Our Arnbrook Values are at the centre of our curriculum and school life; Respect, Enjoy, Achieve, Inspire. You can read more about them here.
At Arnbrook, we follow the 2014 National Curriculum and have developed our own curriculum, which reflects the needs of our school community;
We have built a topic based curriculum, since we believe that children will be more engaged in their learning if it has a context and theme that runs through it. Our curriculum is planned to provide continuity and progression; with key skills, knowledge and vocabulary identified for each topic and evaluated by pupils and class teachers at the beginning and end of each topic through ‘Preview & Review’ sessions.
We place a strong focus on overcoming barriers to children’s learning through a curriculum designed to address specific areas of poverty and deficit in experiences and aspiration amongst our children. There is more information on our approach to supporting disadvantaged pupils available here.
• To ensure that all pupils receive their full entitlement to the whole curriculum through teaching of a high standard.
• To provide a relevant challenging curriculum in which pupils will be encouraged to reach their maximum potential.
• To provide a stimulating and vibrant curriculum and environment that will not only motivate children but also encourage them to understand the purpose and enjoyment of learning.
• To provide an environment where children apply their knowledge, skills and understanding with confidence whilst developing their ability to investigate and problem solve through discussion, prediction and evaluation.
• To encourage children to respect and value other cultures and beliefs and ultimately to become caring, confident and educated members of a multi-faith, multi-cultural society.
• To develop positive attitudes and an awareness of the needs, strengths and qualities of others in order to work, share and grow socially and emotionally, spiritually and morally, physically and intellectually.
• To involve parents/carers in their children’s education and encourage strong links between home and school
From the moment pupils enter the school they are introduced to our ‘Awesome Arnbrookers’ characters which each represent a different behaviour for learning. The development of behaviour for learning is integrated into all curriculum areas. This ensures that our pupils are independent, successful and reflective learners, achieve well and become learners for life. Our behaviours for learning are as follows: Collaboration, creativity, curiosity, determination, focus and reflectiveness.
• Classic novels and modern favourites from a range of genres provide a gateway to their topic. Each topic has a linked book which is read by the class alongside their topic and stimulates thinking, discussion and learning.
• A ‘big question’ to drive children’s learning.
• A focus on WOW moments which are fun, accessible for all and inspirational. We explore global themes wherever possible in our topics and aim to open pupils’ eyes to the wider world.
• Encouraging a sense of civic pride and responsibility, by exploring and engaging with the local community and local history in topics and events.
• Developing children’s personal skills and character through real-life opportunities to show leadership, commitment and organisation such as ‘Lunchtime Heroes’, ‘Sports Captains’, run our Healthy Tuck Shop, School Council and Believe Parliament.
The organisation of our curriculum is designed to ensure that children receive a broad and balanced education;
• The school year is divided into six, half termly topics, which are based on a book and a topic question. Each topic has a history or geography focus, and more time is allocated to the focus subject.
• History, Geography, Art, Music & Design Technology are fully embedded within the topics.
• Science, Computing, French, P.E., R.E. and P.S.H.E. are taught as discrete subjects, although cross-curricular links will be explored where appropriate.
• We have additional theme weeks and days for particular topics such as ‘Enterprise Week’ which covers Design Technology.
Throughout our curriculum and ethos we aim to promote Fundamental British Values and children’s SMSC development within all aspects of school life. You can read more about our approach here.
In the Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) the pupils work through the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum which is play based with short focus activities in small groups. During the Autumn term in Year 1 this approach is developed and the content of the work matched to the National Curriculum. From Year 1 upwards pupils follow the National Curriculum and study all subjects.
Year 3 children go to swimming lessons once a week, throughout the year.
The ‘Read, Write Inc’ phonics scheme, created by Ruth Miskin, is used across the school from Foundation Stage upwards.
A modern foreign language (French) is introduced in Key Stage 2.
For more information on our curriculum, please speak to Mr Fowlie (Headteacher) or Mr Allington (Curriculum Lead).