"Leaders have made sure that pupils learn a broad range of subjects. Curriculum plans are in place for all subjects. These plans identify the important knowledge that pupils need to remember in each year group. This knowledge is planned so that new learning builds on what pupils already know. Curriculum plans also identify subject-specific vocabulary that will help pupils to remember key learning." - Source Ofsted Inspection Report 2021.

High standards, especially in English and Mathematics, in combination with ethical values and principles, are the ‘backbone’ of success in learning and in life. Nowadays, more than ever, children need to be engaged and excited in what they are doing in school. If they are not ‘switched on’ it may be extremely hard for them to reach these high standards.

Therefore, the creative and exciting aspects to teaching are crucial for this generation of children to succeed. This is where you get the truly inspirational and magical moments.

We aim to combine these two elements effectively; planning a rich, relevant and balanced curriculum, while keeping the focus on achievement. Children learn better when they are excited and engaged, but what really excites and engages them most is truly excellent teaching, which challenges them and shows them what they are capable of doing.

It would quite normal to see our children being ‘evacuated’ out of their classroom in a WWII scenario, or going ‘hunting’ as cave dwellers during the Stone Age. When there is joy in what they are doing, they learn to love their educational experience.

The creative curriculum we provide is based on a thematic approach to learning that is mapped to the new 2014 Primary National Curriculum to ensure comprehensive coverage of national expectations. Our new curriculum provides a rich menu of exciting and motivating learning activities that make creative links between all aspects of our children’s learning.

We believe that children learn better when they are encouraged to use their imagination and apply their learning to engaging contexts. We make learning engaging so that all children achieve their full potential. We want our children to develop as active, inquisitive and confident learners with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the next stage of their education.

Phonics For All: 

Phonics at St. Edmund’s CofE Primary and Nursery School is taught following the Fisher Family Trust “Success for All Phonics” programme. This is a complete systematic synthetic phonics programme that has been validated by the DfE. Phonics is an integral part of the curriculum across the EYFS (Reception class) and Key Stage 1 (continuing into Key Stage 2 as necessary). Lessons are taught daily to ensure that children develop the skills needed to become successful readers and writers. Children are regularly assessed and there are additional planned intervention groups for children needing extra support. Success for All Phonics comes with a selection of shared readers which we will be supplementing with closely matched books from other schemes.

FFT Success for All Phonics

"FFT Success for All Phonics is a complete systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) programme that has been validated by the Department for Education (DfE)

Aimed at nursery children upwards and pioneered by the Success for All Foundation, FFT’s second generation programme is offered on a not-for-profit basis and is a highly comprehensive offering.

Our ambition is to enable success for all children and inspire a lifelong love of reading." (FFT - 2022)