Bushfield Road Infant School Curriculum Intent.
Intent
At Bushfield Road Infant School, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework in Nursery and Reception and the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum in Year 1 and 2. We use Cornerstones as a sequence of learning to underpin the curriculum. We also follow the Lincolnshire Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. We use various schemes to support our planning, including Jigsaw, White Rose, Get Set 4 PE, Get Set 4 Music and the National Centre for Computing Education. Where possible, we tailor these schemes to suit the needs of our children, community and locality. We share our progress and success with parents, using Tapestry in the Early Years and MS Teams in Year 1 and 2.
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.
The rationale for the Cornerstones Curriculum takes the form of 10 big ideas that provide a purpose for the aspects, skills, knowledge and contexts chosen to form the substance of the curriculum. These big ideas form a series of multi-dimensional interconnected threads across the curriculum, allowing children to encounter and revisit their learning through a variety of subject lenses. Over time, these encounters help children to build conceptual frameworks that will enable a better understanding of increasingly sophisticated information and ideas.
Mission statement
At Bushfield Infants, we provide a positive, happy and safe learning environment where all children feel valued and secure. We are committed to providing a rich and exciting curriculum, which encourages all children to meet challenges with enthusiasm and inspires them to succeed. At the heart of our school is a strong commitment to raising children’s self-esteem and self-confidence, which enables them to become confident lifelong learners. Bushfield Road Infant School is a positive environment in which to work and learn, a safe place to take risks and accept challenge and most of all a community where we all strive to be the very best we can.
General principles
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
- explore the breadth and depth of the national curriculum
- learn within a coherent and progressive framework
- see clear links between different aspects of their learning
- experience the challenge and enjoyment of learning
- understand the purpose and value of their learning and see its relevance to their past, present and future
- develop new skills through a variety of interesting contexts
- develop a rich and deep subject knowledge
- develop and demonstrate their creativity
SMSC/FBV
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
- Spiritual - Explore beliefs, experience and faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity and reflect on experiences
- Moral - Recognise right and wrong and respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues and offer reasoned views
- Cultural - Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity
- Social - Use a range of social skills to participate in the local community and beyond; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict
- Democracy - Be part of a system where everyone plays an equal part
- Tolerance and respect - To respect and tolerate the opinions or behaviour of others
- Rule of law - Learn that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable for their actions and behaviour
SMSC/FBV
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
- Individual liberty - Be free to express views or ideas
Well-being
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
- develop self-esteem and confidence in their abilities
- learn how to respect themselves and others
- learn in a peaceful and supportive environment
- follow their own interests and be themselves
- reflect and think mindfully about their learning
- recognise that people are good at different things
- work in a range of groups and settings
- build respectful friendships
Pupil voice
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
- make a positive contribution to the school and local community
- say what they like and dislike about their learning
- take part in age-appropriate discussions
- make choices about things that are important to them
- take part in democratic activities across the curriculum
- contribute to planning their own learning
- express their opinions on a range of different topics and issues
-
explore ways of becoming an active citizen
Pedagogy
Our curriculum will be taught through a pedagogy that:
- excites, promotes and sustains children’s interest
- promotes problem solving, creativity and communication
- enables and fosters children’s natural curiosity
- offers all children a memorable experience at the start of every topic
- promotes innovation and entrepreneurialism
- enables children to reflect on and evaluate their learning
Enrichment
We will enrich our curriculum by:
- providing on and off-site subject or topic related activities
- offering opportunities for children to learn outdoors
- developing partnerships with external providers that extend children’s opportunities for learning
- holding specialist curriculum inspiration days or weeks
- welcoming parents and carers to take part in children’s learning and experiences
- using quality resources in and out of the classroom
Big ideas
Humankind
Understanding what it means to be human and how human behaviour has shaped the world.
Processes
Understanding the many dynamic and physical processes that shape the world.
Creativity
Understanding the creative process and how everyday and exceptional creativity can shape the world.
Investigation
Understanding the importance of investigation and how this has led to significant change in the world.
Materials
Understanding the properties of all matter, living and non-living.
Nature
Understanding the complexities of the plant and animal species that inhabit the world.
Place and space
Understanding the visual, cultural, social, and environmental aspects of places around the world.
Comparison
Understanding how and why things are the same or different.
Significance
Understanding why significant people, places, events and inventions matter and how they have shaped the world.
Change
Understanding why and how things have changed over time.