Our Curriculum
We hope this page gives visitors to our website an insight into some of the vast variety of experiences which make up our curriculum. We believe this curriculum to be much more than the statutory content we are required to teach, and some of the images below give a flavour of what we are about. You can read more detail about our curriculum by following the link HERE.
At Houghton on the Hill Primary School we offer a curriculum which is broad and balanced and which builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills of all children, whatever their starting points, as they progress through each Key Stage. The curriculum incorporates the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum and other experiences and opportunities which best meet the learning and developmental needs of the pupils in our school. The aim of our curriculum is for pupils to have the requisite skills to be successful, independent and motivated learners in readiness for their next stage of education.
National requirements and school requirements are mapped out as a whole school and then individual year groups plan the curriculum for their pupils accordingly. The curriculum is underpinned by the school’s Christian Values and character development work, which together with the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils are woven through the curriculum.
Our school uses a whole class teaching, mastery pedagogy, with support for those who need it and greater depth opportunities for all who can tackle them. We do not set in ability groups or provide different work for different learners, but our aim is for the large majority of children to securely master key learning. We believe in high expectations, and do not place ceilings of achievement on any pupil.
The English curriculum is taught through discreet lessons, linked to topic work where ever possible, and following a book-based, literature-rich approach. Phonics, spelling, grammar and handwriting are taught daily.
The Mathematics curriculum follows a mastery approach, which is now in its fourth year of being embedded across the school. Work is blocked, and provides deep learning in small steps. Opportunities to practise fluency are provided weekly, and there is emphasis on speed, efficiency and accuracy.
Our blocked, knowledge-rich curriculum provides opportunities to develop and apply English and Maths skills, but teachers are also committed to giving pupils enriching, practical and hands-on experiences to ignite excitement and interest. We seek to provide deeper learning opportunities and to make cohesive links between areas of knowledge. We believe that pupils can and should excel and achieve in non-core subjects regardless of their literacy levels.
Intervention for reading, writing and mathematics are provided through rapid response, same-day interventions, as well as formal programme for specific needs.
Curriculum subjects are led by named leaders, who evaluate provision and plan annual improvement actions. A dedicated sports coach enhances PE provision and supports professional development of teachers. Peripatetic teachers are available for individual and group music tuition, and pupils in Year Four experience a funded year of whole-class brass or string tuition, with the option to continue in subsequent years. Themed days, whole school activities and opportunities within and outside school all enrich and develop the children’s learning. After school clubs and events extend these opportunities further. Residential opportunities are available in Year 3, Year 4/5 and Year 6.
The outdoor environment is especially important in our curriculum, with a mature arboretum used for science and geography as well as our well-developed Forest School programme.
Visit our curriculum pages below to find out more about what children are learning and for advice on supporting your child at home.