Curriculum Intent

Scissett CE Academy Curriculum Statement

At Scissett CE Academy we offer an exciting curriculum which is broad and balanced and which builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills of all children, whatever their starting points, as they progress through each Key Stage.

We aim to provide Excellence for the Whole Child.

Intent

Our curriculum incorporates the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum 2014 and other experiences and opportunities which best meet the learning and developmental needs of the pupils in our school. 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. It is important that our curriculum develops the whole child, both academically and with skills for life in the outside world in line with our vision; Excellence for the whole child: A place where all succeed.

As a Church of England school the values of honesty, kindness, respect, love, koinonia, and trust are rooted in Christian teaching and are explored at every opportunity during our teaching and our collective worship. They impact on all learners and enable them to flourish as individuals, whether they are Christian, of other faiths, or of no faith.

Implementation

The National Curriculum is delivered using an integrated topic approach and assessed using Target and Skill statements (National Curriculum) as a basis to ensure coverage and progression throughout the school. More-able pupils are challenged further in their learning and children who find aspects of their learning more difficult are appropriately supported so that they too are enabled to experience success. National and school requirements are mapped out as a whole school showing skills and knowledge and then individual year groups plan the curriculum for their pupils accordingly. Our teachers will match and adapt the curriculum to the needs of their class, ensuring it interests and stretches the class as a whole The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils and specifically British values are woven through the curriculum. Community links strengthen the relationships and experiences we can provide.

Pupils in Early Years focus on the EYS Curriculum, preparing them for the National Curriculum which forms the basis of the teaching from Year 1.

As children progress through our school English is taught using strategies which develop children’s writing skills through imitation, innovation and independence. Alongside this children experience lessons on grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. Within our curriculum we aim to foster a love and deep understanding of reading and words and to build on knowledge of authors and styles of writing. Daily Supported Reading in EYFS and KS1 and in KS2 form the basis of our teaching of reading across the school and vocabulary enrichment is a key component of every lesson taught within our school.

Our mathematics curriculum is currently delivered through a well-planned framework developed by consultants and coordinators within our local pyramid of schools and supported by White Rose. The maths curriculum enables children to develop their reasoning, investigative and problem solving skills whilst developing their mathematical skills in a range of real life contexts.

Theme weeks and days, visitors and trips, whole school activities and other opportunities within and outside school all enrich and develop the children’s learning and experiences. We recognise the importance of experiential learning and memorable lessons. Our curriculum is grouped into themes in each year group, combining different elements of our foundation subjects to bring breadth and variety to the lessons taught. This allow our pupils chance to achieve and access learning and knowledge in many different ways. Local and global issues are explored bringing relevance to our teaching. Questions and inquiries from our children can help shape where learning can travel to. After school clubs and events extend these opportunities further. The school is well resourced in terms of learning materials, books and technology.

Our whole school approach is rooted in quality first teaching. Small group interventions are used in order to support pupils in gaining the key skills to become successful readers, writers and mathematicians. We aim to teach these skills in explicit English and Maths sessions, but we also aim to practise and enrich them through cross curricular learning themes. This allows our children to build independence, to experiment and to innovate, transfer knowledge and make connections between and across different areas of learning

All subject leaders are given training and opportunity to keep developing their own subject knowledge, skills and understanding so they can support curriculum development and their colleagues throughout the school. This allow our curriculum to be updated and improved on a regular basis. A cyclical pattern of themes allows revisiting and extensions of key ideas and knowledge, strengthening children’s abilities to discuss and interpret ideas. Specialist teachers, and instructors from the Huddersfield Giants and Community Trust support physical education.

The outdoor environment and the local community are considered an opportunity for active learning for all our pupils. The school grounds are used to enrich different curriculum areas, including reflective spaces.

Pupils have opportunities to share their learning with each other both within their own class and through our Class Share project, their parents and carers and other learners through school-based events, performances, competitions and events involving other schools. Developing their independence and motivation as learners and their sense of responsibility as future citizens is at the heart of all our teaching and learning. We are a place where everyone can achieve.

Impact

Each individual is respected and diversity of background is welcomed and highly valued. Our approach enables every child to flourish from their starting points and make the best progress that they are capable of, in all areas of development, preparing them with important life skills and high aspirations.