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An Enquiry-Led Curriculum

     To make our dreams come true

At Longford Primary School we believe that an engaging, creative and enquiry-led curriculum is the key to our children being able to flourish. We aim to achieve high academic standards and inspire life-long learning, enabling every child to have the skills and knowledge they need, to be able to make their dreams come true. We believe that happy learners are successful learners, and we work hard to develop every child’s self-esteem, resilience, and ability to form positive relationships.

Enquiry

Our curriculum is based on an exciting enquiry-led process, providing challenge, nurturing oracy and encouraging curiosity. The curriculum is designed to allow children to be scientists, artists, historians, philosophers and more, and is grounded in people, places and stories.  This dynamic curriculum was created by Lighting Up Learning, a Bristol group of learning and research practitioners, to empower young people and enable them to learn and grow, ready for the challenges of our ever-changing world.

States of Being

Children are inspired by the challenge of the enquiry and the States of Being characters, that enable them to identify with and be scientists, geographers, musicians etc, rather than the ‘you are doing history’ approach.  Children are immersed in active learning and as they follow their line of enquiry they are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, guided and motivated by teaching professionals and guest experts within the fields of enquiry.    

For example, recently Year 5 and 6 explored the question ‘ How are lives saved?’ During this enquiry children studied as artists to find out about the structure of the heart, used their skills as mathematicians and scientists to measure the impact of exercise on the human pulse, examined the circulatory system and gained Mini Medic certificates when working alongside a first aid trainer and St John’s Ambulance volunteer.

We enhance our curriculum through a range of enrichment activities and cultural experiences, embedding learning through real-life experiences whenever possible. This can be through educational visits linked to the curriculum (such as visiting Harry Potter World or an Egyptian Exhibition), visits closer to home (when studying our unique local environment), or on the annual residential visit to Hooke Court. A range of specialist coaches are employed to deliver some aspects of the curriculum, for example in dance, gymnastics, games and music. We are proud of the extra-curricular opportunities that we offer, for example learning to play a musical instrument, or competing against other schools in sporting activities.

Our curriculum is underpinned by our Christian Vision, and Values of compassion, respect, trust, wisdom and friendship. We place a strong emphasis on developing children’s understanding of their own and others’ needs and feelings through Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), Citizenship, Religious Education and Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL). These may be taught as discrete lessons or integrated into other subjects as well as in our daily Collective Worship.

Our curriculum, follows the National Curriculum 2014 and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.  The essential key skills in each subject area are carefully mapped, to ensure that children are adding new learning onto the firm foundations of previous learning. This approach ensures that even our youngest learners begin to develop their own personal tool kit of skills which they can expand as they journey through our school.         

Though some subjects are taught separately, most of our curriculum is taught through themes, to make learning experiences more meaningful for the children. There is a strong focus on English (Being an Author Writer and Being an Author Reader) and Mathematics (Being a Mathematician), and these are taught daily, whilst other subjects are taught weekly, or sometimes in short blocks. er the course of the year children will have received a broad and balanced curriculum.

Each term class teachers will produce an overview of the class theme to enable parents to support their child at home. Please see our class theme overviews for more information about what your child will be learning and how you can support at home. Parents are always welcome to come into school to see our curriculum in action, and we offer regular invitations for them to come into school to join us in ‘sharing assemblies’, or at open evenings.

As a school, we pride ourselves in our inclusive approach, and lessons are carefully planned to meet the needs of all children. We recognise that some children will have additional needs. For further information on special educational needs, please see our SEND information on the website.

The aim of our curriculum is always to engage, enthuse and empower our children to enable them to develop a love of learning to support them with their wish, ‘to make our dreams come true’.

 

Please see details about our Values and Concepts below. 

Early Years Foundation Stage

Reception children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum which is made up of the following seven Areas of Learning:

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Communication and Language
  • Physical Development
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

The children are taught through a range of adult led and child initiated activities that allow them to explore and investigate the world around them, learn and develop their social skills and begin to read, write, count and calculate. Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language and Physical Development are the primary focus in the EYFS and we strongly believe that children will develop their knowledge skills in the other Areas of Learning once they are secure in these.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development 

Children are supported to develop a positive sense of themselves and others, to form positive relationships and develop respect for others. They learn how to develop social skills and manage their feelings. Children are taught to understand appropriate behaviour and to have confidence in their own abilities.

Communication and Language (C&L)

Children will be given opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations. It is an essential life skill that is encouraged and promoted throughout the day.

Physical Development (PD)

The children are given opportunities to be active and to develop their co-ordination, control and movement. They are taught how to handle and manipulate different objects and materials as well as how to form letters and numbers correctly. Children will learn the importance of physical activity and how to make healthy choices in relation to food.

Literacy

Children are taught and encouraged to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. They have access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, comics and other written materials) to ignite their interest. The Reception children follow aspects of the ‘Essential Letters and Sounds’ programme to support the teaching of phonics, reading and writing.

Mathematics

To promote Mastering Number, children are provided with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces and measures.

Understanding the World (UW)

Children are guided to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment. These are woven into all aspects of their school day.

