Curriculum Intent Statement

INTENT

Our curriculum is linked to our core values and principles, which underpin our school ethos and motto of 'learning together, growing together'. As a school, we serve and celebrate the diversity of the community and welcome all to our vibrant and inclusive environment.

Children leave our school with a sense of belonging to a tightly-knit community where they have the confidence and skills to make decisions, self-evaluate, make connections and become lifelong learners.

At Dovecot Primary School, the curriculum is designed to be inclusive for all. We recognise the need to build on children's prior learning, provide first-hand learning experiences, allow children to develop interpersonal skills, build resilience and become creative, critical thinkers.

Our curriculum has language acquisition and development at the heart. Carefully sequenced lesson planning also allows children to build on prior learning, creating opportunities to revisit and apply skills which leads to secure retention of knowledge. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum which supports children in developing their love of learning, promotes creativity and supports physical and mental wellbeing.

IMPLEMENTATION

Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum with subjects being taught both discretely and as part of carefully planned topics. Within these topics, we incorporate key skills as well as subject-specific skills which are applied across the curriculum. We take a holistic approach to learning, with opportunities for child-initiated learning based on their interests, whilst at the same time ensuring the development of specific subject skills and knowledge.

Teaching in Dovecot Primary School puts children at the heart of learning, and staff have high expectations of pupils' levels of engagement and standards of work. We effectively use digital learning platforms to challenge and support children and to meet their individual needs. Interactive, creative lessons allow staff to observe children working independently and make formative assessments for next steps in learning.

Our text-based approach to teaching English supports children in making connections with key concepts across the curriculum, and creates opportunities to practise skills and embed learning. A mastery approach means pupils acquire a deep, long-term, secure and flexible understanding of maths, which they then apply to all subjects.

IMPACT

The aims of our curriculum are:

• To foster positive attitudes to learning;
• To provide children with firm foundations to ensure they are ready for the next Key Stage;
• To ensure that children are able to recognise British Values and apply them to their own lives.
• To support the children in acquiring the skills and knowledge to realise their dreams and aspirations;
• To be able to articulate their thoughts and feelings and know how to keep themselves physically safe and mentally healthy;
• To celebrate difference and embrace diversity;
• To fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum and make excellent progress;
• To be a confident lifelong learner.

What does your child learn at school each day? Find information about our curriculum subjects here. For more information please speak to your child's class teacher.