Whole School Curriculum Information

Thurston CE Primary Academy is an expanding school due to housing development within the village. Our curriculum has been developed into a two year rolling programme due having mixed age classes. Thurston CE Primary Academy have reviewed our curriculum making sure all pupils are given the opportunity to develop their learning through the National Curriculum 2014 in a well-planned and organised approach. 

Where possible, our subject teaching is done through an over arching heading, such as ‘World War II’ or ‘The Great Fire of London’. The content of the work is underpinned by learning objectives from English, Maths, Science, ICT, RE and all the foundation subjects of the National Curriculum & EYFS.

In Early Years, child and adult instigated learning over a range of topics will change regularly, picking up on the interests of the children in the cohort but still with a focus of development inline with the new Early Years Frame Work. Additional information can be obtained from class teachers, via the school office or termly curriculum newsletters.  A wide range of reading materials are used but core phonics is taught daily, using the Little Wandle scheme which focuses on using fully decodable texts to support the teaching of phonics and encourages pupils to become fluent confident readers.

Subject specific information:

Forest Schools

Forest School is an inspirational process, that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. We use a specialised learning approach that sits within and compliments the wider context of outdoor and woodland education and is led by Mrs Miles. Find out more here.

Curriculum Drivers

At Thurston C of E Primary Academy, we believe that our pupils deserve and require us to provide a broader curriculum than the National Curriculum offers. Pupils have so much more to learn and experience from the exciting opportunities and experiences life has to offer. As a school, we have chosen four curriculum drivers with the aspiration to engage our pupils, enhance their development and give them skills in becoming effective citizens in the world they live in. We use these ‘drivers’ wherever possible, throughout the curriculum, to underpin the development work we undertake in all areas of school life. This ensures our curriculum offer is enriched and personalised to our children and their families.

Creativity

Through a broad cross curricular curriculum, Thurston C of E Primary Academy encourages children to express themselves in a variety of creative forms. We give all children the opportunity to be imaginative; to use experiences and observations; to make connections in their learning and appreciate that learning can be accomplished in many different forms.

The World We Live In

The curriculum Thurston C of E Primary Academy offers, enables pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world we live in. Through topic based learning, pupils are given the opportunity to discuss, research and form opinions relating to high profile global issues. We aim to give pupils the ability to question their actions and understand the impact that decisions they and others make impact on the world we live in.​

Diversity

We recognise that we live in a diverse global community and our curriculum reflects this. We teach pupils through our Christian values that diversity should be celebrated and embraced in order to become effective citizens in our multi-cultural society. We provide opportunities for pupils to explore similarities and differences between communities. We promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different beliefs and faiths, understanding how they fit into the wider world. We aim to give pupils the skills to sustain and protect the rich diversity in the world and give pupils a sense of place and understand that they play a part in its future.

Problem Solving

At Thurston CE Primary Academy, we understand the importance of pupils being able to apply their knowledge and skills in order to solve real life problems. Key problem solving skills are taught such as: resilience, communication, working as a team and decision making. Teachers encourage pupils to think creatively and question outcomes. As a school, we believe problem solving is going to be key to pupils future success.

Curriculum Overviews

Each year group has designed a Curriculum Overview which is the foundation upon which more detailed plans are built.