Curriculum Drivers

Curriculum Drivers are the principles which underpin and inform the way our curriculum is developed and delivered. These ensure consistency of approach throughout the school to give every child the best opportunity to shine like stars.

Creativity

Creativity, distinct from the arts, is a universal capability fundamental to every subject.

It may be useful to consider first what creativity is not: It is not an overwhelming requirement to find a new and exciting way to engage children which ends up focusing more on the method than the topic’s outcome.

Creativity as a curriculum driver is simply understanding the needs of the learner and the practice of adapting what is to be learned to that. Teaching draws from knowledge in and around a subject to open connections and pathways to learning.

Creativity in learning involves having a change of thought or a new idea which crystalises understanding and engages the learner.

Children are encouraged to recognise and anticipate new thoughts and ideas which in turn inspires their imagination.

Curiosity

The poet Anatole France once described teaching as ‘the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds’.

Curiosity is dependent on imagination, the ability to image that there is something beyond what is already known and what can already be done, Curiosity is fundamental to the will to learn and discover.

Curiosity as a curriculum driver is fostering the joy of anticipation, investigation and discovery. Teaching reserves aspects to be discovered and provides the environment for discovery to take place.

Curiosity in learning involves a response triggered by uncertainty and feeling confident that uncertainty can be resolved through endeavour.

Children are encouraged to question, theorise and explore, iteratively.

Independence

Independent learning is a process in which children have control and ownership of their learning.

Independence doesn’t mean that the children can’t ask for help, however help takes the form of support for them to find their own way forward.

Independence as a curriculum driver is establishing the behaviour and environment which supports independence. Children have greater control of their own planning, pacing, and evaluation. They make creative use of the tools to investigate and explore the curriculum motivated by their own curiosity.

Independence in learning involves children’s own creativity and curiosity leads to their own discoveries which makes their understanding deeper and longer lasting.

Children are encouraged to make their own plan for progress and use that before asking for help and to take ownership of their learning with pride in their achievements.