The Curriculum

At Derwent we provide an knowledge based sequences of lessons  to ensure children are taught a challenging and varied subject based curriculum.

Our curriculum aims to allow all pupils to excel academically as well as develop socially and emotionally.  We have high expectations of our children but we know that they can face barriers to learning such as high mobility or difficulties with attendance.

To meet the needs of our children and their diverse backgrounds, we have a clearly structured curriculum that promotes a love of learning and intellectual curiosity as well as language development, particularly in the younger years through a consistent synthetic phonics scheme. We promote the development of children's knowledge and understanding in all the primary subjects so that they can flourish as citizens in modern day Britain. Through our curriculum we celebrate the diversity of our community, and the communities within the UK. In line with our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, this includes a range of underrepresented and protected groups including gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, disability, age and race. 

OneDecision PSHCE rationale

PSHCE Programme of Study

Our vision for our curriculum, as well as its implementation and impact, can be found in our 1 page  overview below:

Federation Curriculum Overview

In our pre-school classes, Ladybirds and Caterpillars and our reception classes, Hedgehogs and Squirrels, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework which set outs the areas of learning for the children.  A link to the framework can be found below.  The long term plans for all EYFS is on their class pages.

Mathematics

We use the WhiteRose scheme but add in adaptations to fit the specific cohorts and learning each year. The overview is here

EYFS framework -https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1170108/EYFS_framework_from_September_2023.pdf

In Years 1 to 6 we follow the programmes of study set out in the National Curriculum for England.  A link to the National Curriculum can be found below and also a quick view summary of the curriculum for years 1-6 for the academic year 2023 2024.

National Curriculum 

Curriculum overview for science and humanities

We have a separate page on our website that gives further information about our phonics programme.

At Derwent Primary School we enhance the curriculum through a host of events. Our teachers look for ways to offer the children opportunities to undertake activities that enrich their education. These have included:

• Trips to places such as St Albans, Whipsnade Zoo and Wilstead Bird of Prey Centre are examples.

• Themed events including messy art day, Safer Internet day, Anti-bullying week, Roman's day, Dinosaur day and Armed Forces day.

• Visitors ranging from the Police and Fire Services to a performance poet, and leaders from various religious backgrounds. Community events have included an anti-bullying assembly at Henlow Church of England Academy as well as the Remembrance Day service and the Christmas Carol concert at RAF Henlow. The children have also taken part in the Christmas Fayre, and have a number of events related to the coronation of King Charles III this summer.

• Sports events through the Redborne Sports Partnership such as athletics competitions, tag rugby and gymnastics.

• PE Overview

The result of our effective curriculum is that children at Derwent study a broad range of subjects which challenge and spark curiosity. We are proud that our teaching and learning research led practices support pupils to achieve standards above those achieved nationally. 

For more information about the impact of our curriculum, please visit our page on Ofsted and Performance Tables.

The Executive Head teacher has overall responsibility for curriculum.  For any further information please message via Dojo or email executivehead@derwentschool.co.uk to arrange a time to speak to Mrs. Barlow.