Learning and Curriculum

Our Aim

Is to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum that is inclusive, representative and inspirational, informed by evidence-based research (Educational Endowment Fund).  We expect it to be rigorous in its design with clear outcomes and high expectations and to provide active and relevant learning opportunities which involve the whole community. We aim for our curriculum to be creative and motivating, nurturing a love and curiosity for learning and developing well-rounded individuals who are curious about the world around them and who are hungry to learn more.

Curriculum Design

Our curriculum is designed to fully meet the requirements of the National Curriculum but also to ensure that we provide rich learning opportunities which deepen and extend understanding. 

Maths, English and reading are taught daily.  In addition, we have weekly Science, PE, PSHE, History, Geography (alternating half-terms) Art, Computing (alternating half-terms), RE, French (KS2) and Music lessons.  DT is taught as deep learning days.  Each subject ensures a clear progression of skills and knowledge from Reception through to Year 6.

English and Maths

Mendlesham is a rural community with an extremely low proportion of pupils who speak English as an additional language. To this end, we have carefully selected texts to expose our children to the true diversity and cultural differences of the UK.  Our English curriculum has been developed to ensure that every child is equipped with the necessary skills by the time they leave primary school.  We use Little Wandle Phonics to teach synthetic phonics in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1.  We also promote the value of reading and teach daily Destination Reader and Daily Supported Reader lessons, which have a proven acceleration in children’s progress in reading skills including reading comprehension and vocabulary knowledge. 

In Maths, we use the White Rose scheme of work to support the planning, delivery and assessment of maths.  This teaches mathematical understanding through a variety of problem-solving contexts, which develop children’s conceptual understanding as well as make maths relevant to the world around them.

Diversifying the curriculum

We have made a commitment to ensure that our curriculum is representative and inclusive of all.  We have rigorously analysed existing units of work to assess whether they are rich in content, representative and relevant.  Changes have been made to our English curriculum as well as our foundation subjects to ensure that the curriculum we are delivering meets these expectations.  We continue to analyse and assess the impact and value of these changes and welcome feedback from our school community.

Foundation Subjects

The foundation subjects are an exciting part of our curriculum that allow us to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, which is rich, relevant and representative.  Geography, History, Art, RE, Music, PSHE, French, PE, Design & Technology and Computing are based on the National Curriculum.  Each subject leader is an expert in their field and passionate about the subject which they lead.  This has allowed us to maintain a creative and engaging approach to these subjects whilst ensuring rigour and high standards.  For more information about our foundation subjects, please visit the individual subject pages.  

How we adapt the curriculum and learning environment for children with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND)

At Mendlesham Primary (see also Mendlesham Mulberrry page), we strive to improve access to the curriculum for all children, while breaking down barriers to learning and providing appropriate challenges so that all children can achieve. Our curriculum includes not only the formal requirements of the National Curriculum, but also a range of additional opportunities to enrich the experiences of our children. All our children have access to high-quality teaching. This is a style of teaching that emphasises high-quality, inclusive teaching for ALL children. Our curriculum also includes the social aspects that are essential for life-long learning, personal growth and development of independence.

In addition to this, for SEND children we can provide:

• A range of teaching strategies

• Differentiated learning materials

• Access to technology

• Additional in-class support

• Additional out of class support

• Targeted interventions

• Flexible groupings

• A commitment that all children have access to the school curriculum and all school activities

• Early identification of additional needs (whether these are educational, social, physical or emotional)

• Staff awareness and sensitivity to the needs of all pupils

• A strong working partnership with parents/carers, pupils and relevant external agencies in order to provide for children’s special educational needs and disabilities

• Opportunities to raise aspirations and self-esteem and celebrate achievements

If you have any questions or would like further information on our curriculum, please contact the school or have a look at our newsletters.

Full details of our curriculum can be found below.