Curriculum Statement

At Clough & Risegate Primary School, we believe that strong, positive relationships within our school and community provide the foundations for a school to flourish. Together Everyone Achieves More within our school and we adopt an optimistic and positive culture of success.

Our core values are at the heart of all we achieve.

Curiosity, Friendship & Community

• Helping children develop lively, enquiring and curious minds by providing an imaginative, inspiring curriculum that helps them to flourish.
• We see each other as friends in our learning journeys. Friends treat each other with respect and kindness everyday.
• Creating a happy, healthy and secure community in which everyone feels valued and respected, with equal opportunities for all. We welcome the community to our school to share their skills and knowledge.

A key element of our school's culture is the ethos of care: care for oneself, for others and for the environment.  We are a very proud, small, rural primary school, where the family ethos, positive attitudes and good behaviour are reflected throughout. We foster a caring environment, promoting consideration and appreciation for others. We spend time developing self esteem, self discipline and independence. Kindness is key and through mutual respect and collaboration, every child can find security and experience success.

Our Curriculum

The school's curriculum framework has been devised to ensure that knowledge and key skills in all subjects are taught in a coherent, well-planned and progressive manner. Key skills help the children to constantly improve their learning throughout their time in education, as well as in later life. The key skills are complemented by the development across the curriculum of 'thinking skills' - information processing, reasoning, enquiry, creative thinking and evaluation skills. Our curriculum is often taught through over-arching themes which makes learning meaningful for the children. Our curriculum is designed to promote long-term memory. Opportunities are provided to return to concepts and skills over time, in order to gain a growing developmental understanding.

Our school’s commitment to outdoor learning and first-hand real-life experiences benefits every child’s development. Age appropriately, all the children are directly involved in assessing risks. This heightens their awareness and understanding of risks in their daily lives across a range of environments. In this way, children are learning a crucial life skill that will promote safety and well-being today and through into adulthood.

We aim to develop children as individuals – physically, mentally, culturally and spiritually but above all as lifelong learners, able to make a positive contribution to the local and wider community, today and in the future.

INTENT

We follow the early years framework in EYFS and the national curriculum in KS1 and KS2.

Our school curriculum is designed to be active, hands-on and memorable. The focus is squarely on learning but learning in a way that is enjoyable and driven by the interests of the pupils.

There are three key drivers in our curriculum. These form the foundations of our curriculum and permeate all aspects of school:

Farm to Fork - Outdoor Learning
We provide our children with safe and varied outdoor experiences which they might not access at home or elsewhere. Outdoor learning provides health benefits and opportunities to self-assess risk. As well as this, it promotes well-being, collaboration, a connection to nature and a greater level of enjoyment and motivation. We use our year round growing area and polytunnel to plant, grow and harvest vegetables and fruit, which are then used by the children in our curriculum kitchen. The crucial skills developed through this approach, ensures that our children understand where their food comes from and how important it is to cook and eat healthy meals. These life skills will ensure the children from our rural community keep connected to the local area and grow up fully understanding the importance of being fit and healthy, looking after themselves and others.

Physical Development and Wellbeing
We encourage healthy living and active learning beyond the classroom. We promote a love of sport and physical exercise which supports children’s learning and wellbeing. Our school's Gold Award confirms our commitment to ensuring that our children access the best coaches, sessions, outdoor play spaces and opportunities for physical exercise as possible. We take proud in our pastoral care and family ethos. Every child and family are supported in a wide variety of ways to ensure our children are safe, healthy and well cared for. We work tirelessly to ensure our children are equipped with the tools needed to make them well adjusted, confident and kind individuals with a thirst for knowledge and an alert, keen curiosity for life.

Language Development and Vocabulary
Nationally, there is evidence of a "vocabulary gap" between children on-entry to school. In order to close this gap and to promote a love of reading and writing, we provide a word-rich environment and a love of stories and books. Reading is always a high priority in order to allow our children to access the full curriculum offer with a focus on high quality teaching of phonics. We use Read, Write inc and then Accelerated Reader in school, which evidence shows a rigorous and sequential approach to the reading curriculum. These schemes ensure we develop pupils’ fluency, confidence and enjoyment in reading.

IMPLEMENTATION

English, Mathematics and Science are coherently planned and sequenced to ensure clear progression within and between year groups. We enable children to develop knowledge and key skills in these subjects so that they can apply them in different contexts.

Other subjects in the national curriculum are carefully planned over the long term so that pupils’ experiences are deep and broad. Our children acquire the knowledge and cultural capital they need to broaden their horizons, become aspirational citizens and succeed in life. 

Reading is given high priority in order to allow pupils to access the full curriculum with a focus on high quality teaching of phonics and oracy. We are a part of The Lincolnshire Reading Pledge and we strive to continually improve in this key area.

Each subject of the curriculum has a comprehensive document that outlines knowledge, skills, coverage for each year group in a clear and progressive way. Conscious connections, continuous provision and links to our three key drivers are made to ensure a cohesive experience for all. Longitudinal learning to revisit ideas and concepts to enable deeper learning is also included.

Long term, medium term and short term planning is designed to help pupils to remember the content they’ve been taught and to use and apply knowledge into larger ideas.

The school is committed to being fully inclusive and provision is made to ensure that disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are able to access the curriculum in full.

IMPACT

Our commitment to providing a broad and balanced curriculum, with clearly defined key drivers which thread their way through all subjects, results in the majority of children achieving a mastery of the content; they remember what they have learned and are fluent in it. Some pupils attain a greater depth of understanding.

Children who attend our school will care for and respect themselves, others and the environment. They will be good at collaborating; working together for success. They will have a positive and resilient attitude and will embrace and celebrate diversity.

The National Curriculum

Schools are required by law to teach the National Curriculum to all children of five years and over. At the centre are the 'Core' subjects of English, Maths and Science as well as Computing (IT) and Religious Education (RE). The Foundation subjects comprise of History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Music, PE and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship), RSE (Relationships) and MFL (Modern Foreign Language) - French in KS2. 

Children in Reception (EYFS) follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Years 1 and 2 will be working in KS1 (Key Stage 1) of the National Curriculum and those in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 will continue through KS2 (Key Stage 2) of the National Curriculum. 

Wherever possible, we follow a thematic approach to our curriculum, to put learning into a real life context for the children. The topics taught encompass a wide range of curriculum areas, however, some subjects may be taught separately to ensure full coverage of skills for your child. 

Below you will find links to The National Curriculum but also Our Long Term Plans which are shown in a two-year cycle. 

English

English (including Phonics) in EYFS and Year 1 is taught through the Read, Write Inc. scheme. This supports the children to develop their phonics, reading and writing. With this being embedded in Willow Class the aim is to make more fluent readers with a good understanding of what they have read.

English lessons taught from Year 1 onwards are planned from a range of high quality texts, film clips, or current affairs through Literacy Shed + to engage children in their learning, covering a broad range of genres and text-types. These lessons are planned to ensure the children continue to build up their skills in specific text types and promote the children writing for a variety of purposes. The children then show off their skill development when they apply their learning to longer pieces of work in their topic lessons. 

Spelling is taught through the Spelling Shed scheme from Year 1 to Year 6. This scheme provides the children the opportunity to develop their spelling knowledge through sequenced lessons and supported by interactive games for the children to practice at home. The teaching of grammar and punctuation is also taught within English lessons and supported by additional sessions from Spelling Shed, which is all closely matched to the National Curriculum.

At Clough and Risegate Primary it is our aim that each child leaves us with a love of words. We aim to develop children who can speak fluently, read for enjoyment and meaning and can write in any genre; be it a letter of complaint or a beautiful poem. Our Accelerated Reader scheme will enable all children to read challenging, rewarding and enjoyable texts. We LOVE reading at Clough and Risegate Community Primary School. 

Maths

Our Long Term Plans do include our Numeracy links. For more details of coverage however, you will find a link below to the yearly overview aligned to the National Curriculum from White Rose. Due to our mixed aged classes, these are not followed rigidly, instead are adapted to meet the needs of our children in response to teaching, learning and continuous assessments made. 

The White Rose Maths curriculum is a cumulative curriculum so that once a topic is covered, it is met many times again in other contexts. Our aim in Mathematics is that each child leaves Clough and Risegate Community Primary with the skills to meet the demands of everyday life in the modern world. We want all children to use and apply their mathematical skills confidently, use mathematical language effectively and to be fluent mathematical thinkers. We want children to enjoy being mathematicians. 

Science

Our aim in Science is to give children practical experiences of scientific processes by allowing them to experiment and find solutions to questions about the world in which they live. We encourage children to understand the relevance of Science to their present lives and how discoveries made today may impact on their futures. Children develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of the natural world, materials and physical processes. We want children to experience the wonder of the scientific world and to be excited by what they discover for themselves. We teach Science primarily through Pearson's Science Bug scheme, however, we take opportunities to make as many links as possible in our other areas of the curriculum. 

Here at Clough & Risegate we use Purple Mash to support the learning and retention of computing skills. Throughout the scheme of work, we embed the intent of covering a wide range of opportunities to ensure our Computing curriculum enriches our children to be digitally literate and enthused along the way. The topics and skills covered support their transition into the ever growing technological world. 

RE (Religious Education)

Religious education is taught based on the Lincolnshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education

Our principle aims are to help children to grow in awareness and responsibility, whilst developing an appreciation of the needs, customs and beliefs of others in order to assist them in the formation and expression of their own ideas and belief. Children also engage in assemblies, discussion and reflection. These take place as a whole school, as a key stage and in class.

Children should be given the opportunity to access a curriculum which prepares them for the changes that adolescence brings. We are choosing to provide our pupils with a sensitive, age appropriate curriculum which includes the components of Sex Education. 

Our aims:

• To prepare pupils for the changes that occur to their bodies, minds and emotions as a consequence of growth from childhood to adulthood.
• To help support young people through spiritual, physical, emotional and moral development.
• To work in partnership with parents, families and the wider community to promote positive relationships and provide effective support for young people. 

At Clough & Risegate Primary School, we will teach the Sex Education components of RSE during our PSHE lessons. 

