Curriculum

The curriculum is all the planned experiences we provide for our pupils in order to develop an enjoyment of and commitment to learning.  It includes not only the formal requirements of the National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage but also recognises how much our children learn from routines, the extended school day and activities outside school.  It is child centred building on pupils’ strengths, interests and experiences and develops their curiosity, creativity and capacity to learn.  It includes the hidden curriculum of what children learn from the way they are expected to behave and how they see others and they themselves are treated.

By providing rich, relevant and varied contexts for our pupils to acquire, develop and apply a range of knowledge, skills and attitudes, the curriculum enables pupils to think creatively, solve problems and make a difference.  It also develops their physical skills and encourages them to recognise the importance of pursuing a healthy lifestyle and keeping safe. 

CURRICULUM STATEMENT

INTENT

At Shottermill Infants we want our curriculum to enable each child to develop as a “whole person”. To learn the skills that will help each child reach their full potential, whilst providing full coverage of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage), the National Curriculum expectations and the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. Our curriculum is based on a three-year journey planned to support the progression of skills and knowledge so that children are always moving forward as learners and ready to embrace the next steps along their learning journey.  It aims to inspire pupils to become enthusiastic and curious learners, developing a sense of moral integrity, religious and cultural respect, and social adaptability in order to thrive and succeed in a diverse and ever-changing world.

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IMPLEMENTATION 

At Shottermill Infants, learning is presented clearly and systematically, using a variety of strategies to enable children to learn in different ways and allow all children to demonstrate their understanding. Opportunities are built into the curriculum to allow all of the children the chance to experience a variety of trips, visitors and a diverse range of texts enriching their life experiences. Children are encouraged to evaluate their work and take an increasing responsibility for their learning. In KS1, subject specific lessons are linked through topics designed to engage and inspire children, giving opportunities to make links between subjects and build on previous learning, applying their skills and knowledge to new situations. Continual professional development ensures staff have the strong subject knowledge to enable lessons to be sequenced effectively. Our assessment processes ensure that all children are supported and challenged appropriately, informing the next steps in their learning.

IMPACT

The overall impact of the curriculum is measured by evaluating both the knowledge and skills our children have acquired against the expectations of the EYFS and the National Curriculum, as well as the personal and social attributes and qualities they have developed in readiness for the next stage of their education.

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL MY CHILD STUDY?

All pupils will study the following National Curriculum subjects and Early Years areas of learning.  

Early Years Foundation Stage 

There are seven areas of learning and development that shape educational programmes in early years settings. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.

Three areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving.

These are the prime areas:

• communication and language
• physical development
• personal, social and emotional development

Providers must also support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.

The specific areas are:

• literacy
• mathematics
• understanding the world
• expressive arts and design

 The Teachers will explain more about the EYFS curriculum at our induction meeting and the full curriculum documents can be viewed at www.gov.uk 

Please follow the link to our Early Years page to find out more.

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)

At KS1 all children follow the National Curriculum and are taught the following subjects.

English, Maths, Science, Computing, Art, Design and Technology, Music, Geography, History, Physical Education. 

Please follow the link to our progression grid page for more detail about each subject.  

Please follow the link to our Year 1 and 2 page to find out more about what each year group is doing.

We provide opportunities for the children to take responsibility and grow into responsible students within our school.

In Year 2 children become playground buddies and assembly helpers.  Year 1 and Year 2 pupils take turns to become part of the litter-busting team.  All children get the chance to be register monitors and classroom helpers.

Collective Worship/Assemblies

All state schools are required to make provision for a daily act of collective worship which follows the requirements of the 1988 Education Reform Act. Collective Worship takes place in the daily assembly which is non-denominational and broadly Christian. Assemblies are special occasions when achievements are celebrated, values underlined and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development recognised. The daily act of collective worship is a time of togetherness and reflection on values of importance to the school community.  This may be as a whole school, a year group or as a class.  Children are enabled to think about the importance of the school values in their own lives and this helps them to make positive choices.  Assemblies also develop children’s awareness of different cultures, religious beliefs, national days and global awareness days

VISITS

Throughout their school life pupils have many opportunities to enjoy visits and visitors which enhance the curriculum across most subjects.  At Shottermill Infant School we place a high emphasis on using the local environment of village and parks as a practical aid to our learning programme.  In addition, the children are exposed to theatre workshops, art workshops, museums, outdoor centres and parks.