The 1998 Education Reform Act and subsequent Education Acts, state that the curriculum should be balanced, broadly based and should promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society. It should prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

The National Curriculum does not constitute the whole curriculum that the children will be offered at school. Our aim is to provide stimulating and enjoyable programmes of work incorporating the National Curriculum, but within our own principles, so that the children have opportunities for all-round development.

The National Curriculum describes English, Mathematics, Science and Information & Communication Technology (ICT), as core subjects. Other areas such as History, Geography, Design Technology, Art, Physical Education, Music and Religious Education are foundation subjects.

There is a whole school plan that ensures the requirements of the National Curriculum are met for each child as he or she progresses through the school. A detailed year plan will ensure that there is a broad and balanced curriculum relevant to the age of the group. A half-termly plan matches activities to the different areas of the curriculum and a weekly plan details how these activities will match the learning needs of the children within the group, relevant to their ability.

Teachers plan work for the whole class, for groups and individual children. There are plans recording what each class will be doing each term displayed outside each classroom.

In the Foundation Stage and at Key Stage 1, we adopt an inter-disciplinary topic approach to curriculum planning. We plan the curriculum carefully, so that there is coherence and full coverage of all aspects of the National Curriculum and early learning goals, and there is planned progression in all curriculum areas.

At Key Stage 2 the curriculum at our school places a greater emphasis on the core and foundation subjects than it does at Key Stage 1 and we teach these subjects separately. This means that, for example, a child may concentrate in one term on a history topic then switch to a greater emphasis on geography in the next term. Over the three terms of the academic year, each child has the opportunity to experience the full range of National Curriculum subjects.

The Governing body’s main aims are:

• To provide a secure and inspiring physical learning environment for all pupils
• To continue to provide high quality teaching and learning in order to raise achievement
• To develop in all pupils a sense of confidence, self-worth and consideration towards others

If you would like to view or read any of the curriculum and pastoral policies they are available from the School Office.