There are daily English lessons which include speaking and listening, reading, writing and spelling. Where appropriate, the curriculum follows the National Strategy guidance. Literacy is promoted right across the curriculum and during out of class hours and is supported by the school’s total communication approach.

Taught daily with an emphasis on practical and functional mathematics such as the four mathematical functions, time, money and measurement. The acquisition of skills is reinforced through practical activities such as shopping, cooking and using pocket money.

Taught to pupils up to 16 years old, and largely based around practical activities which help pupils understand the underlying concepts. In the early years, the focus is upon everyday science and the natural world around us. This develops into the more formal study of life processes and living things, materials and their properties, physical processes and investigation.

Often using visits, real life experiences and topics that combine history with other subjects, Gretton helps its pupils to understand past events, their order and the passage of time in relation to their own lives, and others in past and current times. Starting with the imaginary world of legends, stories and fables leading on to ancient civilisations and eventually the history of the modern world.

The emphasis here, is on developing an understanding of the human and physical features of the environment. It starts with the experiences of the child, i.e. the home and school environment expanding to an understanding of the local, then regional and then global geography.

As appropriate, French is taught with an emphasis on speaking and experiencing another culture and is supported by visual and ICT aids. This programme can be extended if it meets an individual’s needs and interests.

Art is used extensively, both in class and through art therapy, teaching pupils to create 2D and 3D pieces of work, whilst developing fine motor skills. An artistic and creative approach is incorporated into all subjects including, painting, modelling, drawing and handwork.

Pupils are taught to use a variety of basic tools in a safe environment to experiment with planning and making. Food technology plays an important role as not only is it highly motivating, it also helps prepare Gretton’s pupils for adult life.

Movement is vital to promote health and learning. A range of PE activities is available, including dance, football, aerobics, athletics and swimming. Additional PE activities are available through the extended day and after school clubs.

Music plays an important role in the life of children at Gretton, whether through class lessons in singing and making music or listening and responding to music through therapy.

RE promotes an understanding of different world religions and an appreciation of both moral and spiritual dimensions that affect both behaviour and relationships.

Gretton shares an extensive ICT suite with St Colette’s school, giving pupils the opportunity to engage with multimedia computers, touch screens, word processors, digital cameras and scanners to support the development of pupils’ ICT capability. Extensive programmes are available to enhance emerging literacy and numeracy skills as well as ‘just for fun’.

PSHE is integrated into all other subjects taught, but is also taught discretely within the framework “Transforming ourselves, empowering each other: a whole school approach to advocacy, power sharing, intimacy, sexuality, relationships and the prevention of abuse”. This includes careers information and guidance, citizenship and sex education. The sex education programme focuses on teaching appropriate behaviours linked to identifying and coping with a range of developing emotions and feelings.