Key Stage 1 (5yrs to 7yrs) and Key Stage 2 (7yrs to 11yrs)

Our Infant pupils at Key Stage 1 and Junior pupils at Key Stage 2 are grouped chronologically and taught in combined or single age range classes depending on pupil numbers in each year group.

Our pupils with hearing impairment are taught primarily within the two specialist teaching areas and included with the mainstream peers for sessions which are appropriate to meet each individual child's needs. Some pupils are fully included with their mainstream peers by the time they reach Year 6.

We plan the delivery of the Core Subjects of Maths, English, Science and I.C.T. (Information Communication Technology) using agreed teaching strategies and Schemes of Work. A wide range of published teaching materials support our teaching in addition to teacher generated resources.

We place an emphasis on the development of Key Skills (Literacy, Numeracy, I.C.T and Co-operative Working) across the curriculum.

The whole school participates in work on an 'Environmental Theme' promoting recycling waste products and utilising the two beautiful nature reserves which we have created - Coed Grange Woodland Trail and The Pond. We achieved the Eco-School Bronze Award in 2006 and are working towards the Silver Award.
Our library which is open to teachers, pupils and parents houses a wealth of reference and fiction materials to suit all tastes.

The foundation subjects of Geography, History, and Art are taught using a thematic approach where appropriate or as discrete 'units' ensuring equality of access to the National Curriculum for all pupils. Subjects are taught in different ways depending on the nature of the subject content to be covered e.g., we teach History using a four year rolling programme which will ensure that all the Y3 to Y6 pupils study the theme at some point during the year at a level appropriate for their age. We teach some subjects using a two year alternating Scheme of Work ensuring that pupils in combined age range classes do not repeat work already covered. We teach some subjects by Year group. We employ 'team teaching' where appropriate.

At both Infant and Junior Levels we see 'Learning to Read' and 'Extending Reading Skills' as high priorities and therefore we would appreciate parental support in these areas on a regular basis.

Spelling is taught using the 'First Steps Approach' based on the individual identification of words to learn rather than class/group lists. Spelling patterns and strategies are taught to the whole class during teaching sessions and the children use 'Spelling Journals' to help them record words they need to learn engaging in games and activities which support the learning of spelling in an imaginative and enjoyable manner. The children work in pairs and groups engaging in short, carefully focussed tests to check progress. We recommend that the children learn to spell using the 'Look, Cover, Write, Check' method.

Sport/Physical Activities
" All pupils participate in weekly P.E. sessions exploring a wide range of physical activities in our spacious and well equipped hall with additional support for pupils with physical, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties to enable them to enjoy physical activities safely.
" Additional sessions of physical activities are provided for pupils in Early Years and Infant Classes to develop gross motor skills.
" Outdoor play sessions for younger pupils using the 'Adventure Play Area' provides further physical activity.
" All Junior pupils participate in team games sessions and they are able to enjoy after school football, rugby/cricket and netball/rounders activities often playing friendly inter-school matches.
" Our upper Junior children and hearing impaired pupils participate in weekly swimming sessions in The Wales National Pool at Swansea University during the Autumn and Spring Terms.
" Specialist tuition is provided in a variety of areas e.g. dance, drama, hockey, athletics, short tennis, dragon sports, etc.

Music - We provide the children with opportunities to develop their musical skills under the direction of Peripatetic Music Teachers. All pupils from Nursery to Year 6 have weekly sessions where they learn to use a range of non-tuned percussion instruments exploring rhythms, enjoying 'creative music' and vocal work. Recorders and more specialised instruments are introduced in the Junior Department.

Specialist Music Provision:
" all pupils in Y4 to Y6 learn to read formal musical notation and play the recorder
" the Specialist Teacher leads weekly sessions where emphasis is placed on the vocal aspect of music.
" opportunities are provided for children who wish to learn to play a more specialised musical instrument such as flute, clarinet, violin or cello.
" pupils with hearing impairment participate in all the above musical sessions and learn to play the melodica if appropriate

A number of musical events are organised every year where the children are given the opportunity to share their musical talents with their peers and parents using the wonderfully equipped stage in our spacious hall. Special celebrations take place at Harvest, St. David's Day and Easter. A whole school production is held in December and a range of class and special assemblies are organised throughout the year.

Curriculum Cymreig - Our school ensures that the children are provided with a wide variety of experiences which develop their knowledge and understanding of our Welsh Heritage and Language. Although we teach through the medium of English, the children are taught to speak and write Welsh as an additional language in all classes. We endeavour to use the medium of Welsh throughout the day where appropriate in order to support the development of bilingual skills. Our pupils with hearing impairment find this more difficult, but are provided with the opportunity to participate in and enjoy all whole school events and activities which have a 'Welsh element'.

Collective Worship and R.E. - We teach this subject in accordance with the 'Agreed Syllabus for R.E.' and provide the children with a daily collective act of worship where we share a wide range of stories, poems, discussion topics, pupil achievements, prayers and songs from a variety of sources including the Christian and other religions. Many of the stories used for assemblies are non-denominational and are designed to provide good advice and moral guidance for our pupils. We respect the right of parents to withdraw their child from this aspect of our curriculum and provide suitable alternative activities.

I.C.T. - We have a carefully planned I.C.T. Strategy which enables us to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of I.C.T., plan future hardware and software provision and make best use of our Internet connections to the World Wide Web. All classrooms have an interactive whiteboard and we lease our computers (all renewed every 3 years) to enable us to maintain high standards.
Our library area in the main foyer has a computer which is available for use by parents and pupils before and after school as well as during the lunchbreak.

Enrichment Experiences/Links with the Community and Industry - We foster links with companies in the locality benefiting from their sponsorship in addition to donations from charity organisations. We participate in Mumbles Community Council events and those organised by Mumbles Development Trust. We have firm links with the other schools in the area including several Secondary Schools chosen by our parents for Secondary education.

We make sure that we provide our children with the opportunity to work with Artists and Writers in our school and at local venues participating in joint projects with other local schools associated with 'The Arts'. We also have links with Swansea Institute and enjoy working with Art Students.

Educational visits to a wide range of venues are arranged for all classes each term linked to their curriculum areas of study providing excellent first hand experiences on which to build learning. Guests invited into the school enhance the delivery of the curriculum sharing their knowledge and expertise in a variety of ways. Our Community Police Officer provides us with carefully planned information sessions for all our pupils on Road Safety, Cycling Proficiency, Stranger Danger, Bullying and Drug Education (for older pupils). Representatives from a number of local religious organisations contribute to our daily assemblies. Drama groups are employed to work with the children and provide performances linked to the Personal and Social Education areas of study. There are many 'Friends of Grange' who contribute their expertise and time on a voluntary basis enriching the lives of the children at our school.