At Stratford-sub-Castle Primary School, we achieve our vision for the whole curriculum in a consistent and reflective way.  Our approach is one of ‘crafting’ opportunities for learning, constantly adapting our provision to meet the needs and interests of our pupils. 

Knowledge, vocabulary and skills are developed sequentially, over time and through the teaching agreed concepts. Progression is ‘mapped out’ coherently allowing for effective planning and assessment. Teachers craft units of work , which are ‘blocked’ to provide continuity of learning, to engineer the immersion of pupils in their studies, use resources effectively and to facilitate links within and between subjects. The key components of each ‘Unit of Work’ are regularly revisited and reviewed, to promote over-learning and embed knowledge, skills and vocabulary.

The curriculum is all the planned activities that we deliberately organise in order to promote learning, personal growth and development. It includes the formal requirements of the National Curriculum and the range of extra-curricular activities which the school provides. These enrich and extend the experiences of our pupils, broadening horizons!   

The curriculum also includes the hidden curriculum, or what pupils learn from the way they are treated, treat each other and expected to behave. We deliberately teach pupils how to grow into positive, responsible people, who can work and co-operate with others while developing the knowledge and skills to achieve their true potential. 

The curriculum is underpinned by the values that we hold at our school. These include Christian Values and British Values.   

 To deliver our curriculum we ….

• provide all our pupils with the opportunities to learn and achieve within and beyond the National Curriculum
• encourage all within the school community to be motivated, confident and active learners
• work in partnership with parents
• develop links with the Church and wider community
• teach strategies for learning (Learning Power!)
• provide challenge with support
• cater for different styles of thinking and learning
• encourage learning and understanding through being active (thinking is active!) and by providing ‘authentic’ learning experiences
• promote positive self-image and high self-esteem
• provide regular opportunities for review and reflection
• actively listen to children
• provide timely and accurate feedback to learners
• encourage pupils to question and think critically, and make informed choices
• nurture an awareness and understanding of their own and other cultures, religions and beliefs
• nurture a sense of personal and social responsibility
• encourage our pupils to be emotionally literate; to solve problems and ‘move on’ with their lives
• provide opportunities for creative experience
• nurture a sense of awe and wonder in the world around us
• encourage our pupils to approach life with an open, flexible attitude and a sense of humour.