Expressive Arts and Design (EAD)

Teachers support and enable children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through activities in art, music, movement, dance, roleplay and design and technology.

Key Stage One

Children in Year 1 and Year 2 develop knowledge and skills in the following National Curriculum areas:

  • English (Being an Author Reader and Being an Author Writer)
  • Mathematics (Being a Mathematician)
  • Science (Being a Scientist)
  • Geography (Being a Geographer)
  • History (Being a Historian)
  • Religious Education (Being a Philosopher)
  • Art and Design (Being an Artist)
  • Design and Technology (Being an Engineer)
  • Computing (Being a Computer Engineer)
  • Physical Education (Being an Athlete)
  • Music (Being a Musician)
  • Personal, Social and Health Education (Being a Philosopher)

Being an Author Writer and Author Reader

This is taught daily and integrated into the wider curriculum wherever possible. We use 'Letters and Sounds' to support the teaching of phonics, reading and spelling. The children have dedicated reading time with their teacher to develop the word recognition and comprehension skills needed for life. We use a number of published reading schemes to offer breadth and quality to the children. There are weekly sessions dedicated to punctuation and grammar, skills essential for quality writing. We teach children to write through visual literacy as well as whole class texts including poems, stories and non-fiction. Children are encouraged to demonstrate their writing skills through 'Big Write' sessions every term. The spoken word is encouraged and developed through all aspects of the curriculum, including drama.

Being a Mathematician

To promote Mastering Number, the children are taught number facts and encouraged to apply them to calculations, both mentally and written. They are given weekly mental maths tests to reinforce their number knowledge and opportunities to apply their knowledge in different contexts. There are planned opportunities to investigate patterns in number, find out if statements are true as well as explore shapes and measures. Our aim is for children to become confident with mathematics and able to use and apply their mathematical skills across the curriculum. We use White Rose Premium.

Being a Scienctist

Science is taught as part of our enquiry curriculum. Children develop their investigative skills and are encouraged to test their ideas and discuss the outcomes. They are taught about plants, animals, how they grow and their living processes; how the properties of different materials can affect what they are used for; forces and movement; how magnets and electricity work as well as how to keep themselves safe. Where possible, links are made with other subjects such as Design Technology.

Being a Geographer

Geography is taught as part of our enquiry curriculum. Children are taught how to use simple maps and photographs; compare the features of different places; use geographical vocabulary and observe their local environment. Where possible this is linked with other areas of the curriculum.

Being a Historian

History is taught as part of our enquiry curriculum. Children are taught to order events chronologically, they learn about the lives of people from the past and how to use sources of information including photographs, books and the Internet. They begin to explore why people lived and acted the way they did and ask and answer questions. Where possible this is linked with other areas of the curriculum.

Being a Philosopher (RE)

This is taught weekly and encourages the children to learn about and value the different viewpoints of the major religions. These include Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam. We use Discovery RE to plan and teach Religious Education. Where possible the curriculum includes visits to different places of worship. 

Being an Artist

Art and Design is taught as part of our enquiry curriculum. Children develop their creativity and imagination by exploring the visual, tactile and sensory qualities of materials and processes. They begin to understand colour, shape and space and pattern and texture and use them to represent their ideas and feelings. Children are encouraged to investigate and make, develop their ideas' and evaluate and develop their art work.

Being an Engineer

Design Technology is taught as part of our enquiry curriculum. Children learn how to design and make safely using a variety of materials including fabric and wood as well as paper and card. They are encouraged to think imaginatively and talk about what they like and dislike. Children will explore how familiar things work and talk about, draw and model their ideas.

Being a Computer Engineer

Many children start school confident to use a variety of devices such as tablets, mobile phones, computers and televisions. We are working hard to develop our IT provision and curriculum. Where possible we use IT throughout the curriculum as well as teaching specific skills such as how to save and print their work, how to use different software to program and instruct objects such as bee bots and CD players.

Being an Athlete

Children are taught skills in gymnastics, dance, athletics and games such as rounders, netball, football and tag rugby. Positive attitudes and team spirit are emphasised as well as specific skills. Boys and girls are given equal opportunities in all of these areas. Every term the children are taught a different aspect of PE such as dance or invasion games by our Sports coach. In addition, the children take part in a weekly gym session with a specialist coach . All children are expected to take part in PE. 

Being a Musician

Music is taught as part of our enquiry curriculum. Children are taught to listen carefully and respond to a wide range of music. They play musical instruments and sing a variety of songs from memory, adding accompaniments and creating short compositions, with increasing confidence, imagination and control. Children are taught the skills of performing, composing and evaluating music.

Being a Philosopher (PSHE)

The PSHE curriculum is based on Wiltshire Learn 4 Life. Children learn the basic rules and skills for keeping themselves healthy and safe and for behaving well. Children begin to learn about their own and other people's feelings and become aware of the views, needs and rights of others. As members of our school community, they learn social skills such as how to share, take turns, play, help others, resolve simple arguments and resist bullying. 

