Summary
Aims for our curriculum
Through our curriculum, children develop confidence, aspiration and well-being
In each subject, children learn what it means to be a great writer/artist/geographer/musician
In each lesson, children acquire key knowledge and achieve mastery of key skills
The structure of our curriculum
National Curriculum
- The National Curriculum and the EYFS Framework are the starting points for our curriculum
- Additional detail has been added where necessary (for example, the National Curriculum for geography in key stage 1 states that children should learn about "the key human and physical features of its surrounding environment" - which requires additional local knowledge)
Unit organisers:
- Our curriculum content is organised into units.
- These unit organisers allow for a clear progression of learning, from nursery to year 6.
Skills progressions:
- Throughout their time at Huntingtree, children develop identified, key skills in each subject.
- These skills are fundamental to becoming a great geographer, musician, mathematician or artist.
- These skills run through all units, in all year groups.
Enrichment:
- A carefully designed programme of additional events is in place to enrich and inspire children's engagement in each subject.
- Each subject has clubs, trips, visitors, competitions, awards and other events planned across each year.
What do lessons look like for my child?
EYFS
In nursery and reception, children experience learning as a balance of adult-led direct teaching and independent, free-flow activities (called 'choosing time'). Children learn inside and out, in great learning spaces (take a look at our virtual tours here). Teaching is based around a unit organiser - which ensures that children learn the right things at the right times. They are exposed to great stories - read to them and in the environment - and learn phonics each day.
Ending reception and entering year 1
As the children reach the end of their time in early years, there is a period of transition when the children learn to adjust to a more 'formal' style of teaching. This means that the children visit the year 1 classrooms for some lessons and become confident with the routines and set-up of year 1.This transition continues into the Autumn term in year 1 - and may be extended for some children, if needed. During this time in year 1, the teachers provide additional resources and activities that are similar to those in early years and continuity is provided - such as in the behaviour reward system.
Years 1 to 6
Children in year 1 to 6 are taught in mixed ability classes. Research tells us that keeping children being taught by their class teacher and having flexible groupings within the class is the most effective approach for primary schools, rather than streaming/setting - as might be seen at high schools. Lessons are flexible in their design and learning is adapted to make sure that the needs of children at all levels of attainment have the right level of challenge - and make progress from their starting points. When children have additional needs identified, they may receive additional intervention to help them keep up with the rest of the class. This is in addition to our support for children with special educational needs.
SEND and accessibility
We take seriously our duties in the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 about making the curriculum accessible for those with disabilities or special educational needs. Click on the links below to find out more.