Curriculum Overview

At Hagbourne CE Primary School we follow the National Curriculum and strive to enrich the curriculum wherever possible. Our children are taught in classes, small groups or individually, according to their needs, within the framework of the National Curriculum. A variety of teaching styles are used in school, based on good practice and teachers continually reflect on their teaching. We are always seeking to innovate where appropriate, to maintain high standards and provide the best in primary school practice.

Children in our school experience a very rich, broad and balanced curriculum, where they are exposed to a wide range of subjects, knowledge and experiences in order to prepare them for an ever changing world. Fundamental British Values, Health and Wellbeing and Relationships Education are interwoven throughout the curriculum.

English is a priority at Hagbourne.  High quality texts from a well chosen spine form the core of our English curriculum providing our children with opportunities to read and write across a range of contexts and for different audiences and purposes.  Writing and reading is also closely linked to learning across the curriculum and a range of first hand experiences.

Reading is given a high priority in our curriculum as it is the ability to read and understand which opens up learning for children.  We strive to promote and encourage reading for pleasure using a range of strategies including visiting authors and links with the local library. We believe the development of children’s vocabulary is a vital tool in learning and understanding the full curriculum.

In Maths we follow a mastery approach where all pupils are taught to their year group expectation with challenge for the more able and support for those who need it.  The mastery approach to maths involves having high expectations for all children, well planned and structured lessons, leading to the development of fluent and able users of mathematics.

In their first year in school our Reception children follow the Early Years Curriculum and develop their knowledge, skills and understanding through a combination of both play-based learning and more focused teacher led sessions. Pupils learn to share, work independently and play with others.

At Hagbourne we are keen to promote the diversity of life, celebrate difference and promote respect for all. Through our teaching, learning and behaviour expectations, we give pupils the knowledge and understanding of how discrimination and prejudiced behaviour is dealt with, including the prevention of bullying.

Pupils with special needs are well-supported in school with extra support and/or resources deployed where necessary to help close individual learning gaps.

Assessment is used to identify children’s progress and find out areas where they are less confident. These assessments inform teachers’ lesson planning. Assessment is carried out across the curriculum through questioning and observations. Children complete summative assessments to show progress in reading, writing and maths.

We believe our curriculum prepares our children well for their secondary education and beyond and has inspired them to find out more about the world around them. We aim to provide our children with the cultural capital they need to succeed in life. This capital is introduced through visits and events for every year group.