Intent
At Horsmonden Primary Academy, we believe that all children are entitled to a curriculum that provides them with the knowledge and skills that are essential to develop them as lifelong learners, regardless of any disability or special educational need. Our curriculum is broad and balanced, and provides learning opportunities that are well planned and sequenced in a way that builds on previous learning. It encourages children to take ownership of their learning and to consider connections between themselves and others, and the world around them.
Implementation
Our curriculum intent is implemented to meet the requirements of the 2014 National Curriculum to ensure that our childrens’ entitlement is fulfilled.
This is done within the framework of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP). It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and the world outside. This framework is guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills with a powerful emphasis on inquiry.
Children have their own voice, choice and ownership over which direction their learning will take in response to the central idea. They are drivers of their own learning in the classroom and beyond. Within the context of the central ideas, children learn how to demonstrate and recognise 10 key learner attributes. The attributes encourage learners to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective.
Children take part in memorable, rich learning experiences, where they develop a range of transferable skills. Extra curricular opportunities enhance this and further extend the range of children’s experiences to deepen and broaden their understanding.
Where explicit skills teaching is necessary, for example in reading and phonics, it is done through discrete sessions which are then embedded and applied through the lines of inquiry. Mathematics skills are taught in this way and framed by the White Rose Maths Hub. Using this approach for specific skills develops a strong foundation in the different mathematical concepts meaning children can apply mathematical skills confidently to a range of problems across the curriculum and varying lines of inquiry.
Children learn through a collaborative approach and opportunities are given to allow them ownership of their learning facilitated and guided by highly effective classroom practitioners. Long-term memory, recall and application is enhanced through low stakes testing and critical thinking. Pupils will progressively learn techniques and strategies for completing tests and assessments, including Government statutory assessments, as they continue through the school, mastering previously learned skills and acquiring new ones as appropriate. Active learning increases the focus and retention of the curriculum, resulting in an exciting learning environment and a positive relationship with the content.
Impact
As a result of our carefully planned and sequenced curriculum, our children will have confidence and knowledge to shape informed opinions about subjects, current affairs and the world around them. They will be able to make links across the curriculum as well as their lines of inquiry. Through their understanding of each National Curriculum subject, they will be able to identify and apply skills learned across a range of contexts.
Children will live and breathe the 10 key learner attributes and strive to be the best versions of themselves. Achievements will be celebrated and high expectations set to ensure all children reach their full potential.