“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
Our curriculum inspires each and every one of us to provide the very best learning experience for our pupils with high expectations for all. We live in a new age; a time of rapid change which is both exciting and filled with challenges. It is our role to provide children with a solid foundation; equipping them with the values, skills and knowledge they need to live successful, healthy lives in this ever changing world. Our Christian values of love, understanding, friendship, trust, honesty and respect are at the heart of all our learning and day to day school life.
Our school family is diverse and multicultural and our curriculum is enriched by the lives and experiences of our children. Our St Andrew’s curriculum is full and dynamic; celebrating our diverse school community. Whilst it follows the specifications of the National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, we regularly adapt and develop it to reflect the needs of the pupils we teach and key events they may experience. Although we teach subjects separately, we use a thematic approach to structure our curriculum and where possible, maximise cross curricular links. Each thematic unit is underpinned by a core question which we revisit time and time again. These questions are broad and encourage the pupils to reflect on and draw meaning from their learning. Our curriculum has clear links, ensuring the progressive development of concepts, knowledge and skills from lesson to lesson or year group to year group.
Our inclusion statement emphasises the importance of providing an inclusive learning environment for all pupils including those with SEND. Additional information on this can be found St. Andrew's SEND information report and our Equalities Policy.
St Andrew’s CE (VA) Primary School is situated in an exceptional location which provides us with numerous opportunities to enhance the curriculum with field trips or visitors and make links with the wider community. Our broad and balanced curriculum includes wide and varied opportunities in the arts, sports, music and culture. We work with a variety of partners and stakeholders to inspire children and provide educational experiences that go beyond the academic.
We ensure that pupils are curious, motivated to learn and develop their own talents, interests and worldviews. We enable each child to flourish, have resilience, aspiration and positive learning behaviours which will serve them throughout their life. Oracy is firmly embedded in all lessons, enabling children to apply their understanding through questioning, thinking, reasoning, vocabulary development and communication. Our St Andrew's creative curriculum is designed to encourage and develop lifelong learners and contributors.
English
Early Reading
We teach our daily EYFS and KS1 phonics sessions using the DFE approved Twinkl phonics scheme. For more information on how phonics is taught and for ideas on how to support your child's reading development at home, please visit our 'Support Reading At Home' page under the Key Info tab above https://www.standrewsprimaryschool.co.uk/supporting-reading-at-home/.
We use phonetically decodable reading books which follow the Twinkl scheme sequence to support children to develop as readers. These include a range of fiction and non-fiction and will only contain sounds already taught to the children.
English Units
The English Units of work which are taught have been carefully considered to enhance and support children’s learning in other curriculum areas; throughout their journey through the school children are exposed to a range of high-quality children’s literature which acts as a vehicle through which used both reading and writing skills are taught. For more information on the skills and knowledge for reading and writing which are taught through our English Units and Whole Class Guided Reading, please refer to the progression documents which contain specific information for your child's year group.
