Photo by Simon Davis/DFID

The Curriculum

Children are at the heart of all we do. As encapsulated by our drivers, we are aspirational for our pupils and want them to aspire; we teach and encourage them to be independent; and we want them to be supported by, and be part of, many communities; our curriculum is key to achieving this.

We define the curriculum as the totality of the child’s experience at Dudley Wood Primary. This includes not only ‘what’, but ‘how’ they learn.  It encompasses not only the subject-specific curriculum, but also the local and hidden curriculum.

Our curriculum is based on values and rooted in educational research about how children learn best. It is progressive, it is broad and balanced and it promotes the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of each child. In addition, following work with The Rivers C. of E. Academy Trust, there is interconnectivity and it is focussed on sustainability.

The Local and Hidden Curriculum

We are fully aware of our school’s context – the individual nature of the school and its community and therefore, the needs of our pupils.  We are driven by our shared values.  Therefore our local and hidden curriculum is extremely important and ever-present – ‘hidden’ in plain sight.

We have carefully considered what pupils learn when not in lessons – from the moment they enter the school gate, to the moment they leave.  We have considered this from the perspective of the child’s experience and therefore made clear, the expectations of adults.  We call this our Child Culture.

We are committed to offering pupils a wealth of opportunities and experiences which enrich their learning experience during their time at Dudley Wood. 

A Curriculum Focussed on Sustainability

We live in an ever-changing world and one in which there currently are, and will continue to be, many challenges. We have a responsibility to educate our pupils about these challenges and the importance of, and ways in which we can change our behaviour to address these issues.

We have worked with the Rivers C of E Academy Trust to develop a curriculum which educates our pupils about the importance of achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).  These are goals, set by the world’s leaders, which aim to transform the world into one free of poverty and hunger, where every child can go to school, where oceans and forests will be around for future generations to enjoy, and where everyone is equal — all by the year 2030.  We will do this through our curriculum which will deliver and drive key messages about each of our chosen areas.

The Subject Specific Curriculum

The Intent, Implementation and Impact for each subject have been clearly defined and can be found on the individual subject pages by clicking on the icons below.  Each subject of the curriculum follows a well-planned & progressive scheme of work; and is taught discretely, ensuring there is breadth and balance. 

There are 6 key elements of learning within our curriculum, founded on the sustainability goals. They are KNOWLEDGE, EQUALITY, INNOVATION, LEGACY, PARTNERSHIP and SUSTAINIBILITY.

These elements are key attributes and skills which we aim to instil in our pupils. Because these provide the focus for the teaching and learning in all of the foundation subjects, there is inter-connectivity across our curriculum. 

As our children progress through school, they will build a deep knowledge and understanding of these key elements so by the time they leave us, they will have learnt to, ‘love, learn & live as a global citizen in an ever-changing world’.

Photo by John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com