Our Curriculum Rationale

Intent

Through our Values Based Education, we support our young children in their decision-making and equip them to show tolerance, care, and fairness. We nurture children so they thrive in our Early Years and KS1 setting, encouraging them to become independent thinkers and learners. We strive to meet the needs of all pupils, fostering resilience and a love of learning so they can reach their full potential. We aim high for both academic progress and social and emotional development through high-quality teaching and an exciting, engaging curriculum. We want every child to feel safe, welcomed, and valued so they can fully access all opportunities offered to them.

Implementation

Our teaching is age-appropriate and informed by a clear understanding of how young children learn.

Staff have an in-depth knowledge of how to draw out children’s thinking and use this to inform planning. Our indoor and outdoor learning environments are carefully resourced with a wide range of age-appropriate materials designed to support independent learning. Teachers assess accurately and use this information to plan next steps for all children.

Assemblies and enrichment experiences, including off-site visits, provide breadth and depth to the curriculum. Outdoor learning is an important part of our approach, enhancing children’s experiences and engagement. Due to the age and stage of our pupils, reading is placed at the centre of learning to foster a lifelong love of literature. Children are given clear guidance, high-quality modelling, and opportunities to aim high across all areas of the curriculum. There are no limits placed on learning, and all children are encouraged to develop a growth mindset.

Impact

Children achieve high standards both academically and socially. They become resilient, independent learners equipped with the skills they need to succeed. Children are able to make positive choices for themselves and others, keeping safe and contributing to a respectful and caring school community.

Review

We continually review our curriculum by asking key questions, including:

• Are children challenged through effective assessment of learning?
• Are expectations high and appropriately adapted for all learners?
• Is teaching age-appropriate and sequenced to allow children to consolidate learning?
• Does children’s work and play demonstrate that the curriculum is appropriate and enriching?
• Is knowledge from English and Maths embedded across the curriculum?
• Do staff regularly reflect on and refine curriculum design?
• Is our practice informed by current educational research?

To find out more about how our curriculum is implemented in practice, please see the sections below.