Curriculum Intent Statement
Learning is at the very heart of what we do at Birch Copse and our curriculum is a crucial aspect of this. It does not stand-alone but is one of three central components – curriculum, teaching and assessment– of the learning process. As such, this policy should be read in conjunction with our Teaching and Learning, Assessment and Feedback Policies to get a full picture of the learning process at Birch Copse.
At Birch Copse, we provide an outstanding curriculum, which is challenging, progressive and inspiring, allowing our children to achieve their full potential by maximising their learning so that they know more, remember more and understand more.
Challenging
At Birch Copse, we believe that every child has the potential to excel, and our curriculum challenges and supports each child to achieve their full potential. Each area of the curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that the planned knowledge and skills we want the children to learn are at a high level of challenge with learning adapted by teachers where necessary.
Challenging, engaging, carefully selected focus texts provide a basis for high quality reading and speaking and listening skills and, with the rich and varied curriculum, facilitate the development of an excellent vocabulary. We place a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, encouraging students to ask questions, make connections, and develop their own ideas.
Progressive
At Birch Copse, we believe that a progressive approach to curriculum design is essential to equip our children with the relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become confident, curious, and lifelong learners. Our curriculum is designed to build on prior learning and experiences, providing a clear and coherent pathway for pupils to develop their knowledge, skills, and understanding in individual subject areas. We use a spiral approach to learning, revisiting and building on key concepts and skills throughout the years.
We view the design of the curriculum as an evolving and fluid process which takes into consideration: the needs of our children; their prior learning and experiences; the community in which school exists, the statutory curriculum (National Curriculum) and educational research which is evaluated and relevant to our school. It is therefore regularly reviewed and refined to ensure it remains relevant and engaging.
Inspiring
At Birch Copse, we believe that an inspiring curriculum is one that ignites a love for learning and fosters a lifelong curiosity in our children. Our curriculum is designed to be exciting, innovative and relevant to ensure that every child receives a world-class education.
It is important that children know what it means to be a historian or an artist so our subjects are delivered independently with links between units of work, different subjects or across different year groups made where they fit. This means that each unit of work can focus on the core knowledge and skills required, which children find motivating. Our programmes of study are broad and ambitious and include a wide range of educational visits, visitors, themed days/ weeks, outdoor learning, drama and the arts to reflect the needs of our community.
