Our Curriculum

‘An effective curriculum would enable all pupils to feel that they are gifted and talented

and that they have some flexibility to choose their own learning pathways.’ (Ros Wilson)

Holbrook CE Primary School’s curriculum is a carefully planned, thematic approach to teaching and learning designed to support children’s natural curiosity and stimulate their creativity.

The new curriculum is planned to empower children to become: independent enquirers, team workers, resourceful thinkers, effective participators, self managers and reflective learners.

Direct experience is placed at the centre of the curriculum so that teachers draw out and develop children’s thinking in meaningful contexts.

Each year there will be a whole school curriculum map planned related to the skills required in the new 2014 skills-based National Curriculum.

The Curriculum is carefully planned to ‘weave’ knowledge, skills and understanding within the requirements of the New National Curriculum (2014) and will beexpressed through a range of different media and ways:

e.g. art, drama, dance, music may be recorded

Literacy is taught separately, however opportunities are planned for within the topics – especially using specific texts e.g. Private Peaceful for a KS2 topic on WW1. Our school uses Oxford Reading Tree, Letters and Sounds to support reading at Key Stage 1.

There are non-negotiable expectations for the end of each year group for: Reading, Writing and Maths.

Maths, RE, PE, MFL and PHSE are timetabled separately but, where appropriate, aspects may be covered through topic.

Sustained periods are included in timetables for children to develop the skills required.

A wide range of first-hand experiences are offered both within the school and beyond e.g. visits from specialists and educational trips such as a visit to the River Derwent for a topic on water or rivers.

Enquiry, problem solving, reasoning and creative thinking are strong features of classroom activity. Children often work collaboratively and their interests often inform teaching using different styles of teaching and learning

Our aim is to develop:

Successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens who:

• have the essential learning skills of literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology
• communicate well in a range of ways
• have a sense of self-worth and personal identity
• are self-aware and deal well with their emotions
• are willing to try new things and make the most of opportunities
• are well prepared for life and work
• respect others and act with integrity

The curriculum is designed to promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

Andrew Davies (Headteacher)

Jean Matthews (Curriculum Coordinator)