Curriculum
Intent
Our curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that is ambitious and meets the needs of all children. The early learning areas of social and personal learning, health and physical learning, and language and communication prepares students for adulthood. Our children are taught to be curious, ask questions and are encouraged to make a meaningful contribution throughout their lives for the good of us all.
The curriculum ensures that academic success, creativity and problem solving, reliability, responsibility and resilience, as well as physical development, well-being and mental health are key elements that support the development of the whole child, promoting a positive attitude to learning. The curriculum celebrates the diversity and utilises the skills, knowledge and cultural wealth of the community while supporting the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, ensuring that children are well prepared for life in modern Britain.
Our curriculum is nurturing and aims to promote the all-round development of our children. In addition, it fosters happiness and nurtures their well-being, helping them lead an independent life and integrate into the community.
Implementation
Our curriculum is linked to the National Curriculum and the EYFS Development Matters. Not only are all pupils taught in line with these expectations, they are challenged and inspired. The curriculum is planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills build on what has been taught before ensuring children are ready for future learning.
Additional aspects of our school which enhance learning for our pupils and make for a unique experience include:
- Specialist Physical Education coaches
- Specialist music provision
- Forest School provision
- Additional Resourced Provision for pupils with severe and complex needs
- Outdoor and residential learning
Subject leaders play an important part in the success of the curriculum by leading a regular programme of monitoring, evaluation and review; the celebration of good practice contributes to the ongoing commitment to evolve and improve further. All subject leaders are given training and the opportunity to keep developing their own subject knowledge, skills and understanding, so they can support curriculum developments and their colleagues throughout the school.
A varied timetable of extra-curricular activities is offered by the school, with clubs that support the core curriculum offer, as well as those which develop specialist skills such as martial arts. Additionally, opportunities to develop leadership are provided through roles and responsibilities within the wider school which promotes citizenship.
In order for our curriculum to flourish further, there are key threads running through which ‘drive’ the learning forwards and become the ‘drivers’ for our curriculum.
Our four main drivers are:
Expanding Horizons
From the moment children start with us they are encouraged to understand that not all learning takes place in the classroom. Opportunities are made available to ‘level the playing field’ with the intention of developing children’s cultural capital through the following:
- Creatively using the school’s extensive grounds including Forest School.
- Making use of the schools geographical location both locally and for links to London including visits to museums, theatre, libraries.
- Utilising members of both the school and the local community to develop vocational education.
- Through a wide range of enrichment activities, further immersion is given to explore the arts, sport, music etc.
- Through inspiring children and building on their Interests we deepen their understanding of the opportunities available to them in life.
By the time our children leave the school they understand the limitless opportunities open to them and are well placed to realise their full potential.
Active Learning
Children learn best when they are actively engaged in their learning. At Green Street Green we aim to give every child the opportunity to:
- Engage with a meaningful and, most importantly, relevant curriculum
- Participate in regular ‘hands-on’ activities
- Exploit new opportunities through experiential learning
- Develop deeper curiosity and thirst for learning
Healthy Body, Healthy Minds
At GSG we recognise that the physical and mental health and wellbeing of each of our children is of paramount importance. Through our provision for relationships and health education, we ensure that our children all develop an awareness and understanding of how to keep themselves safe and healthy, including how to stay safe online and in an increasingly digital world.
A strong focus on pastoral education and building strong relationships with children and their families enables us, where appropriate, to tailor our provision to meet individual needs. In this way, we aspire for every GSG child to be happy and healthy.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
When planning and delivering our curriculum we will ensure that all pupils feel valued and visible, and are able to thrive. We will purposefully seek opportunities to promote a better understanding of diversity, celebrate difference, and challenge discrimination in all its forms. All children will be treated as equals and we will address disadvantages that might cause inequity.
Impact
Our practice across the school provides a strong foundation and opportunities for children to collaborate and develop social skills both indoors and out.
Enjoyment of the curriculum promotes achievement, confidence and good behaviour. Children feel safe to try new things. High quality educational visits and visitors to the school enhance the curriculum.
Our curriculum provides well-rounded, life long learners who are prepared for the challenges and adventures that await them.