Every child deserves a high quality and appropriate education. The National and Foundation Stage Curricula set out what must be taught. However, each school can decide how to interpret this guidance.
In order to do the very best for our children we sought advice from The Royal Society for the Arts (RSA) and collaborated with three other local schools to develop a fresh approach to implementing the National Curriculum documents. The overriding aim at this school is to raise standards in basic skills.
Our views have been influenced by international, national, local and school based research and monitoring. We know that methods used in The Foundation Stage have been successful and believe that extending this approach and ethos will have a similarly positive effect on children as they progress through the school.
We know that our school has unique characteristics, such as high mobility, and these were highlighted by OFSTED (2004). We have responded to what we know about the school by preparing an appropriate model for teaching the curriculum. As part of this, we believe that building the RSA Competences for Learning into our curriculum will help our children to learn more effectively.
The Primary Strategy document, Excellence and Enjoyment, was published some time after our project began. We believe that our policy and practice go beyond the extent of change outlined in this document and more accurately reflects the challenges presented at Brompton-Westbrook Primary School.
Overall, the curriculum is designed to ensure that children receive their entitlement to a broad curriculum and all statutory elements of the National Curriculum in the long-term. There is continuity and progression of skills, knowledge and understanding in the medium-term and balance in the short term. |