Nursery

Welcome

Everything we do, is designed to create a school where your child will flourish: academically, socially and personally. We believe in a curriculum which goes beyond the content of the national offer to enrich their learning, widen their experiences and strengthen their character.

The way we do this is to plan meaningful opportunities for the children to apply their learning in different contexts both in and out of school.

48 Things to do at Mead - Nursery

This is the start of their ‘experience entitlement’ that will serve to enrich their learning at Mead and provide opportunities to develop a stronger SMSC understanding

1. Taste new foods
2. To use a Parachute
3. To meet a Meerkat
4. To toast a hotcross bun
5. To build a sandcastle
6. Bake gingerbread men

Curriculum Enrichment
Cookery – exploring vegetables and fruit 
Art workshop - colours
Animal Visits
People who help us - Fireman, PC Wayne, Lollipop Lady
Freshwater theatre company- story hunt
Theatre Visit

Reading Challenges
Focus Authors
Judith Kerr and Mick Inkpen

75 Books to Read @ Mead
Each Peach Pear Plum
The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters
Dear Zoo
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Where’s Spot

Reading Rewards
10 books - Bronze
25 books - bookmark
50 books - Silver & £5 voucher
75 books - Pupil chooses a book
100 books - Gold & Trophy
125 books - £10 voucher
150 books - Platinum & Trophy
200 books - Box set

Reception

Welcome

Everything we do, is designed to create a school where your child will flourish: academically, socially and personally. We believe in a curriculum which goes beyond the content of the national offer to enrich their learning, widen their experiences and strengthen their character.

The way we do this is to plan meaningful opportunities for the children to apply their learning in different contexts both in and out of school.

48 Things to do at Mead - Reception
This is the part of their ‘experience entitlement’ that will serve to enrich their learning at Mead and provide opportunities to develop a stronger SMSC understanding.

1. Stroke an owl
2. To sit and sing songs around a camp fire. 
3. To make a smoothie  
4. To hunt for worms
5. To have a teddy bears picnic at the local park 
6. To visit an animal park

Curriculum Enrichment
Animal Man 
Christmas cooking workshop 
Story teller
Jump Evolution
Freshwater Theatre - The Hungry Caterpillar
Tropical Wings

Reading Challenges

Focus Authors
Judith Kerr and Mick Inkpen

75 Books to Read @ Mead
Would you rather?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Diary
I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Dogger
I Want My Hat Back
Meg and Mog
I Want My Potty
The Elephant and the Bad Baby

Reading Rewards
10 books - Bookmark
25 books - Bronze
50 books - Silver & £5 voucher
75 books - Pupil chooses a book
100 books - Gold & Trophy
125 books - £10 voucher
150 books - Platinum & Trophy
200 books - Box set

Year 6

Everything we do, is designed to create a school where your child will flourish: academically, socially and personally. We believe in a curriculum which goes beyond the content of the national offer to enrich their learning, widen their experiences and strengthen their character.

The way we do this is to plan meaningful opportunities for the children to apply their learning in different contexts both in and out of school.

48 Things to do at Mead - Year 6
This is the final part of their ‘experience entitlement’ that will serve to enrich their learning at Mead and provide opportunities to develop a stronger SMSC understanding

1. To organise a community event
2. To watch a film in the cinema
3. To create and participate in a trial
4. To plan a meal
5. To experience the Olympic legacy
6. To create a lasting legacy

Curriculum Enrichment
Sky Academy - News Reporting
Royal Courts of Justice
Hampton Court Palace – linked to experience and topic (Tudors)
Italian Workshop
Olympic Park
SkyBlue Theatre - Romeo and Juliet
Junior Citizen Training - provided by the local police

Volunteering Opportunities

At Mead our vision is that the school is at the heart of the community. Pupils are provided with opportunities to volunteer inside and outside the school, making a meaningful contribution to the communities they live and work in.

