Overview

The Curriculum is the total of all the learning experiences provided by the school for the children. At Broadbottom we aim to provide a broad, balanced curriculum at all stages of the children’s development through which each individual will be able to reach high standards and develop their individual talents, interests and skills. Our curriculum is enhanced by the Christian teaching, values and ethos which underpins all we do.

Staff use the programmes of study laid down in the National Curriculum as the basis for planning the children’s learning experiences, whilst making every lesson as meaningful as possible.

We use a topic or themed approach to make links between different subjects as we believe this makes learning relevant and enjoyable. We also use the local environment and educational visits to enhance the children’s engagement and understanding. We are committed to developing children’s skills for learning alongside personal and social skills.

As we have mixed age classes within the school, our curriculum is taught on a two year cycle.

The curriculum at Broadbottom aims to encourage: successful learners who enjoy learning, making progress and achieving confident individuals who are able to keep themselves safe and fulfilled responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society

In order to achieve these aims our curriculum: is dynamic, flexible and responsive to the children’s changing needs promotes excellent teaching of communication skills promotes learning to learn skills and a love of learning facilitates a high standard of English and Mathematics encourages high standards of behaviour and personal development builds ICT capacity is based on content which is relevant to the children and cross-curricular develops essential knowledge and skills learned through high quality direct subject teaching is a blend of discrete subjects and a cross-curricular thematic approach

English and Mathematics lessons are planned daily and, wherever possible, links are made with other areas of the curriculum.

Our creative curriculum is based on a thematic approach. It is enriched by regular visits, visitors and other experiences, which motivate and challenge learners. The foundation subjects; science, history, geography, art, DT and ICT are carefully planned using a cross-curricular approach. Teacher’s planning is directly linked to the National Curriculum and basic skills are taught in such a way that there is clear progression, coverage and consistency throughout the school. The curriculum is designed to meet pupil interest and need.

At Broadbottom teacher’s planning: promotes high standards of reading writing and mathematics and allows for application and consolidation of transferable skills promotes the development of a balance of skills across the curriculum contains first hand, practical experiences both inside and outside the classroom has a hook or wow factor that connects different aspects of learning engages and challenges children’s thinking so they develop good attitudes to learning encourages independent enquiry, independence and resilience includes learning to learn skills promotes spiritual, moral, social and cultural development heightens social and economic awareness of other cultures and the local community involves the children in activities that require them to work collaboratively as well as independently makes learning intentions clear to the children promotes the key skills set out in the National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum includes opportunities for children to use a range of thinking skills developing imagination and curiosity requires a range of outcomes e.g. experiments, drama, artwork, presentations etc. includes the flexible use of schemes of work for music, PE, PSHE, PMFL and RE, but where possible these subjects are incorporated into thematic planning addresses aspects of community cohesion

Some areas of the curriculum are delivered by both teachers and subject specialists, such as in PE, dance, music and swimming.

Planning, preparation and assessment time All class teachers are allocated the equivalent of 2 hours a week in which to plan, prepare and assess all aspects of the curriculum.

Assessment At the end of each half term curriculum plan, staff assess the progress of all children. Future planning is then adapted to reflect pupil need.