Our Curriculum
At Sandringham and West Newton Primary School, our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to provide a broad and balanced education tailored to the needs of all pupils. Our primary intent is to equip children with the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to become independent, confident, and successful learners. We nurture high aspirations and instil a sense of responsibility, ensuring that our students are well-prepared to make a positive contribution to their local community and to society at large.
Our curriculum plays a crucial role in facilitating academic success while simultaneously fostering creativity, problem-solving abilities, reliability, responsibility, and resilience. Physical development, well-being, and outdoor learning are also intrinsic to our educational approach. These elements collectively support the holistic development of each child, cultivating a positive attitude towards learning. The teaching of Christian Values and an emphasis on cooperative learning are interwoven into the fabric of school life, further enhancing children’s social and moral development.
In designing our curriculum, we align with the statutory requirements set forth by the National Curriculum 2014, while also drawing upon additional experiences and opportunities that cater to the unique learning and developmental needs of our students. While certain content areas are approached in a subject-specific manner, we have implemented a blocked curriculum in relevant areas, facilitating depth in knowledge and skills. This methodology promotes topic-themed learning, igniting curiosity and sustaining interest throughout each subject. Prior to each unit of learning, we prioritise child voice to ensure that the topics remain relevant and engaging for our students.
Located within the historical context of the Sandringham Estate, our school community thrives on deep-rooted heritage and tradition. We actively engage with the local community and draw upon these connections to enrich learning experiences. Memorable activities such as ‘Learning Together Days’, educational trips, and the welcoming of visitors into the school are designed to provide diverse learning opportunities and to cultivate transferable skills.
As part of our commitment to excellence, we pursue various initiatives that further enhance our educational offering. Notably, we have recently achieved the Gold RE Quality Mark and have developed our outdoor environment to include a Forest School area.. We strategically utilise the expertise of a variety of professionals; throughout their time at Sandringham and West Newton, children benefit from working alongside specialist instructors, musicians, and sports coaches. Our school boasts a remarkable track record in competitive sports, having received the Gold PE Quality Mark. Additionally, the performing arts hold a prominent position in our curriculum, culminating in a highly regarded summer production each year. We also offer peripatetic music lessons on-site, ensuring that all children wishing to learn an instrument have the opportunity to do so. We are currently awaiting the results of our application for an Artsmark award.
A core value of our school is the provision of a nurturing environment that fosters enjoyment and a love for learning. We strive to help all children make good progress across subjects and various areas of learning. Our practices are designed to challenge the most able pupils while providing additional support for those who may struggle, allowing them to progress at a pace suited to their individual needs.
The impact of our innovative curriculum design is profound, creating a framework in which children can collaborate and build social skills, both indoors and outdoors. This approach ensures that the needs of individual children and small groups are effectively addressed within a culture of high-quality teaching, supported by targeted interventions when necessary. This careful orchestration has a noticeably positive effect on the learning outcomes of our pupils.
Engagement with our curriculum leads to increased enjoyment, achievement, and positive behaviour among students. Our children feel safe to explore new ideas and work towards personal development goals. Enriching school visits and interactions with visitors enhance the learning journey, providing authentic contexts for purposeful writing and engagement.
We also prioritise opportunities for children to share their learning with peers, parents, and the wider community via open mornings, performances, competitions, and collaborative events with other schools. At the heart of our educational philosophy lies the aim to foster independence, motivation, and a sense of responsibility as our children prepare to emerge as conscientious future citizens.
