Subject Specialisms
ICT
In Runnymede St Edward’s, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an integral part of the primary school curriculum. It is taught as a discrete subject and is also reinforced through a more cross-curricular approach. All children from Reception onwards, receive at least one formal ICT session each week, lead by a specialist ICT teacher. The scheme of work follows the National Curriculum and is supplemented by enrichment activities to challenge and inspire. Lessons are delivered with access to a projector and interactive whiteboard
The ICT department has a dedicated suite with 25 workstations networked to a server in the main room and a further 24 networked workstations in classrooms around the school. The pupils have the use of a wide range of equipment and the web learning resource ‘Espresso’ supplements curricular needs. Every pupil in the school has their own username and email account and access to the ICT room is encouraged with a lunchtime ICT club running throughout the school year.
ICT in itself would have little purpose if pupils were unable to have the opportunity to apply their skills. The pupils are responsible for the school newsletter, they take part in multimedia projects, they produce posters for events and for their classrooms. Children’s work is also celebrated in wall displays and booklets of work.
By the end of Key Stage 2, Runnymede pupils have had the experience of a wide range of ICT activities and software packages, after which they are more than ready to meet the challenges of their continuing education.
ICT projects – Presentations and Animation:
Year 6 present projects using Powerpoint
Music at Runnymede
Music is an extremely important part of life at Runnymede. Our main objectives are for children to enjoy and appreciate music and for them to become confident as performers. Every opportunity is taken to achieve these aims through a broad curriculum based on singing, instrumental activity, listening and discussion, composition and movement.
Every child receives specialist teaching, beginning with one weekly session in the Nursery, in which music is part of the creative programme, rising to two lessons per week plus Hymn Practice from Reception onwards. Children also experience music in other aspects of the curriculum with teaching and support staff. From Year 3 onwards, children have the opportunity to take up instrumental and vocal tuition with our team of visiting teachers. Pupils are prepared for the examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, which are usually held in school three times a year.
In addition to curricular music, Runnymede has a Choir and Orchestra, both led by the Director of Music, as well as occasional ensembles and various clubs, such as singing, drumming and playing instruments made from found objects. The Runnymede Choir, open to children from Year 4 upwards by audition, is always busy both in and outside school. The choir performs at major school events throughout the year, such as concerts, Christmas carol services and carol-singing, First Holy Communions, festivals, Prize-Giving and the summer musical play. It is also in demand in the wider community; it has made many broadcasts with BBC local radio and performed at weddings, Capital of Culture events, Liverpool Town Hall, St George's Hall and Liverpool Football Club. The Runnymede Orchestra is open to all who play an orchestral instrument and have reached a minimum of Grade 1 standard. The orchestra performs at our annual St Cecilia's Day Concert, at Prize-Giving in the Metropolitan Cathedral and in a combined schools' 
Jazz Day culminating in a public performance at the Palm House, Sefton Park. Singers and instrumentalists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to perform throughout the year in music lessons, Collective Worship and mini-concerts. These activities enable children to achieve their potential in music and provide particularly talented pupils with a wealth of stimulating challenges, whilst fostering an ethos of respect for others, whatever their ability. Musical staff are also catered for, with the formation of the Runnymede Singers; this choir made its debut at Christmas, 2009, and hopes to perform at future events.
Music permeates school life at Runnymede, providing the best environment for children to discover how it enriches our lives and to grow in confidence and skill as performers.
French Website
At Runnymede St. Edward’s School, French has a role to play in the preparation of each child for their future life. It helps to develop confidence and gives them knowledge about the cultural and geographical aspects of France as well as a foundation knowledge of the spoken language.
Pupils in Nursery – Year 6 have one lesson each week lead by a specialist language teacher.
There is also a French Club available to Year 3 pupils each week.
The French Room is spacious and welcoming. The displays help to create a colourful, fun learning environment. Pupils take part in oral, written and musical activities, with the help of our French bears, Henri and Jean-Pierre.
At the end of September all pupils take part in ‘European Day of Languages’ where they learn about other European countries.
In July we celebrate ‘French Day.’ This is an enjoyable day when pupils can dress up as French people or simply wear blue, white and red. They may taste French food or take part in French games.
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