Learning

Curriculum throughout school

EYFS Curriculum

In the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, we endeavour to provide children with exciting, creative opportunities to learn through play. Children of this age learn best through exploring and investigating; watching and listening; talking and discussing and creating and communicating both indoors and outside the classroom. We have a wonderful outdoor area which is accessible at all times and mirrors the types of learning experiences available indoors. Specific activities will be planned around half-termly topics or stories. All our play based activity areas include opportunities to challenge pupils' learning and understanding.

The curriculum is split into three prime and four specific areas of learning. We ensure each child is confident in the three prime areas before moving on to the four specific area to enable them to fully engage in their learning journey.

We are also lucky enough to have our own Forest School on site which the children are able to access each week enabling them to learn a whole new set of skills. Through well-planned sessions, our pupils develop confidence, resilience, problem-solving skills and begin to learn to be independent.

Phonics is taught daily in a variety of exciting, engaging ways, following the LCP scheme of work. Reading is extremely important both in and out of school and we provide a range of opportunities for children to foster a love of reading and to share stories with their peers and other adults including their parents. Our children learn to write through a wide range of early mark making activities using different media and are then encouraged to develop their letter formation to enable them to write simple words and sentences.

We are always looking for opportunities to enhance our curriculum by taking children off site, on educational visits and we also invite visitors into school to try to make learning experiences more meaningful for the children. We go on visits to places such as the Sealife Centre, Farmer Parr's Animal World and Judges Lodgings in Lancaster.

Key Stage 1 Curriculum

In Key Stage 1 we continue the learning journey from the Early Years Foundation Stage. In this next phase, we aim to develop the individual child so that they have a positive and confident attitude to learning. We want them to learn to be inquisitive, independent and show initiative. We provide opportunities for children to reflect on their learning and persevere when faced with challenges. Teachers are actively encouraged to use a wide range of teaching styles and strategies in order to meet the needs of all learners: this may include working with partners or in small groups and whenever possible, creative, active learning. ICT is used to enhance and support the curriculum. Children in Key Stage 1 will also learn through play and exploration where they are encouraged to question and try to find out answers for themselves.

The curriculum is taught through topics and we follow the Lancashire plans as a guideline, tailoring the curriculum to meet the specific needs of our pupils. Our strong Christian ethos permeates through all aspects of the curriculum and links are made to spiritual, moral and cultural learning.

Phonics and reading are taught through the LCP scheme and guided reading groups. Pupils will also read individually to an adult and we actively encourage reading for pleasure through a wide range of class and whole school activities throughout the year.

In Maths, we teach from the Lancashire plans and aim to use a practical, multi-sensory approach to help pupils grasp mathematical concepts.

Each year, all pupils will experience a programme of Forest School activities enhanced by further opportunities to learn through the outdoor environment. We also include a wide range of activities to broaden children's experiences including school trips, the use of visitors to school, whole school themed days and charity fund-raising days.

KS2 Curriculum

Our curriculum in Key Stage 2 incorporates a variety of approaches to ensure an increasing depth of knowledge and skills. In English, we focus on equipping pupils with a strong command of both spoken and written word and developing a love of literature: ambitious vocabulary, reading for both enquiry and pleasure and writing for purpose.

An enquiry based approach to Maths is taken. Pupils are actively encouraged to learn from each other and share a variety of strategies and approaches to problem-solving. Mistakes are unpicked in a supportive and collaborative environment. Children continue to be encouraged to use concrete and pictorial representations to underpin understanding of new concepts.

Engaging and inspiring cross-curricular topics provide opportunities to learn new skills, as well as applying previous core skills and knowledge.

Independent learning is celebrated through certificates and recognition in whole school worship, sharing with parents as well through learning platforms.

Wherever possible, we use educational visits and visitors to school to enhance the curriculum and to make learning experiences real and meaningful. All year groups have access to high quality forest school sessions for a block of 6 weeks during the year.