Curriculum Design
Our curriculum is planned using objectives from the National Curriculum. It is designed and sequenced to build upon the secure foundations laid in the Early Years, rich in key knowledge and vocabulary, and progressive across each year group within school.
We follow a cross-curricular/thematic approach to learning over a two-year cycle where some subjects are taught through a ‘big question’ (Reading, English,
Geography, History, Design and Technology), and some are covered as discrete subjects (RE, Computing, Maths, Forest Schools, Performing Arts, MfL, PE). For example, ‘What makes the Earth angry?’ or ‘Were the Romans rotten or remarkable?’ Although this thematic approach gives meaning and context to learning, we secure and protect the integrity and discipline of individual subjects. Delivering learning in this way allows children to become fully immersed in their learning and for them to develop and retain key knowledge and skills. It also allows them to build connections across the curriculum and to have ownership of their learning through questions, problem solving and discovery.
The two-year rolling programme ensures all children receive the same high-quality instruction and content. During the 2023-24 academic year, children will study Year A. They will study Year B the following year. The overview can be found at the bottom of this page.
Our approach to teaching and learning
At Westfield, we have a clear and consistent approach to teaching and learning. We pride ourselves on being research-informed and have refined our approaches and strategies to reflect current best practice and evidence. These are outlined in our Teaching, Learning and Assessment policy which can be found at the bottom of this page.
As a school, we have agreed a set of eight core teaching principles which we know support pupils to access the curriculum and make good progress.
Our School Virtues
Our virtues of kindness, honesty, resilience, teamwork, respect and confidence are embedded throughout our curriculum.
- Children show kindness through sensitivity to other’s feelings towards their learning, empowering them to continue to develop through encouragement, challenge and passionate teaching.
- Children are encouraged to develop resilience to become creative, active learners who are not afraid to take risks and see mistakes as opportunities for learning.
- Teamwork allows us to learn from one and other, to challenge each other’s thinking and celebrate successes.
- Through the virtue of honesty, pupils are encouraged to be reflective learners who share their opinions and experiences to shape future learning and opportunities.
- We promote a culture of respect by creating positive classroom experiences, where children feel safe to share their opinions, debate sensitive topics and know their voice matters.
- The celebration of all learning instils confidence in our children. Aspirations are high for everyone as with the right support, all can succeed.
Inclusion in the Curriculum
At our school, we recognise children’s individual learning needs. We work hard to create an environment and opportunities that enable all children to achieve success. For some, this might involve personalised support, small group work or parents and staff working in partnership with our SENCO. Further information about support available for pupils with Special Educational Needs can be found here: