Curriculum Intent (what we want to do)

Our Parkwood curriculum prepares each and every child for life in the modern world. We want our children to embrace challenge, learning to demonstrate resilience and ambition, two of our core values. In turn, this will allow them to become the very best version of themselves.

Our teachers foster a love of learning and curiosity amongst our pupils, enabling them to view themselves as life-long learners, with the skills to think critically. We expect our children to be responsible when sharing their thoughts, ideas and opinions with others.

Through our engaging curriculum, our children are transported all over the globe. On this journey, we expect our children to be kind (another core value we hold), respecting differences in beliefs and culture as they learn about the diverse world in which we live, to find out about the very best that has been said and done.

Curriculum Implementation (how we will do it)

We do this through a carefully considered progression of the knowledge and skills outlined in the National Curriculum. This is developed over time allowing children to know more and remember more. Vocabulary children require is carefully considered and mapped out across the school.

Due care and attention is given to teaching of the core areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening, maths and science as these subjects provide the essential skills and knowledge needed to access the rest of the curriculum.

Our curriculum is organised into projects, driven by a foundation subject, with as many other curriculum areas woven in along the way to enrich learning and continue knowledge and skill development:

·         Terms 1 and 2: explore project (Geography, and Design and Technology drivers)

·                     Terms 3 and 4: discover project (History driver)

·                     Terms 5 and 6: create project (Art and Music drivers)

Each relevant, knowledge-rich and contexulised project is inspired by a philosophical enquiry question (for example, ‘Is it our responsibility to look after the environment?’) to spark interest and encourage children to ask more questions. Throughout each project, learning encourages children to return to this enquiry question, helping children to understand that our opinions, ideas, and thoughts change as we learn more. In this way, children begin to understand the importance of flexible thinking. Presenting children with such questions that tackle such complex issues means that children leave empowered and motivated to make a difference.