Introduction

Curriculum Intent

Ightham Primary School provides a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that enables each of our pupils to thrive with an expectation of high academic standards. We are committed to providing a balanced, accessible and inspirational curriculum which fosters a lifelong love of learning. We value reading and mathematics in particular, as key life skills. Phonics and reading is prioritised to allow pupils to access the full curriculum offer. We aim to ensure a rigorous and sequential approach to ensure that pupils become progressively confident and fluent in the core basic skills. It is our aim to develop a love of reading and mathematical problem solving to help pupils know more, remember more and understand more.

The curriculum goes beyond the expected by celebrating our cultural and historical heritage in conjunction with pupils’ personal development. Links with Ightham Mote, poetry in the round, attending the Chiddingstone Literary Festival are a few examples of our bespoke activities. Community Afternoons are used to celebrate the children’s spoken word. We inspire our pupils to engage with journalistic literature, scientific enquiry, philosophy and creative expression so they can develop a critical understanding of developments in world around them. The spoken word underpins the pupils’ increasing abilities to gain self-confidence when explaining new ideas and engaging in debates. Poetry and drama are supported by links with the wider community and enrich pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in a very individual way.

Our rich, ambitious and relevant education meets the needs of all children throughout the school. In return, our children develop as independent, confident and successful learners with high aspirations. Our pupils quickly learn how to make a positive contribution to their community. At Ightham, pupils aspire to be members of the wider society as caring, honest and tolerant individuals. The curriculum ensures that academic success is achieved and celebrated. The diverse curriculum, including our exceptional Forest School, encourages creativity, problem solving, responsibility and resilience. A significant amount of learning occurs outdoors to support wellbeing as well as develop emotional intelligence and social literacy within a holistic and kinaesthetic environment. Physical development, well-being and mental health are key elements which are supported by our impressive sports provision. They support the development of the whole child and promote a positive attitude to learning.

The curriculum celebrates diversity, encourages tolerance, and develops respect. Children are well prepared for life in modern Britain. The curriculum is designed to give all pupils, including children that are disadvantaged and with SEND, the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. It is coherently planned and sequenced towards cumulatively sufficient knowledge and skills for future learning.

Overview

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (Acorn Class) the school offers the Curriculum for the Foundation Stage (ages 4-5). This covers seven areas of learning. Play and child initiated learning form an important part of this Curriculum. Following on from the Reception Class, the children enter Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2 - ages 5-7). Our school follows the National Curriculum. Upon the completion of Key Stage 1, the children enter Key Stage 2 (Year 3-6 - ages 7-11). Again, our school follows the National Curriculum.

Physical Education

The Government believes that two hours of physical activity a week, including the National Curriculum for physical education and extra-curricular activities, should be an aspiration for all schools. This applies throughout all key stages.

At Ightham Primary School, we believe strongly in promoting the development of the ‘whole child’ and their self-esteem through a broad and balanced curriculum emphasis on the creative arts and Personal Social and Health Education.

Forest School is also part of our Physical Education provision.

Our P.E. curriculum overview can be downloaded below: