Primary Curriculum Area
PRIMARY CURRICULUM
Primary aged pupils at Morecambe Road School follow the National Curriculum in most subject areas. The curriculum is ‘broad and balanced’; differentiated to meet the needs of individual pupils and has an emphasis on language and communication skills. ‘Personalised Learning’ opportunities feature as an important part of the work carried out by the school with the range and complexity of the needs that our pupils have taken into account. We aim to engage all pupils in a well resourced learning environment that is vibrant and interesting. Primary pupils are offered additional learning experiences such as lunch time clubs, educational visits and swimming.
EYFS
EYFS Early Steps is an assessment framework for pupils working within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The Framework covers all areas of the foundation stage from birth to the early learning goals. It helps to identify the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. Due to the broad range of children’s needs we offer an intervention-based EYFS curriculum focusing on key skills such as fine/gross motor and early writing. We do not teach all of the curriculum subjects explicitly, but they will be touched on within our ‘Creative Curriculum’ and topic work.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, we gradually progress from the EYFS offer. Pupils are introduced to elements of the National Curriculum, as appropriate. This can change year on year and is adapted as necessary. Our more able Key Stage 1 pupils will gradually become familiar with a more structured daily timetable which encompasses a variety of National Curriculum subjects. Learning focuses will be linked to EHCP Outcomes alongside Key Stage 1 English and Maths objectives, in addition to a variety of other National Curriculum subjects. Topic based learning is also important for our pupils, linking learning to national and current themes and events. We put an emphasis on communication skills along with personal, social and health education.
Key Stage 2
The majority of our Key Stage 2 pupils work from a daily timetable which incorporates a variety of National Curriculum subjects. Target based sessions focus on EHCP Outcomes where necessary, otherwise these are incorporated into lessons as and when relevant to the pupils and their individual needs. Topic based learning remains important and will often involve all pupils in the Primary Phase. We regularly come together for themed weeks and topic focuses, the children benefit socially and academically from working together as a phase. All pupils are educated about staying safe throughout all aspects of life. However, in Key Stage 2 they will begin to experience body and emotional changes and pupils of this age can become familiar with the internet, social media and will often have their own access to the cyber world via a device of some sort. Pupils with SEND are more likely than their peers to experience online issues such as cyberbullying, online grooming and exploitation. We keep this at the forefront of our minds as our pupils grow and wish to be socially accepted, educating them in ‘how to stay safe’ to the best of our abilities.
Year 6 pupils take part in a residential activity. For many of our pupils this is often the first time that they will have spent any time away from home. It is an invaluable opportunity for the development of social and life skills.
Transitions for Key Stage 3 usually take place towards the end of the Summer Term.
Nurture
As a Primary Phase we are fortunate to be able to offer a Nurture Curriculum for a group of our Pupils. The majority of whom are Key Stage 2 pupils. The purpose of this class is to offer an alternative approach to those who are struggling to make progress; whether that be socially or academically. An intervention-based method is used which links very closely to EHCP Outcomes and puts an emphasis on ‘understanding the world around them’ for these pupils. The methods used are highly individualised and focus on very small steps of learning. There is also a sensory led aspect to the Nurture Curriculum which is proving to be highly successful. The implementation of sensory circuits at key times of the day has had a positive impact on pupil focus and attention, resulting in some positive pupil progress. The majority of the National Curriculum subjects are not explicitly taught, but they are touched upon within creative and topic-based learning.
We believe that the purpose of education is the development of the ‘whole child’. Our holistic endeavours are guided by the principles which underpin our vision of ‘Strive, Thrive, Achieve’.
Our pupils are:
- Safe: pupils have a right to feel safe and secure in all that they do in school and at home.
- Heathy: pupils are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles. Our PE/PSHE/Citizenship programme provides opportunities related to healthy living and lifestyles.
- Enjoying and Achieving: We try very hard to ensure that every child is provided with a curriculum that is appropriate to their needs. We emphasise social and emotional development as well as academic achievement. All successes are celebrated.
- Contributing Positively: Our long term aim for all pupils is that they can personally grow and develop into citizens who will be make a positive contribution to society. We believe that any contribution to society, however small, is significant and should be recognised and celebrated.