INTENT

Woodlands is a school with a strong sense of community and we want our pupils to have big ambitions and high expectations of themselves; to do this we have created a broad curriculum that truly meets the needs of all children including those with SEND and vulnerable children. 

We have developed a rich and exciting curriculum which allows the pupils time to explore ideas creatively and develop speaking and listening skills through discussion, debate and presentations, as well as strengthening core knowledge in each subject. Reasoning and creativity are promoted with children encouraged to make connections to other learning and apply their knowledge and skills.

We are serious about widening our pupils’ knowledge and cultural capital and this permeates everything we do including naming our classes after mythical creatures, artists, scientists, people who lead the way and planning a variety of stimulating first hand experiences.  

Our curriculum is carefully planned, building upon prior learning and has been adapted due to the negative impact of the pandemic. It has clearly defined end points and provides the required knowledge and skills for future learning so that all children can flourish and be the very best they can be.

IMPLEMENTATION

Reading is of paramount importance and is taught rigorously throughout school. Books are banded and in the early stages are matched to the individual’s phonic knowledge. We try to develop a passion for reading and have invested heavily in new and exciting books, extending both staff and children’s knowledge of authors and using different texts to support learning across subjects. 

Subject leaders audit staff skills and provide relevant and appropriate CPD so that staff feel more confident teaching a range of subjects. Many staff have particular talents and expertise and these skills are drawn on and shared to help develop confidence when teaching. 

All learning follows the same principles. In each unit prior learning is identified, lessons are planned using the programme of skills document to ensure work is age appropriate and suitably challenging, key knowledge is identified with opportunities for retrieval practise and there is a clear end point. Where possible links are made within and between subjects. Learning is supported and enriched by field study, visits, workshops, artefact boxes, role-play and practical resources.

Assessment underpins the teaching process with staff continually checking pupils’ understanding, swiftly identifying misconceptions and altering their teaching to address the pupils’ needs. Feedback is given in a variety of ways, written or oral depending upon the subject and the child’s individual needs.

IMPACT

For our children from their different starting points, all children will make good progress academically, emotionally, creatively, socially and physically. Knowledge, understanding and skills will be secured and embedded so that children are able to achieve their potential and are fully prepared for secondary school. They will have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, read widely and often, and will listen respectfully and with tolerance to the views of others. They will take pride in all that they do, always striving to do their best. They will demonstrate resilience and the ability to persevere when they encounter challenge. They will develop a sense of responsibility and become confident in their own abilities. They will be kind, respectful and honest, demonstrate inclusive attitudes and have a sense of their role in our wider society.