“Let the questions be the curriculum” Socrates
At Copeland Road we believe that our children are the heart of our curriculum. We take into account our pupils needs and interests when we are planning our curriculum particularly in EYFS and KS1. Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum; however we strive to make our curriculum go above and beyond these requirements. Where appropriate, some of our subjects have moved to an enquiry-based approach, where children are faced with a learning question to answer, as we find this sparks our children’s inquisitive minds and gives a purpose for their learning. Below you will find details about individual subjects including our long-term plans (intent) and detailed information about how subjects are taught (implementation). In school, we are working on the best way to assess our subjects (impact), details about this will be added soon. We teach many of our subjects in ‘blocks’ where children can immerse themselves in the topic and become experts. This helps our children to know more and remember more. Other subjects are taught weekly, for example, P.E. and Computing as it is important for the children to have regular opportunities in these subjects.
We use ‘Gem Powers’ in school throughout our curriculum. Each gem (ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, amethyst and diamond) is related to a particular learning skill set which are in turn related to a set of behaviours and feelings. The behaviours and feeling are generated by a number of neurotransmitter which either enhance our ability to learn or impede it. The project helps children understanding that they are in charge of their feelings and behaviours and with practice can gather more gems and sparkle even more. Further information about Gem Powers can be found at https://www.tredu.co.uk/the-gem-project/
