Curriculum

Intent

We ensure that all children are valued and value their place in our Christian school community. At Woodborough, we place our children at the centre of our curriculum. 

The key principles behind the design of our curriculum are for our children to:

• be confident, independent and resilient; displaying a thirst for learning
• be kind; showing empathy and compassion whilst valuing diversity
• be respectful and true to their own beliefs and values
• have cultural capital and be knowledgeable about our country and our world
• achieve academically across the entire curriculum, meeting at least the national expectation by the end of their primary education
• have flourished through primary school and be well-prepared for the challenges of the secondary school curriculum
• have aspirations for the future and know that these can be reached through hard work and determination.

Implementation 

At Woodborough, we organise our curriculum leadership into six teams: Language and Literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Religious Education and Collective Worship, Arts, Humanities and Health and Wellbeing. Curriculum teams allow all subject leaders to work collaboratively whilst ensuring clear progression in their specialised subject areas.They ensure there is clear coverage of key skills and breadth of study across EYFS, Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2).  Science, History and Geography are used to lead our termly topics, with Art, Music and Design Technology linked throughout. 

We believe it is essential for our children to speak clearly and articulately and to read and write effectively. Reading across all curriculum areas is a priority to extend and deepen pupils' understanding and use of vocabulary. We want pupils to develop a love of reading during their time at Woodborough and be exposed to a range of classic and contemporary literature. 

 Children are expected to work hard and demonstrate positive learning behaviours to both maximise their own individual learning potential as well as contribute to the school and wider community. Academic achievement, high standards of work and respectful, considerate behaviours are encouraged. Strong emphasis is put on the pupils’ ability to socialise, have empathy with others and to think creatively. We firmly believe in fostering strong and positive relationships between home and school. 

 As a Church of England Voluntary Aided School, we offer an education that is distinctively Christian. Our School is founded upon core values of courage, truth, forgiveness, respect, trust, kindness and time is spent exploring what is distinctly Christian about these particular values. Many other values are explicitly taught throughout the school day such as friendship, trust and compassion. We strive for excellent relationships making our school a happy place to work and learn.

Our pupils have access to a wide range of opportunities, which promote personal safety and pupil voice with all children being actively involved in whole school decision making through the School Council and many positions of responsibility. Our curriculum recognises the importance of pupils’ physical and mental well-being in shaping their long-term life-style choices. The ‘How Our World Works’ talks introduce our oldest pupils to a wonderful variety of guest speakers who have shared fascinating insights into their very diverse careers. 

In order to raise aspirations and equip children with a real belief that they can achieve anything if they are prepared to work hard, it is imperative that we prioritise experiential learning within our curriculum. Pupil visits, both day and residential, and regular themed weeks enhance learning and teaching and a wide variety of outside visitors to the school provide variety, breadth and enrichment. We make the most of our beautiful outdoor learning environment to enhance hands-on learning experiences. Children from across the school have access to a wide range of extra-curricular activities in sport and music.  

We aim for all of our children to have the opportunity to take part in  11 aspirational experiences by the time they are 11 years old and secondary-ready.

Impact

• Our children demonstrate confidence, independence, resilience and a real thirst for learning. 
• Our children leave us as self-motivated, inquisitive individuals who can take on challenges. 
• Our children are well-mannered, willing to help and are tolerant of others.  
• Our children are able to form meaningful relationships based upon mutual respect and trust, recognising and celebrating differences, not only within the school community, but in the wider world as well. 
• Our children have access to a wide and varied curriculum, allowing each of them to excel as individuals and be the best they can be. 
• Our children achieve at least the expected standard across the entire curriculum by the end of KS2. 
• Our children are well prepared to access the challenges of the secondary school curriculum. 
• Our children have aspirations for the future and know that these can be realised with hard work and determination. 
• Our children grow up being able to make a positive contribution to the world in which they live.