Implementation

Implementation

The thematic curriculum, delivered through Cornerstones, is built upon a four stage teaching and learning philosophy – Engage, Develop, Innovate and Express.

During the ‘Engage’ stage, children will:

• have memorable first-hand experiences, such as going on a visit or inviting a special visitor into school
• enjoy ‘WOW’ experiences
• get an exciting introduction to a topic or theme
• begin researching and setting enquiry questions
• have lots of opportunities to make observations
• develop spoken language skills
• take part in sensory activities
• have lots of fun to fully ‘engage’ with their new topic

During the ‘Develop’ stage, children will:

• improve their skills, knowledge and understanding of the topic across the curriculum
• develop, practice and apply their new skills
• compose, make, do, build, investigate, explore, write for different purposes and read across the curriculum
• research their own questions and those set by others
• follow new pathways of enquiry based on their interests

Teachers use their professional judgment and knowledge of the children in order to plan and teach using a variety of strategies, tools and resources that make the curriculum relevant and personalised.

These include:

• Use of IT
• Appropriate positioning of resources, children and support staff
• A variety of communication aids, such as visual timetables
• Outdoor learning
• A commitment to  interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships with parents and carers, outside agencies and our local community

The Extended Curriculum

At Shillingstone CE Primary School, we aim to provide enrichment activities to enhance the curriculum. The school organises themed days, linked to various aspects of the curriculum. Examples being: Anti-bullying weeks, Art/Science/RE/other curriculum linked days or weeks, World Book Day, Comic Relief day, Children in Need day etc. At Shillingstone CE Primary School we aim to provide a variety of extra-curricular activities for all children that will meet their needs, interests and enhance their skills and learning. These clubs include various sports which are delivered by coaches. These clubs are changed termly. (See PE grant document and Extra-Curricular page on our school website).