Kestrel Manor School follows the British National Curriculum in both the Primary and Secondary sections.
We are fortunate that we can do this in a multicultural environment. We have the facilities to allow children experience a wide range of activities and are therefore able to find out what they like doing and what they are good at. We also want them to
proceed through school with an inquiring mind and the attitude that education is fun. We believe that our children will be acquainted with, and tolerant of, the ways and beliefs of others. Every opportunity is provided for our students to develop good work
habits and study skills.
The British National Curriculum enables pupils to respond positively to the many challenges and responsibilities facing them. It prepares pupils for the next steps in their education, training and employment. It prepares them to participate in activities
outside school, including leisure.
To be able to understand the intricacies of the British National Curriculum it is necessary to know some of the terminology:
Key Stages
The British National Curriculum deals with the age range 5 -16, which is divided into 4 keys:
| Key Stage |
Age |
Years |
| 1 |
5 - 7 |
Year 1 to 2 |
| 2 |
7 - 11 |
Years 3 to 7 |
| 3 |
11 - 14 |
Years 8 to 9 |
| 4 |
14 - 16 |
Years 10 to 11 |
| Not covered: 16 + |
Kestrel Manor School offers key stages 1 - 4. Students in key stage 4 will be studying for IGCSE examinations.
The subjects to choose from are listed here, with English, Mathematics
and Science being the core (click on the links to read more about that subject):
English
 English is the language of the future, the language of the computer. It is the most important tool that a child will ever need, no matter what career he/she chooses. Kestrel Manor School provides
opportunities for the development of children's language through reading, writing, speaking and listening. In Key stages pupil learn to speak confidently and listen to what others have to say. They begin to read and write independently and with enthusiasm.
They use language to explore their own experiences and imaginary words. In Key stage 2 pupils learn to change the way they speak and write to suit different situations, purposes and audiences. They read a range of texts and respond to different layers of
meaning in them. They explore the use of language in literacy and non-literacy texts and learn how language works.
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Mathematics
 Mathematics equips pupils with a uniquely powerful set of tools to understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, problem solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways.
In Key stage 1 pupils learn to count, read, write and order numbers to 100 and beyond. They develop a range of mental calculation skills and use these confidently in different settings. They learn about shape and space through practical activity, which builds
on their understanding of their immediate environment. They begin to grasp mathematical language, using it to talk about their methods and explain their reasoning when solving problems. In Key stage 2 pupils use the number system more confidently moving from
counting reliably to calculating fluently with all four number operations.
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Science
In science pupils observe, explore and ask questions about living things, materials and phenomena. They begin to work together to collect evidence to help them answer questions and to link this to simple scientific ideas. They learn to make their own
conclusions and resource books for more information. They share their ideas and communicate them using scientific language, drawings, charts and tables. These skills are further enhanced in Key stage 2 of the curriculum.
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Science lessons can be fun! |
|
History
 History is about people, about understanding where we are, who we are and about what's next. Pupils learn about people's lives and lifestyles. In Key stage 1 pupils find out about significant men,
women, children and events from the past. They listen and respond to stories from the past. They learn how the past is different from the present. In Key stage 2 pupils look at history in a variety of ways for example political, social, religious, cultural or
aesthetic perspectives. They also learn that the past can be represented and interpreted in different ways.
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Geography
 In both Key stages 1 and 2 pupils learn about the environment in which they live and about the wider world. They learn to explain, investigate and write about the pattern of the various activities both
natural and man-made in our world. They will be taught to develop and use geography vocabulary for example temperature, transport and industry, fieldwork techniques for example a rain gauge and instruments such as a camera and atlases, globes and maps.
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French
 The goals of French teaching at Kestrel Manor School are to give the pupils an introduction to another major world language, especially as the school has a number of children from other countries,
including some who speak French. They learn how to understand and communicate, starting with greetings, and basic questions and answers about themselves, their families, their homes and their school. They can use different adjectives and can eventually
describe what they do where, when, how and why. They can say what they like and dislike.
Initial drawings with labels are followed with sentences using the new vocabulary. There are also tapes which help with their pronunciation and encourage learning through songs as well.
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Art & Design
In both Key stages 1 and 2 pupils develop their creativity and imagination by exploring the visual, tactile and sensory qualities of materials and processes. They learn about the role of art, craft and design in their environment. They begin to understand
colours, shape and use them to represent their ideas and feelings.
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Art can be serious business... |
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Our small orchestra |
Music & Drama
Pupils have the opportunity to listen and respond physically to a wide range of music. They play musical instruments and sing a variety of songs from memory. They are taught to read music and play the recorder. They also have the opportunity to
learn to play the piano and the guitar. All children learn to perform on stage for parents and visitors during their Assemblies and at various functions like the Cultural Day and the Annual Musical Concert.
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Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE)
PSHE and citizenship help to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy and independent lives and become informed, active and responsible and tolerant citizens. Learning about each other's faiths and customs
helps Kestrel Manor School celebrate their cultural diversity.
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Physical Education & Swimming
Physical Education
Physical education is concerned with the development of gross motor skills, movement competence and learning through movement. It helps young people grow in physical skills, self-confidence and self-worth. they learn about themselves, their capabilities,
their potential and their limitations. Knowledge skills and understanding are taught through dance activities, games activities and gymnastic activities. Older pupils take part in athletic activities which call forprecision,speed, power or stamina. |
Our 'budding' football team |
All children take part in swimming |
Swimming and Water Safety
All children take part in swimming lessons. Pupils are taught to pace themselves in floating and swimming challenges related tospeed, distance and personal survival. They are taught to swim over a distance of at least 25m. They are also taught to use
recognised arm and leg actions and lying on their front and back. In addition, pupils are taught recognised strokes and personal survival skills. |
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Information Communication Technology
In the computer room
Pupils explore ICT and learn to use it confidently and with purpose to achieve specific outcomes. They begin to develop their ideas and record their creative work. They become aware with hardware and software. They also learn to use a wider range of ICT
tools and information sources to support their work in other subjects.
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Kiswahili
Kiswahili, which is the National Language of Kenya, is recognized throughout the world. In East Africa generally it is widely used as a medium of communication. Throughout a large area of Eastern and Central Africa, Kiswahili is understood and
used by people who have business in different countries of this region, as it is the lingua franca, especially among traders. It is an extremely important and useful language to know. Just as in English, learning Kiswahili is divided into three parts,
that is: grammar (Lugha), composition (Insha) and literature (Fasihi).
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