Curriculum Statement 2017/18

At Miers Court Primary School we offer a curriculum which is broad and balanced, and which builds upon the knowledge, understanding and skills of all children, whatever their starting points, as they progress through each Key Stage.  The curriculum incorporates the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum 2014 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 requisite skills to be successful, independent and motivated learners in readiness for their next stage of education.

Pupils are still working on the Early Learning Goals of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum as they enter Year 1.  There is a period in the autumn term where the majority of children progress to the National Curriculum.  Throughout this period and beyond, all children are still developing their phonic knowledge through the Letters and Sounds Programme, as well as developing their fluency in reading.

The National Curriculum is delivered using a topic based approach and using the National Curriculum requirements as a basis to ensure coverage and progression throughout the school.  Milestones at the end of Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6 ensure that children are meeting expectations in their learning.  The more able are challenged further in their learning and children who find aspects of their learning more difficult are appropriately supported so that they too are enabled to experience success.  National requirements and school requirements are mapped out as a whole school, and then individual year groups plan the curriculum for their pupils accordingly.  The curriculum is underpinned by the school's Core Values and Ethos (see our Behaviour for Learning and Conduct Policy) and these are taught on their own and through other areas of the curriculum, including in assemblies.  The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils and their understanding of the core values of our society are woven throughout the curriculum.

The English curriculum and the mathematics curriculum are supported through a framework developed by consultants and co-ordinators within the Local Authority.  These subjects are taught in mixed ability groups using a flexible approach to grouping and ensuring that all children receive both challenge and support at an appropriate level.  In all year groups there are small group interventions in order to support pupils in gaining the key skills to become successful readers, writers and mathematicians.

All subject leaders are given training and opportunity to keep developing their own subject knowledge, skills and understanding so that they can support curriculum development and their colleagues throughout the school.  Immersion days, visitors, activities linked to specific topics, and opportunities within and outside school all enrich and develop the children's learning.  After school clubs and events extend these opportunities further.  Additional whole school programmes and approaches support quality teaching and learning and the school is well resourced in terms of learning materials, books and technology.

The outdoor environment and the local community are considered an opportunity for active learning for all our pupils. The school grounds have been developed so that they can enrich different curriculum areas, particularly science.

Pupils have opportunities to share their learning with each other, their parents and carers and other learners through school-based and external exhibitions, performances, competitions and events involving other schools.  Developing their independence and motivation as learners and their sense of responsibility as future citizens is at the heart of all of our teaching and learning.

MIERS COURT PRIMARY SCHOOL

YEARLY TOPIC OVERVIEW 2017/18