Curriculum Overview
Our Creative Curriculum has been designed to offer children of all abilities access to relevant, challenging and exciting learning experiences.
It has been developed gradually by teachers, with pupil input a very important part of the process, to reflect the interests of our children and to link learning to make it relevant and purposeful.
A more creative approach to learning has been promoted to encourage the children to share ideas and develop their basic skills within a structure that embraces their interests, but is also based on the key concepts, skills and principles of the 2014 National Curriculum.
The skills based approach has been developed into more creative cross curricular themes. The strong emphasis on skills and creative thinking is intended to help pupils explore their own interests and learning styles, to become independent learners, which will give them the confidence to develop their potential at primary school and through transition to secondary school into adulthood.
Learning is fun and is enhanced with enrichment activities planned to broaden the learning experience. All year groups are taken to visit places of interest related to particular areas of study e.g. Spaceport and Manchester Museum. Visitors are invited into school to talk to the classes and provide ‘hands on’ experiences, e.g. Frogface and special theme days are enjoyed e.g. Greek Day. Our allotment offers a wonderful opportunity for the children to grow vegetables and look after our chickens, which they love.
Teaching
- Children are taught in their own age group.
- We offer nursery provision and are a two form entry school.
- All classes are mixed ability and mixed gender.
- Year 2 and Year 6 are set for English and Maths.
- A range of intervention sessions are used effectively to provide additional support.
Through the use of the School Sports Premium the school has been able to employ PE specialists and ensure teaching staff receive CPD in order to raise standards of PE delivery across the school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum in KS1 and KS2 covers the National Curriculum 2014 (with the exception of English and Mathematics in Years 2 and 6). We have designed our own curriculum which provides cross curricular learning in a creative and purposeful way with a focus on raising standards.
Curriculum maps for each year group ensure curriculum coverage. Each year group covers four topics with a science, history or geography focus. English lessons are mainly linked to the topics and English skills are used throughout the day with many opportunities for cross-curricular writing. Literacy genres are mapped out for years 1-6 to ensure the children have opportunity to read and write across a range of genres. Mathematics is taught discretely and links to topics are made when relevant. Computing is taught using the ‘Switched on’ resources from Rising stars. Computing and e-safety units are mapped to link in with topics. ICT skills are also applied throughout the curriculum. Art, DT, Music, Dance and Drama are all taught through the topics with additional skills lessons for music using Charanga resources. P.E, R.E, P.S.H.C.E, MFL are all taught as discrete subjects and teachers ensure links are made when appropriate. Two half terms every year are reserved for topics which are inspired by the interests of the class and led by the children. We use the Dimensions skills ladders for years 1-6 to ensure progression.
Access to the curriculum
Pupils have access to the curriculum through well planned, differentiated learning opportunities. We have high expectations and aim to provide each child with the opportunity to reach his/her potential. We are committed to the principle of inclusion; consequently, extra help is given to children who may need additional support, through a system of in-class provision. There are occasions when it is better for children to have individual or small group support. The SENDCO works closely with parents to discuss children’s needs and progress. Children with additional needs may receive targeted support. Some individuals may have Education Health Care Plans in place.
Extra-curricular activities
We offer a range of extra-curricular activities including:
