Curriculum

Our curriculum Statement of Intent

At Smallwood CE Primary Academy, we aim to educate the ‘whole child’ through a holistic approach and instil a love of learning into all who enter our doors, with God, Church and Faith at the centre of what we do.

It is important to us that our curriculum allows every child to let their ‘light SHINE’ both academically and as educated, active, respectful citizens here at Smallwood and out in the wider world. Thus, woven through our curriculum are our ‘SHINE’ values. These are:

Skills – A curriculum built on the acquisition of key skills and knowledge

To the individual, having the skills to read matters emotionally, culturally and educationally; because of the economic impacts within society, it matters to everyone. Developing children’s ability to read and communicate effectively is of upmost importance to us at Smallwood and is subsequently given a prominent place within our curriculum.

Half-termly humanities topics act as the driver for our curriculum, but as with reading, skills and knowledge are taught progressively and discreetly in individual subject areas so that our children gain a broad understanding of each subject. Challenging and clear end points inform starting points and content is sequenced in a systematic, logical way so that children can build on prior learning and develop the knowledge and skills to be able to reach those end points.

Hope- A curriculum which encourages and supports children to have aspirations, strength, resilience and a growth-mindset

Our children learn that they can shape the world, making it a better place. They are encouraged to have aspirations, hopes and dreams, learning how to achieve them, and support each other as they work towards them. Pupils develop a growth mindset that encourages self-confidence and an appreciation of their own and others' abilities, learning that their greatest competitor is themselves.

Inclusion- A curriculum where equality, diversity and inclusion are at the forefront

Our children learn to accept each other, welcome diversity, and celebrate difference, overcoming hostility and prejudice together as a community in Christ. Our curriculum is ambitious and designed to give pupils, particularly disadvantage pupils and those with SEND, the knowledge they need to take advantage of opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in later life.

Nurture- A curriculum that does not demand perfection but allows all children to take pride in achievement

All children are supported socially, emotionally and mentally through whole class approaches as well as through more targeted nurturing interventions. Adults model that it is all right to make mistakes and offer a range of opportunities for children to develop the vital social skills, confidence, self-esteem and become ready to learn.

Excellence- A curriculum where excellence is achieved through enjoyment

High standards are a product of our children being engaged, challenged and motivated by their learning. Our bespoke curriculum uses the National Curriculum as a starting point in order to offer a broad and ambitious curriculum, but most importantly, has been supplemented and designed with the interests of our children, our locality, our position within the 21^st century and with our vision and values in mind.  

Impact

Children leave Smallwood with the confidence and skills to make decisions, self-evaluate, make connections and become lifelong learners.

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