Curriculum

Our curriculum is inspired by our model of a Burnt Ash learner who:

is well rounded and happy

embraces new ideas, experiences and challenges in learning, life and enterprise

is at the centre of their own learning. They have a keen sense of self worth, resilience and aspiration in order to achieve

develops social and communication skills that help them to recognise and respect others, building strong relationships

has a sense of what is right and wrong and gives reasoned views

has an awareness of their own beliefs. They have respect and an understanding of others and the groups and communities they belong to

is inspired to become a confident, critical thinker on their journey towards independence and success

develops curiosity and wonder of the wider world around them

With this clear goal in mind, we design a rich and stimulating curriculum which develops self-aware learners through high quality content.

We have high expectations for every single child to achieve and we tailor teaching and learning methods so that all children are included in the curriculum. Continuity and progression are carefully planned in order to maximise learning and ensure constant challenge.

Language and Literacy

Communication is key at Burnt Ash. We promote the use of talk across all subjects; developing language, confidence to express opinions and discuss ideas. Talking helps children to plan and organise their ideas before writing.

A love of reading is instilled at an early age through phonics and reading skills coupled with exploring high quality texts. In Early Years and throughout Key Stage 1 we follow the Read Write Inc. reading scheme, developed by Ruth Miskin, which provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching literacy. It is used by more than a quarter of the UK's primary schools and is designed to create fluent readers, confident speakers and willing writers.

Children quickly reach and exceed national expectations. This prepares them well for the challenges of the national curriculum as they enter Key stage 2. Engaging books are often used as a route into learning across all topics, opening children up to broader world experiences.

Writing activities have meaning and purpose with links to real life contexts, visits and experiences. Marking and feedback ensures that children know their next step target and can make progress.

Mathematics

At Burnt Ash we are passionate that maths should be an exciting journey which engages all learners across the school. We aim for all children to enjoy maths and fulfill their potential.

We believe that learning should be fun, purposeful and challenging. Through our effective curriculum children should:

Learn problem solving skills, logical reasoning and the ability to think in abstract ways.

Become confident mathematicians who are keen and enthusiastic about the number system and solving problems.

Understand a range of strategies and know which one best suits a task.

Be able to talk effectively about their Maths and the strategies they have used in their mathematical processes and to have a suitable technical vocabulary to articulate their explanations.

Be fully equipped for the mathematical challenges of everyday life, including the world of work and economic awareness

Be able to use resources to show their mental methods using informal jottings

Develop these skills in order to move fluently onto more formal written methods

Curriculum Topics

Themed topics engage children in discovering the wider world in terms of their knowledge and understanding and develop their critical thinking skills. Topics link together History, Geography, Science, Art, Design & Technology, R.E. and Music. They often begin with an enquiry question to open up the investigation and to allow children to lead the learning into areas that interest them. Quality texts are used to ensure reading and writing across the curriculum. Educational visits are linked to the topics to broaden horizons and make the learning meaningful.

P.E. is taught by teachers and specialist coaches and children have the opportunity to take part in the many sports activities after school.

We use ICT across the curriculum and tablets are available in all classrooms. We have a dedicated ICT suite for subject and research lessons to take place.  

Curriculum Enrichment

We provide specialist sports coaching and teaching by professional music teachers. Private tuition from visiting music teachers can also be arranged, subject to availability. A charge is made for this service. (Free lessons may be available in certain circumstances; please ask the office for details.)

Extra Activities

We offer a wide range of lunchtime and after school activities; application forms are available from the school office.

Residential Visits

Year 6 children have the opportunity to take part in a residential trip to the Isle of Wight. This provides a sense of independence and lasting memory of their final year with us.