New Curriculum

You may have noticed during the last half term that what and how we teach has changed quite significantly. A new ‘Curriculum for Wales’ is slowly being introduced (further details of the new Curriculum for Wales have been sent home) and schools have been challenged to work towards these new requirements by re-designing their own curriculum provision.

As a school, we have used the topic approach for a number of years, so the change is not as dramatic as it could have been. Where we have altered our approach is through the topic structure. In line with recommendations, our topics are now more authentic and meaningful; they draw from the world of work and are based heavily on pupil voice – what and how the children want to learn. Topics have become ‘projects’ with a brief, a goal to work towards and a definite ending rather than a series of lessons linked to a theme. Each project has the four core purposes at its very centre. To illustrate this, here are the projects being undertaken by the children this term:

Nursery and Reception – To create a ‘Buddy Stop’ in the playground where children can go to make new friends.

Year 1 and Year 2 – To design and make the latest ‘hit' Christmas toy from recyclable materials. This has been launched by representatives from ‘Big Ideas Wales.’

Year 3 and 4 – To finance and create a WW2 documentary with the instruction and support of real filmmakers and premier it at a local cinema.

Year 5 and 6 – To work with real architects to design a new community to be built on the school field (with all the real life planning and environmental obstacles thrown in).

As a school we believe that the skills acquired and applied during these projects will make for fantastic learning experiences and will challenge our children more than ever before. At the end of each project, there will be some form of showcase where parents will be invited in to view the work for yourselves. Members of the senior management team will also be present on these occasions should you have any questions regarding the new curriculum. We look forward to sharing these exciting projects with you...