Eco Heroes	Lunch Warrior	Play Leaders
Litter pick around grounds	Assisting younger pupils	EYFS Garden
Tidy up local area	Handing out water	Leading play activities
Recycle paper	Clearing plates	Football referee

Leadership Roles	Reading	Special Events
Prefects	Paired reading with KS1	Parents Evening
House Captains	Spinebreakers	Food Drive
JTAs	Book Fair	Pensioners Group

Reading Challenges

Focus Authors
Malorie Blackman
Anthony Horowitz

75 Books to Read at Mead - Year 6
Skellig
Carrie’s War
Once
Journey to the River Sea
Goodnight Mister Tom
A Monster Calls
Swallows and Amazons
The Hobbit
Private Peaceful
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Reading Rewards
10 books - Bookmark
25 books - Bronze
50 books - Silver & £5 voucher
75 books - Pupil chooses a book
100 books - Gold & Trophy
125 books - £10 voucher
150 books - Platinum & Trophy
200 books - Box set

Spiritual Experiences

We believe that our school curriculum should provide pupils with a range of experiences that deepen their spiritual understanding of their school and their community. Working in partnership with local clergy and faith organisations, we deliver the program both in and out of school across KS2.

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Mead is situated in an area which is becoming ever more culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE & PSHCE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

'It's interesting when we find out about different places and people.  I didn't know that Walter Tull was one of the first professional footballers and first officers in the First World War who had a different background to other men.  He worked really hard and never gave up'. Emmanual Atuahene

At Mead we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

In Year 6 the children will have the chance to talk to and meet a local religious leader.

Financial Skills Curriculum

To participate fully in life, we believe everyone needs a clear understanding of how to manage their money.  We believe in providing opportunities for our pupils that allow them to develop financial knowledge, skills and attitudes through practical and real life activities centred  around four core themes: - how to manage money - becoming a critical consumer - managing risks and emotions associated with money - understanding the important role money plays in our lives.

• introduce pupils to the basics of household expenditure, and get them to think about ways to reduce it;
• ask pupils to think about the different ways people are paid, and understand why different people are paid different salaries;
• highlight the differences between the private sector and the public sector in the provision of services, and the reasons behind the division;
• look at how the prices of goods vary around the world, and discuss some of the reasons behind the differences;
• introduce the topic of foreign currency, and the practical and mathematical basis of converting money from one currency to another;
• look at trade around the world and in different historical eras, and explore the reasons for changing patterns in the movement of goods;
• recreate the Dutch ‘Tulip Mania’ bubble with a role-playing activity, and show pupils how financial bubbles and crashes come about;
• teach your pupils to be safe with money, and help them avoid being victims of money crime. Lead them to think about the impact of crime with a role-play exercise.

Volunteering

We believe that it is vital our children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our volunteering programme for Mead, Team Mead, makes it quick and easy for pupils to give their time, find volunteer opportunities and do great things for their school community.

Whether it’s cleaning up the environment or volunteering at one of our events, Team Mead mobilises the community spirit and enthusiasm of our pupils to make a difference.

Building on all the work that has already taken place in improving the school, Team Mead focuses efforts on areas where volunteers can make the biggest impact. These areas are: Eco Heroes, Lunch Warriors, Play Leaders, Pupil Leaders, Reading Champions & Event Support.

'I love to volunteer at lunchtime! I get to wear an eco-hero jacket and help keep our school clean and tidy.'  Ella Nash

Year 6 Opportunities:

• Volunteering – Play leaders, Lunch warriors
• Lead Macmillan Coffee Mornings
• Environment - walking bus, ride to school week
• Food Drive
• We Are Silent
• Random acts of kindness
• Legacy

The culmination of all these Volunteering efforts each year is the chance to take part in WE Day UK.

WE Day 2016

Year 5

Everything we do is designed to create a school where your child will flourish: academically, socially and personally. We believe in a curriculum which goes beyond the content of the national offer to enrich their learning, widen their experiences and strengthen their character.

The way we do this is to plan meaningful opportunities for the children to apply their learning in different contexts both in and out of school.

48 Things to do at Mead - Year 5
This is the final part of their ‘experience entitlement’ that will serve to enrich their learning at Mead and provide opportunities to develop a stronger SMSC understanding

1. To take part in a dragon dance
2. To climb a tower
3. To orienteer
4. To take part in musical theatre
5. To visit a historical village
6. To visit an aquarium 

Curriculum Enrichment
Chinese Dance Workshop
Mark Borrell- Chinese cooking
Kew Gardens - linked to biology topic
Kidzania
Wonderland Orchestral Performance
Cinema experience 'Believe' for National Film Week
Islamic Cultural Centre
Viking Workshop
Wat Tyler park -  orienteering
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village
SkyBlue Theatre – Macbeth
Mersea overnight residential trip

Reading Challenges

Focus Authors
J K Rowling and Michael Morpurgo

75 Books to Read @ Mead
Artemis Fowl
Millions
The Witches
Flour Babies
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Borrowers
Holes
The Little Prince
Ballet Shoes
The Story of Tracy Beaker

Reading Rewards
10 books - Bookmark
25 books - Bronze
50 books - Silver & £5 voucher
75 books - Pupil chooses a book
100 books - Gold & Trophy
125 books - £10 voucher
150 books - Platinum & Trophy
200 books - Box set

Spiritual Experiences

We believe that our school curriculum should provide pupils with a range of experiences that deepen their spiritual understanding of their school and their community. Working in partnership with local clergy and faith organisations, we deliver the program both in and out of school across KS2.

