What is our intent? What are we trying to achieve with our curriculum?

At Old Park Primary School and Nursery, our tailor-made curriculum is designed to inspire, engage and challenge our pupils so that they acquire the knowledge and skills they need when “Reaching for Success”. We have adopted the Kagan approach to learning, because we believe through our values ‘Belonging’, ‘Respect’, and ‘Responsibility’ we can all work collaboratively to support each other to dream, believe and achieve.

Our curriculum meets the national curriculum objectives but most importantly reflects the needs and interests of our pupils and context of our school.

Lessons, visits, wider cultural experiences, outdoor learning and real-context projects are all used to enhance learning across the curriculum and develop communication, collaboration and cooperation.

We are a part of the In Harmony programme which aims to support the holistic development of our children using music as the vehicle. Every pupil from year 2 to year 6 learns a musical instrument to further develop collaboration, peer learning and creativity.

At Old Park, we aim to create lifelong learners, who are prepared for the future and can continue “Reaching for Success” beyond our gates.

How do we deliver our curriculum?

Our curriculum is delivered through creative and engaging themes. These are led by children’s interests and changing annually. Wherever possible, lessons are embedded in ‘real’ contexts so that children understand the relevance and importance of their learning.  

Through our In Harmony programme, all children receive specialist music lessons and children from Y2 to Y6 learn a musical instrument and play in an orchestra.

All subjects have clear, progressive plans and children are given opportunities to explore, investigate, question and analyse in order to learn the skills of critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving. We use the KAGAN approach to promote and develop collaboration and support between children.

Reading and phonics have a high priority as a vital skill for everyone and the gateway to future learning.

What is the impact of our curriculum and how do we know?

School leaders, including Governors, and teachers regularly measure the impact of our curriculum through the monitoring of teaching and learning, monitoring of behaviour, assessment and on-going self-review. We talk to children and parents, undertake learning walks, look at books and review the curriculum as subject leaders.

As a result of our high-quality curriculum and teaching, our children are well prepared for the next phase of their education, they are motivated to achieve and are equipped with the personal skills they need for a successful future.