At Riversdale Primary School, our curriculum is designed around the principles of Head, Hand and Heart. These principles ensure that pupils not only gain the relevant National Curriculum knowledge (Head), but that they develop the necessary skills for a successful future (Hand), as well as an ability to build positive and healthy relationships, around a foundation of empathy, love and respect (Heart).
At Riversdale, we believe that reading is fundamental. Therefore, each unit of learning uses a quality text or series of texts as a hook, providing an engaging context for pupils. Within each unit, subjects are taught in their own right, allowing for sufficient and appropriate coverage, deepening and progression. As well as this, we provide a range of opportunities for cross curricular learning and enrichment activities throughout the year.
We aim to foster a lifelong love of learning through the development of a curriculum which reflects the diverse nature of our community, whilst ensuring pupils are prepared for life in the twenty-first century. To this end, the curriculum includes four main themes (influenced by the United Nations Charter for the Rights of the Child) which are prevalent throughout our units of learning. Teachers and pupils are encouraged to make clear the links to these themes throughout the learning journey, building a picture of where we have come from and where we are going as a whole school community, in relation to the local, national and global context.
The academic achievement and wellbeing of our pupils is key to our curriculum offer, therefore we regularly review our provision to ensure that it is relevant, engaging and challenging for all.
You can find out more about our school's curriculum in our curriculum policy here, which identifies aims, roles and responsibilities, organisation and planning, inclusion and monitoring of the school curriculum.
For our Early Years and Foundation Stage Policy, please read more here.
Each year group team, in consultation with subject and senior leaders, have developed overviews of the learning that will take place throughout the year. Although these may be slightly adapted in order to respond to the needs of the children or to reflect current events, these provide a clear outline of what substantive knowledge and disciplinary skills are taught across the curriculum, in each year group. As well as this, the curriculum planning carefully considers what knowledge and skills from previous years are being further developed and consolidated, ensuring clear progression over time.
An aspect of the Riversdale curriculum that sets us apart from other schools, is the focus on developing "the whole child". As such, our curriculum planning also includes how we aim to develop their emotional intelligence and encourage positive citizenship, using the school values as a platform.
Below you will find our most up-to-date curriculum documentation:
Academic Year 2023-24:
Early Years
Years 1 - 6
Autumn 1:
Autumn 2:
At Riversdale, we believe in a broad and balanced curriculum and that every subject is important. As such, you will find a teaching and learning policy for each subejct area on their dedicated webpages. Each policy has been carefully considered to ensure that our provision reflects our inclusive ethos and that children can see themselves reflected in their learnin, whilst addressing the Head, Hand and Heart principles.
Further information about the national curriculum can be found on the UK government website, here.
Here's a quick link to some useful information for parents and carers, including home learning apps and the school's communication app.
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