Curriculum Intents

Early Years
To promote a broad and balanced curriculum that provides a range of relevant experiences that enables our children to reach their full potential in the early stages of their development. The aim is to embed the Prime Areas of learning and provide a scaffold to deliver and reinforce the Specific areas of learning through mathematical, linguistic, creative, scientific and technological experiences.

English
We believe that English is fundamental to our pupils’ academic and social progress as it underpins the work undertaken in all other areas of the curriculum and it is therefore given a high priority within the school. It is our intention that through our engaging and aspirational English curriculum, our pupils acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to become confident speakers, listeners, readers and writers who achieve well in our school and beyond. Our aim is to promote and instill a love of reading, through immersing our pupils in high-quality literature. We also ensure that our pupils are given a wide range of opportunities to write for purpose and audience, in order to master the mechanics of writing with fluency and independence. Our curriculum closely follows the aims of the National Curriculum for English 2014, which aims to ensure that all pupils:
● read easily, fluently and with good understanding
● develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
● acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
● appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
● write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
● use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
● are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Maths
We strive to ensure that all pupils develop mathematical mastery; a deep, long term and secure understanding of mathematical concepts, which will equip pupils with the skills they need in their adult lives. We believe that using concrete resources will help children to develop solid foundations so they can move on to the use of pictures and more abstract methods.  Pupils will become fluent in the fundamentals of Maths, develop the ability to solve problems applying the concepts that they have learnt. Be able to reason mathematically, developing arguments and justifying their ideas. This will then help pupils to appreciate the magic and purity of Maths as a subject.

Science
We aim to nurture every pupil’s curiosity in the world around them, encouraging an inquisitive mind and developing skills in scientific enquiry to answer their own scientific questions. To develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through specific disciplines. To promote an enthusiasm for science and develop an understanding of the importance and implications of science to everyday life, today and in the future.

History
We want pupils to gain an understanding of the rich past of Britain and place their learning within a chronological narrative. For pupils to be curious in their approach to history and ask questions about change, causation and significance. To develop their own interpretations of the past through analysis of a range of sources. To appreciate how our local area and significant individuals have contributed to national history and how Britain has been influenced by the wider world.

Geography
We aim to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. For pupils to develop their contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places, including physical and human characteristics through fieldwork and by using maps, atlases, globes and photographs. To learn how to interpret sources and communicate geographical information in a variety of different ways.

Computing
We want pupils to understand how to stay safe online and use social media responsibly. To use and apply computing skills across all subjects, understanding how skills in Computing can both improve and supplement their learning. For pupils to understand how computers can be used to solve problems, create programs and present and interpret information.

Art
We aim to develop our pupil’s skills as artists to represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through a range of opportunities and media. To help them become more proficient at drawing, painting and sculpture, valuing art and design in the curriculum.

PE
We want to support each pupil to become physically confident, which will support their health and fitness education. To develop the skills needed to participate in a range of sports and physical activities. Our pupils will also be given the chance to compete in sport and other physical activities, which will help to develop our core values of resilience and aspiration.

MFL
We aim to develop pupil’s speaking and listening skills in the French language. To give them the opportunities to engage with the spoken and written word. To develop their confidence to hold conversations in French and also immerse pupils in the French culture. To provide them with a foundation to learn other modern foreign languages.

Music
We aim to develop pupil’s appreciation for a range of music across different time periods and genres. To have opportunities to listen to and discuss the works of great composers and musicians. To enjoy learning to express themselves through singing and composing music on their own and with others. To have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, begin to read and follow simple music notation and begin to talk about musical elements of music.

RE
Our RE curriculum contributes to pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Pupils will explore the beliefs of religious traditions from around the world. They will gain an understanding of different forms of worship of different religions and make links to the beliefs and feelings behind them. We believe that RE in our school promotes attitudes of respect, open mindedness, self-awareness appreciation and wonder.

Design & Technology
We will try to support pupil’s design skills to develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate in an increasingly technological world. To gain knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make good quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users. To evaluate, test and improve their products and those of others. To develop their cooking skills and to understand and apply good nutritional rules.

PSHE (Personal, Social & Health Education)
We aim to develop pupil’s knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to manage their lives now and in the future. To nurture the qualities and attributes they need to thrive as individuals and to help them to become healthy, independent and responsible members of society. To give them the confidence and resilience to tackle moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. Our work towards gaining the Rights Respecting Award will provide the pupils with opportunities to learn about their rights and appreciate what it means to be part of a diverse society. They will be encouraged to play a positive role in contributing to school life.