We plan learning in a topic approach that supports the acquisition of knowledge and skills and can be enhanced through cross-curricular subject links.  Whenever possible, this is underpinned using high quality texts promoted by CLPE’s (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) ‘Power of Reading’ approach to inspire discussion, support the development of reading and extension of vocabulary and provide speaking, listening and writing opportunities within each topic.  Topics are organised according to mixed age year groups with Hawthorn and Juniper following a carefully planned three year cycle.  This topic approach leads to a more flexible delivery of the curriculum enabling teachers to organise learning in a way that they feel will have the most impact for learners. Organising the learning in this way ensures teachers have the flexibility to deliver the curriculum in the way that they feel will have the most impact for learners.  Sometimes, subjects are planned autonomously and delivered weekly, i.e. Religious Education (Understanding Christianity/Gloucestershire RE Syllabus), Physical Education (PALs PE), Music (Kapow scheme).

At times, learning is directed and other times a more open-ended enquiry based approach is used through questions posed by the teacher, with a mix of both practical and written work embedded. This gives children opportunities to apply their basic maths and literacy skills and subject specific acquired knowledge in a range of different contexts.  We continue to strive to use the highest quality resources to support and inspire learning.

We recognise how valuable our church and local community is to our children’s learning so we thread these links into the curriculum throughout each year group. Using the outdoors as a classroom is fundamental to achieving our intent and this can be school based or with enrichment visits to other locations.  Trips/activities and experts are all vital to the enhancement of the learning opportunities we offer our children.  Our core Christian values and close links to our church community at St. Mary’s are also of enormous benefit.