Our curriculum
At Bellingham Primary School we aim to provide opportunities for children to develop as independent, confident, happy and successful learners with high aspirations who know how to make a positive contribution to their community and the wider world.
We aim for everyone to enjoy their learning experiences, making good progress in all areas of our broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils at all levels are encouraged and helped to achieve their potential. Those who are most able are challenged and supported through appropriate extension activities. Those who struggle are encouraged and given targeted support to embed knowledge and skills, to develop at their own pace or simply to learn in a style that best suits their individual needs.
The school’s focus on curriculum development has been carefully designed to ensure coverage and progression with frequent opportunities to embed prior learning. It provides pupils with memorable experiences, in addition to offering diverse and rich opportunities extending beyond our rural location.
We aim to provide activities that some of our pupils may not otherwise experience, raising aspirations and promoting a sense of personal pride in achievements. These are shared at our weekly celebration assemblies for all aspects of school life.
Our curriculum subjects are planned to ensure progression of knowledge and skills throughout all classes – building on key skills and acquiring new knowledge. Key vocabulary is taught progressively and re-visited at regular intervals, shared with families to reinforce learning at home.
Shared Reading is encouraged through all subject areas as a positive way to teach key knowledge and introduce new vocabulary. Enjoyment of the curriculum promotes achievement, confidence and good behaviour. Creatively planned topic sessions along with displays give children a sense of pride in the presentation of their work. High quality visits and visitors enhance the curriculum and make learning memorable.
To promote physical health and wellbeing, a range of extra-curricular clubs gives learners an opportunity to access a variety of sports clubs after school hours. Our PSHE scheme (Jigsaw) provides children with opportunities to discuss and learn about personal health, wellbeing, safety, relationships (including anti-bullying work), differences and aspirations. Our Children’s Council meet regularly offering pupils from all classes the chance to raise questions, discuss important issues, learn to listen to others views and share their own thoughts. They are given the opportunity to discuss the Rights of the Child articles and share their views. Our diversity work helps children to realise that everyone is special and unique and we should celebrate differences and different kinds of families.
In recognising the development of the whole child we offer a nurturing pastoral environment providing support to children so they can access the curriculum and help fulfil their learning potential.