Curriculum Intent
Our aim is that all pupils develop a true love of learning in an inspiring and inclusive and nurturing environment. We want all pupils to learn deeply, make connections; and build knowledge, skills and understanding, through the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum.
We believe that our children should be encouraged to show curiosity and ask ‘big questions’ to help them learn about themselves and develop a sense of wonder about the world. They should be able to have their voice heard and be taught how to express their views. We want to grow their desire and ability to demonstrate courageous advocacy, so they can become responsible and caring global citizens.
We want our children to develop holistically and flourish as individuals, allowing them to grow academically, socially, morally, spiritually and culturally. In our school we live, learn and shine by growing spirituality through an understanding of self; others; world and beauty; and beyond. To provide opportunities and experiences to develop spirituality, we use the concept of Windows, Mirrors, and Doors.
Broad and Balanced Curriculum
At Newland St John’s we provide an engaging curriculum that is broad and balanced and meets the requirements of the National Curriculum. We use a range of resources and programmes, which are adapted to make them relevant to our diverse community. We regularly monitor and evaluate our curriculum, making adjustments to meet the needs of all our learners. Here is an overview of the resources and programmes we use to build our curriculum: NSJ Curriculum Statement
Cornerstones Curriculum
The Cornerstones Curriculum is a creative and thematic approach to learning that is mapped to the 2014 primary national curriculum to ensure comprehensive coverage of national expectations. It is based on a child-centered pedagogy called The Four Cornerstones and is delivered through Imaginative Learning Projects (ILPs) and Knowledge Rich Projects (KRPs), which provide a rich menu of exciting and motivating learning activities that make creative links between all aspects of children’s learning. We believe children learn better when they are encouraged to use their imagination and apply their learning to engaging contexts. Our curriculum provides many learning challenges throughout the academic year that require children to solve problems, apply themselves creatively and express their knowledge and understanding effectively. Cornerstones also provide a rigorous skills and knowledge framework that outlines the end of year expectations in all subjects. These skills and knowledge are tied to activities and are age-related so that staff can track children’s progress and identify their individual learning needs.
The Curriculum Offer
General Curriculum Principles
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
• develop new skills through a variety of interesting contexts
• develop a rich and deep subject knowledge
• experience the challenge and enjoyment of learning
• understand the purpose and value of their learning and see its relevance to their past, present and future
• develop and use a varied vocabulary in all subjects
Pedagogy
Our curriculum will be taught through a pedagogy that:
• excites, promotes and sustains children’s interest
• enables and fosters children’s natural curiosity
• promotes problem solving, creativity and communication
• enables children to reflect on and evaluate their learning
Well-being
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
• learn in a peaceful and supportive environment
• build respectful friendships
• develop self-esteem and confidence in their abilities
• reflect and think mindfully about their learning
• follow their own interests and be themselves
Pupil voice
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
• make a positive contribution to the school and local community
• explore ways of becoming an active citizen
• express their opinions on a range of different topics and issues
Enrichment
We will enrich our curriculum by:
• providing on and off-site subject or topic related activities
• using quality resources in and out of the classroom
• Provide memorable opportunities and experiences that stimulate learning; provide context and build pupil cultural
• holding specialist curriculum days or weeks
Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural & Fundamental British Values
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
• Spiritual – Explore beliefs, experience and faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity and reflect on experiences
• Moral – Recognise right and wrong and respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues and offer reasoned views
• Social – Use a range of social skills to participate in the local community and beyond; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict
• Individual liberty – Be free to express views or ideas
• Tolerance and respect – To respect and tolerate the opinions or behaviour of others
• Rule of law – Learn that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable for their actions and behaviour
• Democracy – Be part of a system where everyone plays an equal part
• Cultural – Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity
Further Information:
Click for: Curriculum Overviews
Click for: National Curriculum in England: Primary Curriculum
