Our Curriculum Vision: Empowering Every Child to Shine
At the heart of our school is the belief that providing children with the right curriculum and the right teaching can be life-changing. We offer a broad and balanced journey of discovery, designed by passionate subject leaders to ensure a seamless progression from Nursery to Year 6.
Our curriculum is inclusive and aspirational, rooted in the principles of high expectations, equity, and excellence. We ensure that every child—regardless of background, ability, or need—has access to learning that challenges, inspires, and prepares them for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.
Our curriculum is intentionally designed as a “Curriculum of Two Halves,” balancing academic excellence with personal growth
Our Academic Curriculum
We provide a knowledge-rich education where substantive knowledge is carefully sequenced and progressive. We don’t just teach facts; we develop disciplinary knowledge in every subject, helping children think like scientists, historians, and artists.
- Explicit Vocabulary Instruction: We believe that language is the foundation of all learning. Through a consistent whole-school approach, vocabulary is not just used; it is modelled and explicitly taught. Every classroom features Magpie Walls, where high level vocabulary is collected and visible for the children to use and our daily Word of the Day ensures children are empowered with the “tier-two” and “tier-three” words needed to succeed across the curriculum.
- Responsive and Adaptive Teaching: Our teachers are experts in responsive teaching, using live assessment to adjust the pace and direction of lessons to meet the needs of every child in the moment. We use adaptive teaching strategies to remove barriers, ensuring that while the ambition remains high for all, the support is tailored so every child can access the learning and thrive.
- Reading & Literacy Foundations: We are committed to the strong delivery of systematic synthetic phonics through Read Write Inc. This begins in Nursery, where we cultivate deep phonological awareness, building to a solid grasp of phonics in Key Stage 1.
- A “Keep Up, Catch Up” Culture: Our highly skilled teachers and teaching assistants work in partnership to identify gaps in learning immediately. Through a robust culture of intervention, we utilize proven programs like RWI Fast Track, Fresh Start, and Number Stacks to ensure no child is left behind.
- Strong Foundations: Academic success begins with the mastery of essential tools. From the Early Years, we focus on foundational skills, including the development of fluid handwriting and an early grasp of basic punctuation.
- Long-Term Memory: Our lessons include regular opportunities to recap prior learning, ensuring knowledge sticks and builds over time.
- Purpose & Relevance: Children are explicitly taught the “why” behind every subject. We celebrate all subjects, ensuring children understand their purpose and relevance to their future careers and their journey through life.
Our Personal Curriculum
Beyond the classroom, we are dedicated to developing every child’s hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Our personal curriculum values creativity, emotional intelligence, physical health, and social responsibility to help children become confident, articulate, and well-rounded individuals.
- A Trauma Perceptive (TPP) Approach: As a TPP school, we work hard to ensure that children feel safe, secure, and ready to learn. We nurture positive relationships between staff and pupils, creating a deep sense of belonging that allows every child to flourish.
- Relationships & Diversity: Our well-mapped RSE, PSHE and No Outsiders curriculums ensure that children have a strong understanding of diversity, tolerance, and how to develop and maintain healthy, positive relationships.
- Empowering Leadership: We believe in giving children a voice and a stake in their community. Through a wide range of roles and responsibilities, we empower our children to lead. This includes being part of the Pupil Leadership Team for the Trust, being a member of our active School Council, an Eco-Warrior, Sports Ambassador or a Writing Warrior.
- Fostering a Love of Learning: We believe in a “hands-on” approach, enriching our curriculum with experiences that ignite curiosity. This includes innovative tools like Green Screen technology to present learning or Now Press Play to allow children to “live through” historical or scientific experiences.
- The Power of Performance: We provide a stage for every child to find their voice. Whether it is performing at the local church and shopping centres, sharing learning in class assemblies, or taking the spotlight in our end-of-year talent show, we build courage through expression. For many, this culminates in the incredible experience of Young Voices at the O2 Arena or performing at the local theatre.
- A World of Opportunity: We offer the children instrument lessons, a wide range of clubs, and a vibrant array of trips. Whether it’s exploring Barleylands, stepping back in time at Colchester Castle, or visiting Colchester Zoo, we make memories that make learning “stick.”
- Building Independence: Our Year 6 residential to Mersea Island serves as a capstone experience, preparing our pupils with the transferable skills needed for further education and future careers.
Our mission is to empower learners to contribute positively to society. We equip every child with the knowledge and character they need to navigate modern life, ensuring they leave us not just with an education, but with the ambition to make their mark on the world.
Contact Information
If you would like any more information about our school curriculum, please contact Mrs. S Phipps, Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead, who will be happy to help.
Mrs Phipps- Curriculum Lead
Curriculum Subjects
At our school, pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum that includes the core subjects of English and Mathematics. Alongside these, pupils also study a range of foundation subjects including History, Geography, Art and Design, Design and Technology (DT), Music, Computing, Science and Physical Education (PE). Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) and Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) are also taught to support pupils’ wellbeing and personal development. In Key Stage 2, children are introduced to a Modern Foreign Language; Spanish.
Religious Education (RE) is delivered in accordance with the locally agreed syllabus, promoting understanding and respect for different beliefs and cultures. Through this rich curriculum, we aim to provide every child with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to succeed and thrive. All children also have opportunities to participate in Outdoor learning sessions.
Take a look at what your child will learn in each year: