Curriculum
To find our more about the Curriculum our school is following, please contact the school office.
At Cheetwood Primary School we seek to provide a broad, balanced differentiated curriculum and offer a wide range of exciting, challenging activities and experiences to all pupils, paying due regard to ability, background, ethnic origin or gender.
The school’s curriculum incorporates the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum and other experiences and opportunities which best meet the learning and developmental needs of the pupils. The aim of our curriculum is for pupils to have the requisite skills to be successful, independent and motivated learners in readiness for their next stage of education and beyond. In fact, our shared vision is “Empowering and preparing for success in a changing world” and so, in this endeavour, we create stimulating learning environments for pupils in partnership with parents, the wider community and providers.
Cheetwood is a caring, listening school where pupils tell us they feel safe, are valued and can achieve their very best. Pupils develop their understanding of how they learn best; together we celebrate success and also demonstrate that ‘making mistakes’ are opportunities for growth and learning. At Cheetwood, we learn that there are different pathways to success and develop perseverance by overcoming barriers. Through the curriculum, we aim to prepare pupils for the opportunities, experiences and responsibilities of adult life and to lay a firm foundation for future learning.
Key Stage 1 and 2
In Key Stage 1 and 2, pupils have a daily English and mathematics lesson. As a school, we recognise the importance of reading for all and therefore, have a comprehensive and thorough approach to the teaching of reading across the school including, daily phonics lessons in KS1 and Reception and a timetabled Guided Reading session. The love of reading and vocabulary acquisition is also developed through a language rich environment that promotes a culture of reading and writing.
Writing is taught through immersion with quality texts in order to provide good models for pupils to evaluate and learn from. The teachers then create a purpose and audience for pupils to develop their writing skills. Grammatical accuracy is embedded into the teaching, teachers also deliver discrete grammar, punctuation and spelling lessons which are also strands of the English curriculum
The mathematics curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics including the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. Pupils at Cheetwood Primary are taught to reason mathematically, solve problems and apply their mathematical skills in a variety of real life contexts.
As another core subject, science at Cheetwood aims to encourage pupils to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They have opportunities for practical (and where possible, real-life science) where they can develop and deepen their knowledge of how scientific findings underpin all aspects of their lives.
In addition to English and mathematics, pupils are taught to develop their skills, understanding and creativity in computing, history, geography, design technology, music, art, MFL (French, year3 +) and religious education (which is based on the Manchester Agreed Syllabus).
Steel pans and guitar / ukulele tuition are available for pupils from year 4 upwards to enrich the music curriculum. Lessons are discrete to the subject but links are always made so pupils can transfer skills and learning so it is more likely to be embedded within different contexts; for example: computing is an integral part of many teaching and learning experiences.
In delivering the foundation subjects of the National Curriculum, subject leaders have evaluated and sourced a range of resources these include: the Geographical and Historical Associations, KAPOW, PlanBee and Charanga.
Specialist sports coaches visit the school at least weekly to support the delivery of the PE curriculum as well as giving staff valuable CPD. We aim to develop pupils’ enjoyment, confidence and skills in physical activity and introduce them to the pleasures of sport to help develop pupils who are active and who benefit from a healthy lifestyle. Through PE lessons and a multi-skills approach, pupils develop their skills in football, netball, hockey, rounders and cricket, as well as athletics, gymnastics, dance and swimming.
The curriculum we teach ensures coverage and progression throughout the school. National requirements and school requirements are mapped out as a whole school and then individual year groups teachers plan units accordingly.
Pupils are taught about the community in which they live and are encouraged to work in co-operation with other members of the school community. Supporting charities, both local and further afield, is encouraged. All pupils are expected to undertake appropriate responsibilities within the class and school, e.g. caring for the classroom environment, participating in class assemblies and participating in out of school activities.
The curriculum is enhanced and enriched further through a variety of activities including educational visits, school performances, visitors to school, after school clubs and links with other schools.
Teachers are given training and opportunity to keep developing their own subject knowledge, skills and understanding so they can support curriculum development and their colleagues throughout the school. Themed weeks, whole school activities and opportunities within and outside school all enrich and develop pupils’ learning; after school clubs and events extend these opportunities further. Additional whole school programmes and approaches support quality teaching and learning and the school is well resourced in terms of learning materials, books and technology.
The outdoor environment and the local community are considered an opportunity for active learning for all our pupils. The school grounds have been developed so they can enrich different curriculum areas.
Pupils have opportunities to share their learning with each other, their parents and carers and other learners through school-based exhibitions, performances, competitions and events. Developing their independence and motivation as learners and their sense of responsibility as future citizens is at the heart of all teaching and learning.
The effective spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the child is integral to planned programmes of work. The aim is to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain, enabling them to become active and responsible citizens in society.
Pupils are encouraged to become involved – to look after their environment and to help others. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of pupils and their understanding of the core values of our society are woven through the curriculum. The fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs are promoted through the school curriculum, but mostly through our whole school ethos.