In Year 5 this involves the pupils carrying out random acts of kindness in their school and local community: paying for parking, helping pensioners and giving out positive notes

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Mead is situated in an area which is becoming ever more culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE & PSHCE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

'It's interesting when we find out about different places and people.  I didn't know that Walter Tull was one of the first professional footballers and first officers in the First World War who had a different background to other men.  He worked really hard and never gave up'. 
Ashley

At Mead we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to Fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

In Year 5 the children will have the chance to visit a mosque.

Financial Skills Curriculum

To participate fully in life, we believe everyone needs a clear understanding of how to manage their money.  We believe in providing opportunities for our pupils that allow them to develop financial knowledge, skills and attitudes through practical and real life activities centred  around four core themes: - how to manage money - becoming a critical consumer - managing risks and emotions associated with money - understanding the important role money plays in our lives.

In Year 5 the pupils will have a chance to develop:

• using the internet, get pupils to research the different services provided by banks;
• using a bank branch, encourage pupils to explore the services available in a bank;
• introduce pupils to a sample bank statement, and talk them through the different sorts of transactions it shows;
• introduce the concept of paying interest on loans and deposits, and set a task in which pupils compare the amount of interest earned at different percentage rates;
• discuss the similarities and differences between debit and credit cards, and explore when it’s appropriate to use them;
• explore the different ways people invest money, from shares to bonds, and teach about spreading risk with an investment simulation.Introduce pupils to the different ways people pay for housing, and then use a mortgage calculator spreadsheet to see where people can afford to live;
• make the concept of insurance simple and interesting, and explore the factors that influence how much people pay for different types of insurance.

Volunteering

We believe that it is vital our children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our volunteering programme for Mead, Team Mead, makes it quick and easy for pupils to give their time, find volunteer opportunities and do great things for their school community.

Whether it’s cleaning up the environment or volunteering at one of our events, Team Mead mobilises the community spirit and enthusiasm of our pupils to make a difference.

Building on all the work that has already taken place in improving the school, Team Mead focuses efforts on areas where volunteers can make the biggest impact. These areas are: Eco Heroes, Lunch Warriors, Play Leaders, Pupil Leaders, Reading Champions & Event Support.

'I love to volunteer at lunchtime! I get to wear an eco-hero jacket and help keep our school clean and tidy.'  Charlize

Year 5 Opportunities:

• Junior Travel Ambassadors - click here for the Travel Plan Awards
• Volunteering – Play leaders, Lunch warriors
• Lead charity events
• Environment - walking bus, ride to school week
• Food Drive
• We Are Silent
• Random acts of kindness
• Choir in the community

Year 3

Everything we do, is designed to create a school where your child will flourish: academically, socially and personally. We believe in a curriculum which goes beyond the content of the national offer to enrich their learning, widen their experiences and strengthen their character.

The way we do this is to plan meaningful opportunities for the children to apply their learning in different contexts both in and out of school.

48 Things to do at Mead - Year 3
This is the part of their ‘experience entitlement’ that will serve to enrich their learning at Broadford and provide opportunities to develop a stronger SMSC understanding

1. Tasting food from a different era
2. Leaf hunt
3. Fly a kite
4. Visit a modern 21st century landmark
5. Visit a Zoo

Curriculum Enrichment

Wat Tyler Park
Stone Age Time Travel
Volcano and Earthquake Workshop
Olympic Park - Orbit
Colchester Zoo

Reading Challenges

Focus Authors
Francesca Simon and Ronald Dahl

75 Books to Read @ Mead
The Milly-Molly-Mandy Storybook
Flat Stanley
My Naughty Little Sister
Asterix the Gaul
Pippi Longstocking
The Worst Witch
Horrid Henry
The BFG
Little House in the Big Woods
Mister Magnolia

Reading Rewards
10 books - Bookmark
25 books - Bronze
50 books - Silver & £5 voucher
75 books - Pupil chooses a book
100 books - Gold & Trophy
125 books - £10 voucher
150 books - Platinum & Trophy
200 books - Box set

Spiritual Experiences

We believe that our school curriculum should provide pupils with a range of experiences that deepen their spiritual understanding of their school and their community. Working in partnership with local clergy and faith organisations, we deliver the program both in and out of school across KS2.

