Generated on 13 Oct 2024

Great Tey Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Curriculum statement

Intent

At Great Tey Primary the curriculum is designed to: recognise children’s prior learning ; provide first hand learning experiences; allow the children to develop interpersonal skills; build independence and resilience; become creative, critical thinkers within the value-led environment of a Church school and the wider world. Every child is recognised as a unique individual. We celebrate and welcome differences within our school community. The ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills, knowledge, concepts and values. We regularly provide enhancement opportunities to engage learning and believe that childhood should be a happy, investigative and enquiring time in our lives where there are no limits to curiosity and there is a thirst for new experiences and knowledge.  We aim to nurture a Growth Mindset for each member of the school community and to promote positive attitudes to learning which reflect the values and skills needed for future success.

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.

Mission statement

Great Tey Church of England Primary School serves its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian beliefs and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its children, whilst ensuring that we reflect and celebrate the backgrounds and faiths of all. Children enter school eager to make sense of the world. Great Tey provides a broad and balanced curriculum that is well matched to each child’s differing needs and abilities, encompassing spiritual, moral, emotional, social, cultural, intellectual and physical development. We have created a secure, friendly atmosphere that rejoices in success, but where it is safe to make mistakes. Therefore children feel able to reach their potential, learn to value themselves and relate to others with consideration. Great Tey Primary values the partnership between staff, children, governors, parents, the church and the wider community and welcomes contributions from all stakeholders to help our pupils fulfil their potential. Great Tey - Growing Together

General principles

Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:

• explore the breadth and depth of the national curriculum
• experience the challenge and enjoyment of learning
• learn within a coherent and progressive framework
• develop a rich and deep subject knowledge
• see clear links between different aspects of their learning
• develop new skills through a variety of interesting contexts
• understand the purpose and value of their learning and see its relevance to their past, present and future
• develop and demonstrate their creativity
• develop as rounded human beings within a context of Christian values

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
• Social - Use a range of social skills to participate in the local community and beyond; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict
• Cultural - Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity
• Democracy - Be part of a system where everyone plays an equal part
• Rule of law - Learn that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable for their actions and behaviour
• Individual liberty - Be free to express views or ideas
• Tolerance and respect - To respect and tolerate the opinions or behaviour of others

Well-being

Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:

• develop self-esteem and confidence in their abilities
• learn in a peaceful and supportive environment
• learn how to respect themselves and others
• follow their own interests and be themselves
• build respectful friendships
• reflect and think mindfully about their learning
• recognise that people are good at different things
• work in a range of groups and settings

Pupil voice

Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:

• express their opinions on a range of different topics and issues
• make choices about things that are important to them
• make a positive contribution to the school and local community
• explore ways of becoming an active citizen
• say what they like and dislike about their learning
• take part in age-appropriate discussions
• take part in democratic activities across the curriculum
• contribute to planning their own learning

Pedagogy

Our curriculum will be taught through a pedagogy that:

• excites, promotes and sustains children’s interest
• promotes problem solving, creativity, resilience and communication
• enables and fosters children’s natural curiosity
• offers all children memorable experiences during every topic
• promotes innovation and entrepreneurialism
• enables children to reflect on and evaluate their learning

Enrichment

We will enrich our curriculum by:

• offering opportunities for children to learn outdoors
• welcoming parents and carers to take part in children’s learning and experiences
• providing on and off-site subject or topic related activities
• using quality resources in and out of the classroom
• developing partnerships with external providers that extend children’s opportunities for learning