The Willows’ Explore, Dream, Discover Curriculum
The National Curriculum provides all pupils with an introduction to the essential knowledge that they need to be educated citizens. Whilst it introduces pupils to core knowledge of the best that has been thought and said, it is just one element in the education of every child. At The Willows our Explore Dream Discover Curriculum is built around the development of the whole child. We provide a curriculum where our pupils acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to the changing world in which they live.
Our pupils will achieve high standards across the curriculum. However, we also want our pupils to:
– respect and value themselves, other people and the environment
– develop enquiring minds with motivation to learn
– work independently and collaboratively
– take responsibility for their own actions and make informed choices
– have well developed communication and social skills
– have self-confidence and high self-esteem
– recognise themselves as citizens of the wider world
– become creative problem solvers who are confident in their own abilities
…………… reaching their full potential and become confident and prepared for life’s journey.
As you can see, personal and social development is equally as important as academic excellence.
We have achieved an effective curriculum which balances what we must teach and what we’d like to teach, developing each individual’s cultural capital; a strong knowledge and understanding about the unique aspects of our local community whilst bringing the school’s aims to life.
Pupils at The Willows will ‘EXPLORE’ the objectives set out in each subject’s carefully planned progression documents. Our children may be unaware of the range of opportunities available to them during the next stages of their life, and therefore the ‘DREAM’ part of our curriculum addresses their limited awareness. Finally they will ‘DISCOVER’ a body of exciting new knowledge, skills and will enrich their vocabulary. Our regular parent workshops secure engagement of family members to help us achieve these aims.
Our wider curriculum offers pupils a smorgasbord of opportunities to develop their personal interests. Amongst a wealth of sports clubs some others include wellbeing and yoga club; photography club; gardening club; songbirds; cookery club; explorers, and drama club.
We are very fortunate to have a woodland area as part of our school grounds which is utilised for outdoor learning on a weekly basis. Our younger pupils enjoy WOW (Willows Outdoor Workshops) opportunities every fortnight.
We enjoy celebrating our pupils achievements and find opportunities to showcase their successes with parents at our Musical Extravaganza; our annual Sports’ Presentation Evening; during weekly and end of year celebration assemblies, and by opening up our classrooms for parents to visit.
Working in partnership with our families, we ensure all of the above is delivered in a clear, yet exciting manner we aim to achieve The Willows’ vision:
The Willows Primary School is an outstanding school where children feel happy and safe. It is full of fun, smiles and friendship. The children are motivated and equipped to achieve their personal high aspirations.