In Year 3 this involves them identifying spirituality in the local area – a walk through Harold Hill looking at the synagogue, JW hall, war memorial, churches and parks

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Mead is situated in an area which is becoming ever more culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE & PSHCE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

'It's interesting when we find out about different places and people.  I didn't know that Walter Tull was one of the first professional footballers and first officers in the First World War who had a different background to other men.  He worked really hard and never gave up'. 
Tyler

At Mead we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

In Year 3 the children will have the chance to talk with and meet our local community clergyman.

Financial Skills Curriculum

To participate fully in life, we believe everyone needs a clear understanding of how to manage their money.  We believe in providing opportunities for our pupils that allow them to develop financial knowledge, skills and attitudes through practical and real life activities centred  around four core themes: - how to manage money - becoming a critical consumer - managing risks and emotions associated with money - understanding the important role money plays in our lives.

In Year 3 this involves:

• help pupils understand the reasons for the development of money using a role-play activity based on bartering;
• improve coin recognition skills by introducing the reasons for having different coin denominations;
• using a planning exercise based around a trip, develop pupils’ budgeting and mental maths skills;
• using a shop role play, demonstrate the importance of being able to check whether you’ve received the right change, and let pupils practise this skill;
• explain the different methods we can use to pay for goods and services;
• explore the reasons why businesses give things away for free, and how this differs from gifts from friends. Plus, examine the business model of a free newspaper.

Volunteering

We believe that it is vital our children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our volunteering programme for Mead, Team Mead, makes it quick and easy for pupils to give their time, find volunteer opportunities and do great things for their school community.

Whether it’s cleaning up the environment or volunteering at one of our events, Team Mead mobilises the community spirit and enthusiasm of our pupils to make a difference.

Building on all the work that has already taken place in improving the school, Team Mead focuses efforts on areas where volunteers can make the biggest impact. These areas are: Eco Heroes, Lunch Warriors, Play Leaders, Pupil Leaders, Reading Champions & Event Support.

'I love to volunteer at lunchtime! I get to wear an eco-hero jacket and help keep our school clean and tidy.'  Ella Nash

Year 3 Opportunities:

• Volunteering – Eco heroes
• Reading buddies
• Environment - walking bus, ride to school week

Year 4

Everything we do, is designed to create a school where your child will flourish: academically, socially and personally. We believe in a curriculum which goes beyond the content of the national offer to enrich their learning, widen their experiences and strengthen their character.

The way we do this is to plan meaningful opportunities for the children to apply their learning in different contexts both in and out of school.

48 Things to do at Mead - Year 4
This is the part of their ‘experience entitlement’ that will serve to enrich their learning at Mead and provide opportunities to develop a stronger SMSC understanding

1. Discover what’s in a pond
2. Sing in a church
3. Visit a church
4. Experience new food
5. Build a den
6. Visit a theme park

Curriculum Enrichment
Colchester Castle – linked to Romans
Rainforest Workshop
Mountifitchet Castle
Let's Navigate
Adventure Island

Reading Challenges
Focus Authors
Jacqueline Wilson and David Walliams

75 Books to Read @ Mead
The Enchanted Wood
Five on a Treasure Island
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The Arrival
Charlotte’s Web
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
The Adventures of Tintin
Stig of the Dump
Truckers
Matilda

Reading Rewards
10 books - Bookmark
25 books - Bronze
50 books - Silver & £5 voucher
75 books - Pupil chooses a book
100 books - Gold & Trophy
125 books - £10 voucher
150 books - Platinum & Trophy
200 books - Box set

Understanding of the Rule of Law

In Year 4, pupils learn about the Magna Carta:

• how it came about
• the influence it has had on modern systems of Government
• the link to wider human rights and how they are enshrined in law

Click here for a blog post about the topic

Tolerance of those of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Mead is situated in an area which is becoming ever more culturally diverse; therefore we place a great emphasis on promoting diversity with the children. Assemblies are regularly planned to address this issue either directly or through the inclusion of stories and celebrations from a variety of faiths and cultures. Our RE & PSHCE teaching reinforce this. Members of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school. Children visit places of worship that are important to different faiths.

