General Information About Our New Curriculum

Why has the curriculum been changed?

How has the curriculum changed?

What about the National Curriculum ?

How can I find out more about these changes?

Where do we go from here?

Why has the curriculum been changed?

Schools have now been given greater freedom to determine the character and distinctive nature of their curriculum. This means that we can be more flexible in what, how and when we deliver activities relating to the National Curriculum.

There have been many interesting and innovative documents produced by educational experts that encourage schools to re-think their curriculum and develop an approach that builds the independence and responsibility of pupils through rich interventions, interesting and relevant curriculum opportunities and through that process, develops pupils learning and love of learning.

Over the past year at Lickey Hills Primary we have re-evaluated what and how we teach the children and have together developed a new curriculum that takes account of expert advice and gives all pupils the opportunity to share in activities that are stimulating and exciting.

Our curriculum aims to enable all pupils to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens. Back to top

How has the curriculum changed?

The curriculum will now follow a 'rigorous personalised thematic approach' (RTA).

In effect this will mean that lessons will be taught through linked themes. Each year group will study 4 themes each accademic year and each theme will build upon the skills learnt previously. All pupils will be involved in realistic experiences where learning is in context and ensures the understanding of concepts and the development of lasting and transferable skills.

Daily literacy and numeracy lessons will continue, however sometimes these will be skill based and others will be linked to the theme. For example pupils may learn how to write a diary entry in a literacy lesson and then write a diary entry for a Victorian child during a follow up theme lesson.

Physical education and French for year 6 will not be linked to the themes and will continue as before.

At the start of each theme pupils in each class will be encouraged to think about activities that they would like to complete as part of the theme and these will be incorporated into the planning.

Key skills for all subject areas will be developed through the scheme and pupils will be informed what these key skills are so that they can evaluated their own progress and know what next steps to take. Pupils will be involved in making decisions about their own learning and will have the opportunities to demonstrate their learning in different ways and to different audiences.

Assessment of pupils progress will be based upon these key skills and will be reported to pupils and parents. Assessment will be used to guide learning and pupils will be encouraged to see mistakes as opportunities for learning and have the confidence to take risks.

Timing of lessons is also more flexible. This means that a teacher can follow and develop upon the interests of the pupils by extending activities, having a whole day relating to a particular aspect of the theme or even where appropriate a whole week. This gives the curriculum room for flexibility, creativity and for it to respond to developing needs.

The curriculum is planned to match the full range of aspirations and capabilities of pupils, giving opportunities for pupils with special educational needs and the more able. Back to top

What about the National Curriculum ?

The National Curriculum describes what schools must teach at each key stage. All schools must by law follow this document and provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all children.

The other statutory requirements are religious education and a daily act of collective worship.

The new RTA curriculum takes account of this and encorporates all that is statutory. The document 'Contexts For Learning' will show you a condensed version of 'The National Curriculum' showing the required breadth of study and knowledge and understanding that schools are required to teach for each subject covered by the theme. Back to top

How can I find out more about these changes?

You can find out more by looking through the various documents about the new curriculum on the website.

OR

You can ask your child's class teacher about the changes.

OR

You can make an appointment to ask Mrs Rudd for more information. Back to top

Where do we go from here?

We are still in the process of developing aspects of the new curriculum. Eventually all theme information will be in this document section and you will be able to review the key skills that your child is being encouraged to develop.

As with all new initiatives we are closely monitoring the progress that pupil make and the effectiveness of all elements of the new curriculum. Each theme will be evaluated by staff and pupils and this may lead to changes in the future. As the curriculum is meant to be flexible and personalised it will inevitably change slightly to reflect the learning needs and interests of pupils. Back to top