Key Stage Two

Children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 develop their knowledge and skills in the following National Curriculum areas:

  • English (Being an Author Reader and Author Writer)
  • Mathematics (Being a Mathematician)
  • Science (Being a Scientist)
  • Geography (Being a Geographer)
  • History (Being a Historian)
  • Religious Education (Being a Philosopher)
  • Art and Design (Being an Artist)
  • Design and Technology (Being an Engineer)
  • Computing (Being a Computing Engineer)
  • Physical Education (Being an Athlete)
  • Music (Being a Musician)
  • Personal, Social and Health Education (Being a Philosopher)
  • Foreign language (Being a Linguist)

Being an Author Writer and Author Reader

This is taught daily and integrated into the enquiry curriculum wherever possible. The children have dedicated reading time with their teacher to develop their prediction, inference and comprehension skills. There are weekly sessions dedicated to punctuation and grammar, skills essential for quality writing. We teach children to write through visual literacy as well as whole class texts including poems, stories and non-fiction. Children are encouraged to demonstrate their writing skills through 'Big Write' sessions every term. The spoken word is encouraged and developed through all aspects of the curriculum, including drama. We encourage independence through the use of dictionaries and thesauruses to enrich their vocabulary and written work.

Being a Mathematician

We belong to the Maths Mobius Hub and use White Rose Premium to develop maths mastery skills. The children are taught number facts and encouraged to apply these to calculations, both mentally and written. They develop skills in geometry, statistics, fractions, decimals and percentages. They are given weekly mental mathematics tests to reinforce their number knowledge and opportunities to apply their knowledge in different contexts. There are planned opportunities to investigate number patterns and find out if statements are true. We also teach them how to read and recognise Roman Numerals. Our aim is for children to become confident with mathematics and able to use and apply their mathematical skills across the curriculum and everyday life.

Being a Scientist 

Science is taught within our enquiry questions. The main focus of our science in Years 3 and 4 is to enable children to broaden their scientific view of the world around them. We aim to do this through exploring, talking about, testing and developing ideas about everyday phenomena and the relationships between living things and familiar environments.  The main focus of our science in Years 5 and 6 is to enable children to develop a deeper understanding of a wide range of scientific ideas. We do this through allowing children to explore and talk about their ideas; ask their own questions about scientific phenomena; and analyse functions, relationships and interactions more systematically. In Years 5 and 6, they will encounter more abstract ideas and begin to recognise how these ideas can help them to understand and predict how the world operates.

We teach our Key Stage 2 children to develop their ideas about functions, relationships and interactions as well as ask their own questions about what they observe and make some decisions about which types of scientific enquiry are likely to be the best ways of answering them. We teach our children to observe changes over time, notice patterns, group and classify things, carry out simple comparative and fair tests and find things out using secondary sources of information. They should draw simple conclusions and use some scientific language, first, to talk about and, later, to write about what they have found out.

Being a Geographer

Geography is integrated into our enquiry questions where relevant. We strive to inspire in our children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Our curriculum will equip children with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As children progress, their growing knowledge about the world should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments.

Being a Historian

History is integrated into our enquiry questions where appropriate. We help children gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. The history we teach will inspire children’s curiosity to know more about the past and equip them to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.

Religious Education (RE)

This is taught weekly and encourages the children to learn about and value the different viewpoints of the major religions. These include Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam. We use Discovery RE to plan and teach Religious Education. Where possible the curriculum includes visits to different places of worship. 

Art and Design

Art, craft and design are integrated into our enquiry questions where relevant. Our Art and Design curriculum will engage, inspire and challenge our children, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As they progress, they will be taught to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They will also learn how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

Design and Technology

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. It is usually taught as part of an enquiry questions so may not be taught every term. Using creativity and imagination, children are taught to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. They will learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

Being a Computer Engineer

Computing is integrated into all aspects of our enquiry curriculum, where appropriate. It can be used to support curriculum areas such as English or taught as a discrete subject.  Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. We teach our pupils about the importance of e-safety and how to keep themselves safe online. We aim to teach our children to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Our Computing curriculum will also ensure that children become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology.

Being an Athlete (PE)

Every term the children are taught a different aspect of Being an Athlete such as dance or invasion games by our Sports coach. Through our PE curriculum we aim to inspire every child to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically-demanding activities. It should provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness.  Reception to Year 4 have gym and dance sessions taught by specialists teachers.

Being a Musician

Music is usually taught as part of our enquiry questions so may not be taught every term. Every Thursday the children learn new songs as part of our collective worship. Our Music teaching engages and inspires our children to develop a love of music and their talent as musicians, and so increase their self-confidence, creativity and sense of achievement. As they progress, they will develop a critical engagement with music, allowing them to compose, and to listen with discrimination to the best in the musical canon. We use the Charanga Music Scheme.

Being a Philosopher (PSHE)

The PSHE curriculum is based on Jigsaw and Wiltshire Learn 4 Life.  Children learn skills for keeping themselves healthy and safe, including online, and for behaving appropriately. Children learn about their own and others’ feelings and become aware of the views, needs and rights of others. As members of our school community, they learn social skills such as how to share, take turns, play, help others, resolve simple arguments and resist bullying.

Being a Linguist 

At Longford CofE Primary School, the foreign language we teach is French. Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. Through our French lessons we enable children to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. We provide opportunities for them to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read literature in the original language.