At Lanchester EP Primary School, our curriculum across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, is the means by which we instil and inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about their world that will remain with them for the rest of their lives, in the context of our Christian values and ethos.
Our curriculum empowers children with the knowledge and skills that are essential to nourish both them and the society of which they are members. We want children to develop life-long academic, moral and social skills that prepare them for their future lives.
Our curriculum is designed to expand our high expectations, building on firm foundations and a love of learning. We plan and deliver unique, stimulating and interesting learning opportunities, both in the classroom and outdoors. We believe that the true measure of successful learning is how we are able to use our creativity independently and co-operatively with others, demonstrating resilience, confidence, empathy and enjoyment.
Across our curriculum we will:
- Instil in all learners the balance of academic and social skills needed to succeed at school and in their lives;
- Inspire all learners to be inquisitive and apply their skills through engaging and meaningful learning opportunities;
- Innovate our approaches so all learners utilise their talents, take risks and develop their individuality.
Curriculum Implementation - Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Within both Nursery and Reception, we embed the principles of Early Years teaching. Children are active participants in their learning and are given opportunities to be creative and learn through critical thinking. They are seen as unique individuals, with positive relationships being created. Our indoor and outdoor environments are equipped to enable children to develop and learn in their own individual ways and at different rates. Our provision promotes the Characteristics of Effective Learning to ensure that children are ready for the learning challenges ahead.
The EYFS curriculum at Lanchester EP is delivered through:
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Well-planned and purposeful play-based activities.
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Teacher-directed lessons and learning activities.
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Child-led activities.
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Well-resourced indoor and outdoor learning areas.
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Ensuring continuity and progression of learning through skills development and sequenced experiences.
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Opportunities for exploration, allowing time for children to become immersed in their play.
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Thoughtful interactions and support from adults who know the children well and are able to plan for, and put into place, the next steps in their learning.
Curriculum Implementation - Key Stage 1 and 2
We have developed a creative and thematic approach to learning that is mapped to the 2014 Primary National Curriculum to ensure comprehensive coverage of national expectations. Our new curriculum is delivered through a combination of teaching some subjects discretely and others through imaginative, stimulating and creative themes. Our approach provides a rich menu of exciting and motivating learning activities that make creative links between all aspects of our children’s learning.
We believe children learn better when they are encouraged to use their imagination and apply their learning to engaging contexts. Our new curriculum will provide learning challenges throughout the academic year that will require children to solve problems, apply themselves creatively and express their knowledge and understanding effectively across the curriculum.
The thematic aspect of our curriculum is based on a four stage approach. Staff have carefully planned six themes or projects for each year group. The topics are based on the following four stage approach:
Engage Stage
- This is to ‘hook’ learners in with a memorable experience.
- In the Engage Stage we set the scene and provide the context for learning.
- We ask questions to find out children's interests.
Develop
- This is the section focused on teaching 'Treasured Knowledge' and information for a deeper understanding and increased knowledge.
- The children demonstrate new skills and we allow time for consolidation.
- The staff provide creative opportunities for making and doing.
Innovate
- The Innovate Stage provides imaginative scenarios that encourage creative thinking.
- We enable children to apply previously learned skills and encourage enterprise and independent thinking.
Express
- During the Express Stage, we provide environments for reflective talk and opportunities for shared evaluation.
- The children celebrates and share their success.
- Staff identify the next steps for the children's learning