To Be The Best That We Can Be

Ravensmead Primary School Curriculum Intent 

At Ravensmead we share the aim for all children “To be the best that they can be.” This statement underpins our expectations of all our pupils. Our intention is to deliver a curriculum and experiences which enable this to happen. Through the curriculum provided we plan to give opportunities that raise aspirations, enable our children to live safe, happy, healthy and productive lives. We aim to build resilience and encourage a positive mindset. 

Our families are key partners in developing their children’s knowledge and we are grateful to all our families who support their child’s learning. Communication is vital in the partnership with our parents and we are continually offering workshops which help parents with their own knowledge and skills in the core curriculum subjects. 

Our curriculum is focused on the development of children’s knowledge and skills across all primary subjects with the aim of ensuring pupils are ready for the next stage of their learning. It provides opportunities for children to develop as independent, confident and successful learners, with high aspirations, who know how to make a positive contribution to their community and the wider society. The curriculum ensures that academic success, creativity and problem solving, reliability, responsibility and resilience, as well as physical development, well-being and mental health are key elements that support the development of the whole child and promote a positive attitude to learning. 

It is not just the children who take pride in their school but also the adults who work at Ravensmead. The staff, pride themselves on being an exceptionally supportive team. We care about each other and intend to create a positive, happy environment for all who enter the school either to learn or work. 

Implementation 

We follow the National Curriculum and strive to enrich the curriculum wherever possible. A big focus has been in planning exciting writing opportunities based on a book or story and linked to topics wherever possible. A range of educational experiences, visits or visitors in to school also help to support our school curriculum in order to bring the children’s learning to life. We have carefully considered a skills based curriculum and in all subjects taught we build on these specific skills through both core subject lessons, topic lessons and discrete lessons. 

Our children are taught in classes, small groups or individually, according to their needs, within the framework of the National Curriculum and the Early Years Curriculum. A variety of teaching styles are used in school, based on good practice and teachers continually reflect on their teaching. We are always seeking to innovate where appropriate, to maintain high standards and provide the best in primary school practice. Staff who have specialist knowledge and skills such as in PE and Music have a timetable which allows them to teach across Key Stages in order to provide excellent subject specific lessons. Pupils with special needs are well-supported in school with extra support and/or resources deployed where necessary to help close individual learning gaps. Many children are invited into school before the day begins to work on individualised programmes. Pupils buddy up with other pupils sometimes across key stages to help and support them, specifically with their reading. 

Each week the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning curriculum is used as themes in assemblies or as discussion stimulus in class. Children demonstrate an interest and a keen approach to learning and contribute to all areas of school life. Through the School Council and Eco-group pupils have a voice that is heard with regular meeting being conducted in school time. 

The role of the subject leader is pivotal in the successful implementation of our curriculum. We aim for all subject leaders to have the knowledge, expertise and practical skill to be able to lead their areas effectively. Each curriculum subject has a dedicated subject leader with clear roles and responsibilities.  They are responsible for the curriculum design, delivery and impact in their own curriculum area. Subject leaders and leaders at all levels, regularly review and quality assure the subject areas to ensure that is being implemented well and coverage and breadth and balance is adequate. 

Each week in school we have a speech and language therapist who works with identified pupils and teaching assistants in order to support and develop their language skills and provide the knowledge for adults to impact upon the progress too. On entering a classroom, the expectation is that all adults are engaged with children, supporting and encouraging them in their learning. Professional development is a high priority for all adults in order to continually strive to be the best educators we can be. Teachers work well together in a coaching capacity through timetabling sessions for team teaching in all key stages. We are extremely fortunate that our staff value the contribution made by other activities beyond the classroom. A range of extra-curricular clubs and activities are offered after school ranging from sports clubs, such as netball, fitness, dance, and football, to choir and art based clubs. We aim to provide our children with opportunities that widen their experiences beyond the “Village” they are growing up in. 

Impact 

From their different starting points, we aim for all children to make good progress academically, emotionally, creatively, socially and physically. Knowledge, understanding and skills will be secured and embedded so that children can achieve and be the best that they can be. They will have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and will listen respectfully and with tolerance to the views of others. They will take pride in all that they do, always striving to do their best. They will demonstrate emotional resilience and the ability to persevere when they encounter challenge. They will develop a sense of self-awareness and become confident in their own abilities. They will be kind, respectful and honest, demonstrate inclusive attitudes and have a sense of their role in our wider society. Children who attend Ravensmead feel safe, cared for and excited during their school life with us. They learn respect, manners and how to follow the school Rules in order to “To be the best that they can be.” Pride in Our School 

At Ravensmead we want children to be proud of their school and achievements. We are keen to promote confidence, independence and respect for all. Our children all have the opportunities to become team captains, school council representatives, fine diners and playground friends. The children can become a science ambassador, join the Eco Group, take part in litter picks, deliver assemblies and visit places in the community. Children have enthusiasm when representing their school in sporting teams and competitions. They enjoy learning to play in assemblies, perform in productions and taking part in Young Voices. We celebrate all achievements both within school and outside in our weekly celebration assembly. We are all very proud of the awards we have received and the effort that goes into maintaining this status!

The Governing Body believe in children receiving the best possible Primary School education. At the heart of its thinking, the Governing Body aims to provide the most suitable resources and learning environment, both inside the building and surrounding grounds, to support the children’s learning. The Governors share the same ethos as the School Management and work in partnership to achieve these aims. 

We hope this website will provide you with the information you need about the school and that you find it useful. If you require any further information about Ravensmead please do not hesitate to contact the School Office, where you will receive a warm welcome.