Curriculum Statement – Denby
At Denby C.E. (VA) First School, we follow the National Curriculum (2014) Programmes of Study and have used this as a base to carefully plan and design a curriculum which meets the needs of the community we serve. We recognise the importance of building on pupils’ existing knowledge and understanding of the world around them, while also broadening their horizons to help them understand their place in the wider world. Through a rich, ambitious and inclusive curriculum, we aim to equip our children with the skills, knowledge and experiences they need to step confidently into the next stages of their education and to flourish both in school and beyond.
Our curriculum is designed to ensure that the knowledge, skills and experiences pupils develop during their time at Denby enable them to be successful in a wide range of situations. We strive to enrich pupils’ lives by providing a variety of meaningful first-hand experiences and opportunities that inspire curiosity, engagement and a lifelong love of learning. We aim to develop confident, resilient and independent learners with high aspirations for the future.
We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world, to think deeply and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. We actively seek awe and wonder in the world around us and celebrate our part within it. Through our Christian ethos, alongside respect for individual beliefs, we support the spiritual development of all children and provide regular opportunities for reflection.
We pride ourselves on the wider opportunities we provide which allow children to make positive contributions to their school and community. Our school curriculum includes all statutory subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Computing, History, Geography, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Music and Languages (Key Stage 2). Alongside the statutory subjects are further enhancements which provide additional experiences and opportunities.
Reading is a priority across the school. Children are taught to read through daily, differentiated synthetic phonics sessions, using the Little Wandle scheme. The acquisition and application of core skills in English and Mathematics underpin our entire curriculum and support success across all subject areas.
French is taught to children in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5. Pupils are introduced to the language through stories, games and practical activities, developing early language skills and cultural awareness.
Personal Development is woven throughout the curriculum and is taught both within and alongside statutory subjects to enhance pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. We follow the Jigsaw materials to ensure coverage of the PSHE curriculum. Religious Education is delivered in accordance with the Leeds Diocesan Syllabus as well as the Locally Agreed Kirklees Syllabus for RE. This ensures our curriculum covers all aspects of Christianity and other religious faiths.
Our mixed-age classes and small class sizes allow us to tailor learning to meet the individual needs of each child. This is supported by a dedicated and skilled team of support staff who enhance and extend teaching and learning opportunities across the school.
Through our curriculum, we aim for children to build their futures shaped by Faith, Knowledge and Love, becoming individuals who are well-prepared for their future learning and life beyond Denby.