Curriculum Overviews

At Colegate Primary School we offer a broad and balanced curriculum.  The curriculum incorporates the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum and other experiences and opportunities which best meet the learning and developmental needs of the pupils in our school. The aim of our curriculum is for pupils to have the skills to be successful, independent, and motivated learners in readiness for their next stage of education.

Intent

We place a huge emphasis on children learning the core skills of English and Maths but are totally committed to developing the whole child so provide a wide curriculum for All children.

We link our curriculum to our locality where possible to make learning “real” and relevant for our children.

We take our responsibility to prepare children for life in Britain very seriously.  We achieve this through the REACH principles and this threads through all aspects of school life.

R          respect

E          enjoy

A          achieve

C          Co-operate

H          Honest

 

Curriculum Implementation

Early Years Foundation Stage

Children in Nursery and Reception follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. This learning challenges children and encourages them to develop into independent, motivated learners and thinkers, full of curiosity about the world around them within a fun, happy and secure environment.

In the EYFS at Colegate Primary School our aim is to develop a positive foundation for lifelong learning.  To support this, we actively promote the four overarching principles set out in the EYFS Statutory Framework.

A Unique Child

Positive Relationships

Enabling Environment

Learning and Development

A Unique Child:

To ensure that every child makes good progress from their starting points, learning opportunities are carefully planned that respond to the individual needs, interests, and fascinations of every child.

Positive Relationships:

In both Nursery and Reception, clear routines, boundaries, and behavioural expectations are promoted and modelled.  Visual timetables and prompts ensure that children with EAL or those with additional learning needs are supported. Positive Relationships are promoted when planning learning opportunities in the EYFS.  Children have the right to learn through child led learning that is carefully balanced and complimented by adult led learning plans based upon observational assessments.

Enabling Environments:

Learning environments in the EYFS at our school are carefully planned to enable and facilitate independence and promote the characteristics of effective learning for every child (playing and exploring, active learning, creative and critical thinking).

The learning environment is organised to enable learning across the seven areas of learning.  The established systems and routines allow practitioners to support learning and development particularly in the Prime Areas.

Learning and Development:
“Play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, to think about problems, and relate to others.  Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play which is guided by adults”

Characteristics of Effective Learning:
The three characteristics of effective teaching and learning are:

  • playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’;
  • active learning – children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy achievements; and
    • creating and thinking critically – children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things.

The seven areas of learning are as followed:

Prime Areas

Communication and Language

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Physical Development

 

Specific Areas

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding the World

Expressive Art and Design

 

Year 1

We plan a continuous provision in Y1.

We passionately believe that young children learn best through play and exploration.  Everyday our children will get the opportunity to be an artist, writer, mathematician, designer to name but a few.  These play-based experiences enable the children to consolidate their skills, knowledge and understanding and enable them to become independent and resilient learners.

The National Curriculum

Our Curriculum – Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

Children are taught a rich curriculum which includes the skills, understanding and knowledge required to meet the standards set down in the National Curriculum. We further enhance this by ensuring we teach a curriculum which gives them the best opportunity to acquire the basic skills they need to reach their full potential both at Colegate and beyond.

We aim to equip children with an understanding of global, national, and local issues.  We encourage children to be independent learners who, as they grow older, take responsibility for their actions.

Children are taught:

The core subjects – English, mathematics, science, computing, design technology, history, geography, music, art and design and physical education through a creative, integrated curriculum.

Children are also taught religious education, and French.  We also focus upon personal, social, cultural, and spiritual knowledge and understanding.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

At Colegate Primary School, we seek to promote a safe, caring, secure and positive environment, in which all children are happy, can develop and grow, to ensure effective learning takes place.

If you have any further questions, please contact the school office who will be happy to help.