skills e.g. football, hockey, basketball as well as balancing and hand to eye coordination.
In addition, children are allocated to one of four different house teams for Sports Day, which is held on the beach, in front of the school in June. The house with the most points is presented with the School Sports Cup and all participating children are given a medal.
Assessment is an important part of measuring children’s progress and their abilities so that the school can make sure the children are learning and all areas of strengths and weaknesses can be addressed.
The two main areas that are assessed are Mathematics and Literacy. The school has standardised testing from United Kingdom for these two areas.
