At Northlands Primary School and Nursery we have designed our curriculum with pupils’ learning and well being at the centre. We recognise that a curriculum has to be broad, balanced and offer pupils opportunities to grow as individuals as well as learners. Pupils’ learning and development is at the heart of our curriculum; it equips pupils with the skills necessary to succeed in life after school.

Through a combination of learning techniques and engaging content, we aim to ensure pupils enjoy learning, are motivated to continue learning, as well as ensuring they feel prepared for life after school. We intend to offer our pupils new and exciting experiences through visits, trips and extra-curricular activities that are designed to build resilience, self-esteem and expand their world-view.

We intend for our curriculum to be empowering; enabling pupils to develop their interpersonal skills, creativity and independence.

Our staff value the different ways in which pupils learn, and plan lessons to account for these differences. Creative approaches to learning include having a ‘hook’, alongside the use of themed, charity and PSHE days. We encourage teachers to make cross-curricular links where possible within their lesson plans, so that pupils can draw upon knowledge from different subjects and understand how each topic plays a part in everyday life.

Teachers use different learning resources to teach core content, e.g. educational videos, guest speakers and ICT lessons. By using different techniques, we intend on keeping pupils engaged with learning and accommodate pupils who learn differently to their peers.

The school carries out one-to-one teaching sessions for pupils who require additional support as well as interventions for small groups of pupils lead by teachers and TAs. Within these interventions, the content of the lesson is broken down into more accessible chunks for pupils. This allows pupils to get dedicated one-to-one time ensuring any questions that pupils may have get answered in a way they understand. It is important to note that these interventions supplement the work of the teacher and do not replace it.

How the school involves parents, pupils and the local community in curriculum planning and delivery

Our school values the input of its pupils, parents and the local community with regards to the planning and delivery of the curriculum. We believe pupils get a well-rounded education if everyone is involved in shaping it. We share information about the curriculum and pupil progress with parents and carers regularly throughout the academic year and welcome discussion about how pupils can be supported.

We are keen to engage with our wider community, for example we have strong ties to local care homes and the local church. This means the children have additional opportunities to learn about diversity within our community. We also welcome visitors from an array of Essex businesses and organisations to come and talk with students. Through these events we aim to provide the children with ambitious aspirations for their future careers.

How the curriculum benefits pupils’ learning and personal development

Our curriculum has been designed for a range of learners, providing equal opportunities for all – by doing this, pupils will benefit in the following ways:

• Learning how to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives
• Understanding that failure is part of the road to success
• Being rewarded for academic successes
• Being supported with their next stages in education or training and feeling prepared for life after school
• Becoming responsible individuals who contribute to community living and the environment
• Achieving to the best of their ability
• Acquiring a wealth of knowledge and experience
• Becoming critical thinkers
• Finding a sense of belonging to the school and its community
• Learning how to cooperate with their peers and respect one another inside and outside the classroom.

If you have any questions about our curriculum, please contact the office.