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

At Old Park Primary School and Nursery, our curriculum is designed to inspire, engage and challenge our pupils so that they acquire the knowledge and skills they need to be successful, independent and motivated young people, ready for the next stage of education and their future in today’s world.

Music is the heartbeat of our curriculum and our In Harmony programme has been running for 9 years. As well as improving coordination, perseverance and listening, music, particularly learning an instrument, increases memory and develops responsibility, self-expression and social skills.

Through a flexible, child-led and creative approach to curriculum themes, we aim to harness children’s natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge to foster an interest in the local community, and the world beyond. 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.

The National Curriculum core subjects of reading, writing, maths and science and foundation subjects – computing, geography, history, design technology, art, PE and RE are taught as well as personal and social, health and relationships education.

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.