Our Curriculum
Intent
Our curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that is ambitious and meets the needs of all children. The early learning areas of social and personal learning, health and physical learning, and language and communication prepares students for adulthood. Our children are taught to be curious, ask questions and are encouraged to make a meaningful contribution throughout their lives for the good of us all.
The curriculum ensures that academic success, creativity and problem solving, reliability, responsibility and resilience, as well as physical development, well-being and mental health are key elements that support the development of the whole child, promoting a positive attitude to learning. The curriculum celebrates the diversity and utilises the skills, knowledge and cultural wealth of the community while supporting the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, ensuring that children are well prepared for life in modern Britain.
Our curriculum is nurturing and aims to promote the all-round development of our children. In addition, it fosters happiness and nurtures their well-being, helping them lead an independent life and integrate into the community.
Implementation
Our curriculum is linked to the National Curriculum and the EYFS Development Matters. Not only are all pupils taught in line with these expectations, they are challenged and inspired. The curriculum is planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills build on what has been taught before ensuring children are ready for future learning.
Additional aspects of our school which enhance learning for our pupils and make for a unique experience include:
- Specialist Physical Education coaches
- Specialist music provision
- Additional Resourced Provision for pupils with severe and complex needs
- Outdoor and residential learning
- Opportunities to become ‘Knights of Tubbenden’.
In order for our curriculum to flourish further, there are key threads running through which ‘drive’ the learning forwards and become the ‘drivers’ for our curriculum.
Our three main drivers are:
Inspiring Curiosity Wider Learning Creativity
Inspiring curiosity – In order to learn effectively, children need to be curious learners. Our curriculum provides opportunities for children to ask questions, seek answers and become independent learners.
Wider learning – In today’s global world it is so important we feel we are part of the local, national and international community – this is where the wider learning driver plays its part. Children will learn about the world around them and through the world around them. With Tubbenden’s extensive grounds, excellent location for links to London and a fantastic community with a wealth of expertise to offer and share, the children learn first-hand through a variety of experiences and locations.
Creativity – children enjoy a variety of creative experiences within school providing a balanced curriculum where they have the opportunity to excel. This is fundamental to the planning of engaging activities incorporating the creative arts within the curriculum.
Subject leaders play an important part in the success of the curriculum by leading a regular programme of monitoring, evaluation and review; the celebration of good practice contributes to the ongoing commitment to evolve and improve further. All subject leaders are given training and the opportunity to keep developing their own subject knowledge, skills and understanding, so they can support curriculum developments and their colleagues throughout the school.
A varied timetable of extra-curricular activities is offered by the school, with clubs that support the core curriculum offer, as well as those which develop specialist skills such as martial arts. Additionally, opportunities to develop leadership are provided through roles and responsibilities within the wider school which promotes citizenship.
Impact
Our practice across the school provides a strong foundation and opportunities for children to collaborate and develop social skills both indoors and out.
Enjoyment of the curriculum promotes achievement, confidence and good behaviour. Children feel safe to try new things. High quality visits and visitors to the school enhance the curriculum.
Our curriculum provides well-rounded, life long learners who are prepared for the challenges and adventures that await them.