Our Curriculum

Intent

At Woodlands, we are proud of our strong sense of community and believe that every child should have high aspirations and feel confident in their ability to succeed. Our curriculum is broad, inclusive and designed to meet the needs of all children, including those with SEND and pupils who may be vulnerable. Guided by our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience, we aim to inspire a love of learning and help every child become the very best they can be.

We offer a rich and engaging curriculum that encourages children to explore ideas, ask questions and develop strong speaking and listening skills through discussion and collaboration. We place great importance on widening pupils’ experiences and cultural capital, helping them to understand the world around them and develop curiosity, creativity and ambition.

Implementation

Learning across the curriculum is carefully planned so that knowledge and skills build step by step. Teachers ensure lessons are accessible, supportive and challenging for all pupils, including those with SEND and English as an additional language.

Educational visits, visitors and practical experiences play an important role in bringing learning to life, developing language, and helping children make meaningful connections.

At Woodlands, we recognise the importance of foundational skills for all future learning. Our goal is to give our children a toolkit they will use for the rest of their lives. Foundational skills like: phonics, reading fluency, letter formation, speaking and listening, spelling and knowing number facts, are the most important tools in that box.

When these skills become automatic, it frees up brain space. Instead of struggling to decode a word or count on their fingers, they can focus their energy on understanding the story or solving the complex problem. We focus on the basics early on so that later, our children can fly. It is the bridge between “I can’t do this” and “I can learn anything”

Our staff ensure pupils have the foundational knowledge and skills needed to complete tasks. They provide additional teaching and practice for those who need it.

Impact

Our children make strong progress from their individual starting points and leave Woodlands as confident, capable learners. They communicate well, read with confidence, and show curiosity about the world around them. Pupils demonstrate respect for others, take responsibility for their learning and behaviour, and show resilience when faced with challenges.

Through rich learning experiences and educational visits, children develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging. They leave Woodlands well prepared for the next stage of their education and equipped with the skills, knowledge and values they need to succeed in life.