However, if you are not happy for your child to take part, you have the right to withdraw them from any or all of it. We will then make alternative arrangements for your child for the duration of the teaching. If you would like to withdraw your child from Sex Education, you will need to complete the relevant form and return this to the Headteacher, Mrs Rooney.

Science and Sex Education

Under the National Curriculum,  the basics of Sex Education fall within the science curriculum. The statutory content requires maintained schools to teach children about human development, including puberty, and reproduction. Please see the DfE Science Programme of Study below which includes specific content for each year group. 

In Key Stage 1, pupils will:

Be introduced to the process of reproduction and growth in animals. They should be introduced to the concepts of reproduction and growth, but not how reproduction occurs.

Key Stage 2, pupils will:

Be taught about different types of reproduction, including sexual and asexual reproduction in plants and sexual reproduction in animals. Pupils should draw a timeline to indicate stages in the growth and development of humans. They should learn about the changes experienced in puberty. 

 Relationships Education - PSHE/RSHE

• At Clough & Risegate Primary School, our RSHE curriculum intends to prepare children for adult life, enabling our children to become healthy, independent and responsible members of society. We want our children to understand how they are developing personally and socially and we aim to provide the children with the opportunity to explore their rights and responsibilities and to learn how to tackle many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are all part of growing up. Children are given the opportunity to take responsibility and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society.
• Every child is encouraged to develop their self worth, self esteem and adopt a positive growth mind-set enabling children to develop a healthy mind. This is promoted in all subjects across our curriculum encouraging the children to take on an ‘I can’ attitude, positively preparing them for future life challenges.      

Intent

• To help all children develop an understanding of how to build respectful relationships with others and how to keep themselves safe and healthy as they grow.
• To enable children to learn about their own self-worth and build a positive self-esteem and the impact this has on their lives.
• To develop children’s knowledge and understanding of their rights and responsibilities within society and our lives today.
• To develop children’s knowledge, skills and understanding of developing into respectful members of society.
• To make links with other subjects of the curriculum where appropriate and relevant.    

Implementation

• We will begin the teaching of ‘Relationships Education’ in Foundation Stage (PSHE) as the children begin developing their social skills through their play, by playing with others and making friends.
• As the children move into Key Stage 1 they will build on their earlier skills using the curriculum guidelines for teaching and learning.
• Strong links will be made with the teaching of other curriculum areas.
• RSHE will become a stimulus and a springboard for the development of thinking and reasoning skills.
• As they become older the children will learn about how to recognise unacceptable behaviours and will learn what to do and where they can go for help if needed.
• Art, design technology, drama will be closely linked with RSHE as children use these subjects to communicate what they have learnt.
• On every appropriate occasion teachers will use first-hand experience, visits and visitors to engage the children’s interest in the subject being focused on eg. School nurse visit, PCSO etc
• Through their understanding of building friendships and resolving conflict, children will be encouraged to develop their feelings and empathy and understanding for others.
• Through their understanding of RSHE, learners will be helped to develop an understanding of the British society in which they live.        

Impact

• RSHE will be taught and learnt in an interesting and enjoyable manner. It will have a strong presence in the ethos of the school through displays, assemblies, music and drama. All stakeholders in the school community will be encouraged to support the teaching and learning of RSHE. Pupils will develop an understanding and respect for their family, teachers, peers and anyone they come into contact with throughout their life.
• They will grow in confident, independent and responsible adults, ready to face the world as they move onto their next milestone of starting secondary  when they leave us.

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/research-resources/2019/relationships-and-sex-education-statutory-guidance

https://www.pshe-association.org.uk/curriculum-and-resources/resources/teaching-sre-confidence-primary-schools

MFL (Modern Foreign Language) - French

At Clough and Risegate Primary School we choose to teach French as our Modern Foreign Language at Key Stage 2. Through our scheme of learning on Kapow the children will begin to learn some basic French. The learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for the pupils. Pupils will develop communication and literacy skills that will lay the foundations for future language learning.

Music

Music is an important part of our school curriculum. We use Charanga, a music teaching and learning platform, to ensure that we are delivering a well-sequenced music curriculum. Our Long Term Plans give details of the units covered. The interrelated dimensions of music weave through the units to encourage the development of musical skills as the learning progresses through listening and appraising, differing musical activities (including creating and exploring) and performing.

The children are involved in many activities, including listening and responding to music from a variety of cultures and periods, playing instruments, singing, writing and performing their own compositions. Children have the opportunity to work individually, in groups, or as a class within a wide range of activities in their classrooms, the hall and outdoors.

Through the History Curriculum at Clough & Risegate, we strive to inspire a curiosity of different historical periods within our children and aim to do through our carefully selected and planned, in-depth coverage of topics.  Through this approach, we are able to provide an even, and progressive, coverage of the National Curriculum whilst further igniting a love for History. 

Amongst this, we ensure that all children experience an enrichment opportunity throughout the school year based upon their topic to further their learning and encourage enjoyment of the subject.

* Please see our Teaching and Learning Policy on this website for further specific subject area information. If you would like to know more or have any questions about our curriculum, then please email:  enquiries@clough-risegate.co.uk