Curriculum
Downe Primary Curriculum Statement
Curriculum Intent and Big Ideas
Downe Primary School is a small primary school, set in the historic village of Downe, within the London Borough of Bromley. The school is surrounded by nature in all its colour and beauty and is situated within spacious and versatile grounds.
With less than 80 pupils on roll from Reception to Year 6, we know our children well and do what we believe is right for them in every aspect of school life. This includes designing and implementing a curriculum that is best suited to their needs. We want to provide them with a curriculum that is highly relevant, challenging and that will raise their levels of resilience and independence. We aim to offer a wide range of inspiring, engaging and practical learning experiences, developing cultural capital through planned activities, such as residential trips, museum visits, and teaching them about human creativity and achievement. We want their learning to be diverse, holistic, and purposeful, tapping into their strengths, such as hard work and curiosity, as well as addressing their weaknesses.
Our families travel to us, often by car, from neighbouring villages and towns and many choose us because of our excellent reputation for having a high level of care for the children and each other.
Downe Primary School is built upon six core values and these are visible in all aspects of our school life:
Respect · Recognition · Relationships · Responsibility · Reflection · Resilience
General principles
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
- take risks within a psychologically safe and supportive learning environment
- see clear links between different aspects of their learning
- develop a rich and deep subject knowledge
- develop new skills through a variety of interesting contexts
- understand the purpose and value of their learning and see its relevance to their past, present and future
- experience the challenge and enjoyment of learning
- embrace mistakes and celebrate the outcomes of them
Purpose
At Downe Primary School, we want our children to love school and love learning.
Learning is a messy process and when done well, it is littered with mistakes and challenge, all done above the safety net that is our caring and supportive culture. There are no questions too silly or mistakes too big; At Downe Primary School, we remember why children are here and we embrace every opportunity to teach.
“Don’t carry mistakes around with you. Instead, use them as stepping stones” ~ Anon
SMSC/FBV
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
- Spiritual – Explore beliefs, experience and faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity and reflect on experiences
- Moral – Recognise right and wrong and respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues and offer reasoned views
- Social – Use a range of social skills to participate in the local community and beyond; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict
- Cultural – Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in cultural opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity in all its forms
- Democracy – Be part of a system where everyone is valued, championed and heard
- Rule of law – Learn that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable for their actions and behaviour
- Individual liberty – Be free to express views or ideas
- Tolerance and respect – To respect and tolerate the opinions or behaviour of others
Purpose
At Downe Primary School, we believe that our unique, small school prepares our children for the big world beyond our doorstep.
Well-being
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
- build respectful relationships
- reflect and think mindfully about their learning
- develop self-esteem and confidence in their abilities
- learn how to respect themselves and others
- learn in a peaceful and supportive environment
- follow their own interests and be themselves
Purpose
At Downe Primary School, relationships underpin everything we do. We believe that secure, respectful and trusting relationships are the bedrock for success in:
– self-esteem
– confidence
– self-worth
– physical health
– mental health
Only when the above are secure and flourishing, can true learning take place.
“If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.” ~ Alfie Kohn
Pupil voice
Our curriculum will give children the opportunity to:
- take part in democratic activities across the curriculum
- take part in age-appropriate discussions
- make a positive contribution to the school and local community
- express their opinions on a range of different topics and issues
- make choices about things that are important to them
Purpose
At Downe Primary School, we encourage our children to use their voice to speak out on a range of issues that affect them. We want our children to know that what they have to say is important and valued. We care about their opinions and give them age-appropriate platforms and opportunities to speak out and be heard. We know that there is a great deal to be learned by listening to the children.
“The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them” ~ R Nichols
Pedagogy
Our curriculum will be taught through a pedagogy that:
- promotes problem solving, creativity and communication
- enables and fosters children’s natural curiosity
- excites, promotes and sustains children’s interest
- enables children to reflect on and evaluate their learning
Purpose
At Downe Primary School, we believe that learning should be exciting and that what we teach should be engaging and interesting. We want to provide them with rich experiences that create lifelong memories together with meaningful and relevant learning for the children of today.
Enrichment
We will enrich our curriculum by:
- welcoming parents and carers to take part in children’s learning and experiences
- developing partnerships with external providers that extend children’s opportunities for learning
- holding specialist curriculum days or weeks
- providing on and off-site subject or topic related activities
- providing opportunities for children to learn outdoors
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