Curriculum Overview
At Lothersdale Primary School, our curriculum is designed to nurture and develop children from Early Years to Year 6, preparing them to be responsible, resilient, and resourceful learners as they progress through their education. We believe in fostering a love for learning through well-structured lessons, varied opportunities for creativity, and inclusive experiences that support the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs (SEND) and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1)
In the Early Years, children begin their learning journey through a combination of play-based activities and focused sessions that develop key skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Activities are carefully designed to help children build their phonics and number knowledge, learn to share, and develop independence. A strong focus is placed on the development of reading, ensuring that every child acquires the fundamental skills to access the full curriculum.
As pupils move into Key Stage 1, this foundation is built upon with an increased emphasis on reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Writing and mathematical operations are also key components, ensuring that pupils have a well-rounded understanding. Our curriculum in KS1 provides regular opportunities for pupils to read and be read to, fostering a love for language and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Knowledge-Rich Curriculum and Long-Term Memory
Our curriculum, across all stages, is designed with knowledge acquisition at its heart. Lessons are planned to ensure that children are not overwhelmed, with a focus on building long-term memory through sequenced learning units. Pupils are encouraged to revisit previous learning, ensuring that essential knowledge is retained and can be applied to new situations.
We adopt a mastery approach to deepen understanding, with lessons designed to progressively challenge pupils without overloading their working memory. Regular recalls and revisits are built into the curriculum, through timetabled sessions such as ‘Memory Monday’, which helps to reinforce connections between knowledge and skills. This method ensures that pupils know how to approach tasks, solve problems, and apply their learning across different subjects.
Inclusion and Support for All Pupils
At Lothersdale, we are ambitious for all learners, especially those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils. Additional support, resources, or tailored interventions are provided to ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their potential. Our curriculum is broad and balanced, providing equal value to foundation subjects such as history, geography, and science, while also incorporating subjects like PSHE, PE, music, and French into weekly routines.
We believe in offering a wide range of learning experiences to enhance cultural capital, giving every pupil access to enriching opportunities. Special events, visits, and creative activities are carefully planned to align with our curriculum, providing meaningful and memorable learning experiences.
Creativity and Cultural Capital
Creativity is a vital element of our curriculum. Teachers plan opportunities for pupils to think critically, solve problems in new ways, and make connections across different subjects. This flexibility allows pupils to engage with their learning actively and imaginatively, often sparking ideas that shape the course of lessons. We value pupil voice and provide platforms for children to express their ideas, helping them to feel included in the learning process.
Cultural capital is another focus, helping pupils to engage with society through a rich variety of experiences. We actively promote diversity, recognising our predominantly White British context while celebrating the broader diversity of the UK. Pupils are encouraged to participate in their local community and begin to understand their roles as both UK and global citizens.
Assessment and Progress
Assessment is integral to our planning, teaching, and learning processes. We use a balanced range of assessment tools, including low-stakes quizzes, puzzles, and tasks that encourage pupils to reflect on their learning. This method helps teachers gauge pupil progress without creating excessive pressure. Summative assessments are used thoughtfully alongside regular formative assessments, ensuring that workload demands are manageable for both pupils and staff.
Enrichment and Personal Development
Our curriculum extends beyond academic learning to focus on the personal development of each child. We aim to develop lifelong learning skills such as resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to learn from mistakes. These attributes are crucial for maintaining good mental health and well-being, and we support this through our strong PSHE curriculum and an emphasis on physical activity.
Pupils are also encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as music, drama, and sport, enriching their overall school experience and contributing to a well-rounded education.
Transition and Progression
Throughout their time at Lothersdale, children are prepared for the next stage of their education. We offer a graduated, six-week transition plan, for every child in school, which is supported by a year group ‘Sway’ to be used in discussion at home. Please see Sways below:
Class 1: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/sxXxvBMUSpZQxlEc?ref=Link
Class 2: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/1vJ2rhJqR7XZy8hP?ref=Link
Class 3: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/rSj7wlvc559d7MS9?ref=Link
Class 4: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/uOgBMvqQHEVZZ7X1?ref=Link
By the end of EYFS, children will have developed the personal, social, and physical skills necessary for success in Year 1. By the end of KS1, pupils will have mastered basic English and mathematical skills, including reading, handwriting, punctuation, and the four mathematical operations.
As pupils progress through Key Stage 2, they continue to build on this foundation, acquiring deeper subject knowledge and developing positive attitudes toward learning. By the time they leave for secondary school, they will be well-prepared to succeed, with a solid grounding in reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as a clear understanding of how to engage with and contribute to society.
Implementation and Impact
Our curriculum is delivered through well-sequenced lessons, guided by a carefully structured model of progression. Each subject leader is equipped with the tools and training needed to implement the curriculum effectively. The impact of our curriculum is measured through ongoing assessments, with a focus on pupil voice and their ability to retain knowledge and apply it across subjects.
The ultimate goal of our curriculum is to develop well-rounded individuals who demonstrate strong values, resilience, and respect for others. We aim for all pupils to leave Lothersdale Primary School ready for the challenges of secondary education and life beyond school, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to succeed.
Equality and Inclusion
Lothersdale Primary School is committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background or needs, have access to a high-quality education. Reasonable adjustments are made to meet the needs of all pupils, and any modifications to the curriculum are done in consultation with parents and carers. Our inclusive approach ensures that every child is supported to reach their full potential.
In summary, the curriculum at Lothersdale Primary School is knowledge-rich, inclusive, and designed to foster creativity, resilience, and a love for learning. Through careful planning, assessment, and enrichment opportunities, we ensure that all pupils are well-prepared for their next steps in education and life.