We asked our children, parents, staff and governors to explain what should be included in the curriculum for every child at Moon's Moat First School and Nursery. 

Children learn what they live...

If a child lives with criticism

He learns to condemn. 

If a child lives with hostility

He learns to fight

If a child lives with ridicule

He learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame

He learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with encouragement

He learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise

He learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness

He learns justice.

If a child lives with security

He learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval

He learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship

He learns to find love in the world.

We believe that education is a partnership between teacher, parent and child. The philosophy of the Governors, the Headteacher and staff is that the school should be a happy, caring, well-disciplined community which provides for all abilities and makes every effort to extend each child to his or her fullest potential.

The school aims to provide a learning environment where children can grow in confidence and self-esteem; where they develop self-worth and the need to care for their own and others' feelings and belongings; and where they become part of the whole school and wider community. We aim to encourage our children to acquire increasing independence in self-discipline, self-organisation and in learning.

The school aims to nurture and prepare children for the next stage of their education and into the wider world as active and responsible citizens.

Through our knowledge rich curriculum the school will:

• Create a welcoming, safe and caring environment
• Help children to grow in confidence and build their self esteem
• Promote a sense of belonging to the school and to the wider community
• Encourage children to follow the school rules and to be responsible for their own behaviour
• Provide the concepts, skills and attitudes embodied in the National Curriculum and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage as a basis for the educational development of children through a curriculum that is broad, balanced and enriching, and matched to needs of the school’s community.
• Provide a stable, consistent environment in which children can develop respect, self-esteem and an ability to value themselves and others
• Develop children’s potential, building on strengths whatever the child’s stage of learning.
• Teach children basic skills to enable them to unlock learning.
• Encourage children to read and develop a love of books.
• Inform parents/guardians about what their children are learning
• Encourage children to act creatively and with imagination.

Curriculum Methodology:

At Moon’s Moat First School and Nursery, Governors, Senior Leaders and all staff have the above shared vision for the curriculum which is embedded throughout our provision. The curriculum is designed around the National Curriculum and the Statutory Framework for the Early Years and the needs of the pupils in our community. Our curriculum enables children to acquire new knowledge and skills whilst building on their existing knowledge and experiences. The curriculum is taught through a topic based approach where links are made across subjects where possible and relevant. This enables children to transfer knowledge learnt across a broad curriculum. Staff map out the key substantive and disciplinary knowledge that children should know, use and remember in order for children to make good progress across the school and for them to be ready for the next stage in their education. Language and reading underpin the curriculum and all topics are rich in opportunities for language and vocabulary development. Many of the children enter school with a deficit of language and communication skills and we believe our curriculum addresses these gaps for our pupils. The school places a high emphasis on the acquisition of basic English and Maths skills and fluency in number has a high priority in the classroom.

Learning at Moon’s Moat First School and Nursery will be meaningful and purposeful. Children will understand why they are learning key concepts and will work towards applying them in real contexts. Topics start with exciting stimuli to engage and excite learners. Learning is celebrated along the journey with other pupils, staff, Governors and our families. The school uses visits and visitors to school to deepen understanding of knowledge and skills and to give children first hand experiences. Children are encouraged to work as part of teams and to develop problem solving and reasoning skills across the curriculum. Children are encouraged to grow in independence and resilience. The topics aim to relate to the world of work to help children understand how their knowledge can be used in the future and to raise their own self-belief and aspirations.

The school ensures that the curriculum covers the statutory requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2. In Key Stage 2 close liaison takes place with Middle Schools to ensure there is clear progression of knowledge on transition. How children contribute to society, fundamental British Values, SMSC, safeguarding and child mental health run through the entire curriculum across the school. This ensures that the school prepares the children for the wider world and how they can make a positive contribution.

The provision in school is rich in experiences across the curriculum areas including the arts and sports. It is our school aim that all children succeed at Moon’s Moat First School and Nursery whatever their starting points.

Through this shared vision and aiming high for all of our pupils they develop in confidence, determination and a desire to succeed. The school uses this to address social disadvantage.

 Foundation Stage

English

 Maths

Science

Computing

P.E.

Art and Design

Design Technology

Geography

History

Languages

Music

R.E.

P.S.H.E.

Mental Health