'It's interesting when we find out about different places and people.  I didn't know that Walter Tull was one of the first professional footballers and first officers in the First World War who had a different background to other men.  He worked really hard and never gave up'. 
Alkann

At Mead we will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents expressing opinions contrary to Fundamental British Values, including ‘extremist’ views.

In Year 4 the children will have the chance to visit a Hindu temple

Financial Skills Curriculum

To participate fully in life, we believe everyone needs a clear understanding of how to manage their money.  We believe in providing opportunities for our pupils that allow them to develop financial knowledge, skills and attitudes through practical and real life activities centred  around four core themes: - how to manage money - becoming a critical consumer - managing risks and emotions associated with money - understanding the important role money plays in our lives.
get pupils to think about the difference between what we need and what we want;
get pupils think about the steps needed to start a business, then work in groups to devise a business plan that they can put into practice;

In Year 4 this involves:

• introduce pupils to the concept of keeping financial records, through the medium of shop receipts and business balance sheets; 
• get pupils to design a diary in which they can record their weekly expenditure, and then analyse the data they collect; 
• introduce the concept of value for money;
• investigate how taxes on income are calculated;
• understand that gambling and games of chance involve probability

Volunteering

We believe that it is vital our children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our volunteering programme for Mead, Team Mead, makes it quick and easy for pupils to give their time, find volunteer opportunities and do great things for their school community.

Whether it’s cleaning up the environment or volunteering at one of our events, Team Mead mobilises the community spirit and enthusiasm of our pupils to make a difference.

Building on all the work that has already taken place in improving the school, Team Mead focuses efforts on areas where volunteers can make the biggest impact. These areas are: Eco Heroes, Lunch Warriors, Play Leaders, Pupil Leaders, Reading Champions & Event Support.

'I love to volunteer at lunchtime! I get to wear an eco-hero jacket and help keep our school clean and tidy.'  Amelia

Year 4 Opportunities:

• Volunteering – Eco heroes
• Reading buddies
• Environment - walking bus, ride to school week

Year 1

Everything we do, is designed to create a school where your child will flourish: academically, socially and personally. We believe in a curriculum which goes beyond the content of the national offer to enrich their learning, widen their experiences and strengthen their character.

The way we do this is to plan meaningful opportunities for the children to apply their learning in different contexts both in and out of school.

48 Things to do at Mead - Year 1
This is the part of their ‘experience entitlement’ that will serve to enrich their learning at Broadford and provide opportunities to develop a stronger SMSC understanding

Take part in a religious service
Be a scientist
Create some wild art
Try pond dipping
Go on a train
To go on a treasure hunt

Year 1 Showcase
At the end of the school year we invite in Year 1 parents to come and share what the children have achieved:

Curriculum Enrichment
Barleylands
Mr Borrell cookery workshop
Place of worship
Build a bear factory
Essex Wildlife trust workshops
Olympic Park

Reading Challenges
Focus Authors
Jill Murphy and Oliver Jeffers

75 Books to Read @ Mead
The Snowman
Gorilla
Princess Smartypants
Room on the Broom
Lost and Found
The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Not Now, Bernard
Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears
Where the Wild Things Are
The Cat in the Hat

Reading Rewards
10 books - Bookmark
25 books - Bronze
50 books - Silver & £5 voucher
75 books - Pupil chooses a book
100 books - Gold & Trophy
125 books - £10 voucher
150 books - Platinum & Trophy
200 books - Box set

Volunteering
We believe that it is vital our children learn that their behaviours have an effect on their own rights and those of others. All members of the school community treat each other with respect. Our volunteering programme for Mead, Team Mead, makes it quick and easy for pupils to give their time, find volunteer opportunities and do great things for their school community.

Whether it’s cleaning up the environment or volunteering at one of our events, Team Mead mobilises the community spirit and enthusiasm of our pupils to make a difference.

Building on all the work that has already taken place in improving the school, Team Mead focuses efforts on areas where volunteers can make the biggest impact. These areas are: Eco Heroes, Lunch Warriors, Play Leaders, Pupil Leaders, Reading Champions & Event Support.

'I love to volunteer at lunchtime! I get to wear an eco-hero jacket and help keep our school clean and tidy.' 

Ella Nash

Year 1 Opportunities:
Reading buddies
Volunteering - visiting vulnerable people within the community
Environment - walking bus, ride to school week
Choir in the community