Curriculum (ID 1032)

• Art and Design
  Art and Design

  At PAWS, before deciding what and how we teach in Art, we remember why we are teaching Art in the first place. We believe that ‘we teach art because it is one way we can enable children to reach their creative potential’. We believe that every child is entitled to develop their critical and creative thinking skills, and to build their knowledge, skills and experience. Our core aim for Art is to enable creativity; we place emphasis on encouraging exploratory journeys, working towards varied and individual outcomes.

• Computing
  Computing

  At PAWS, our computing curriculum uses project-based learning to engage the children and provide a clear and assessable purpose to the children’s learning. The children will learn the substantive knowledge of how computers work such as how networks and computer programs work, and the disciplinary knowledge such as how to use computer programs and devices safely and effectively.

• Design and Technology
  Design and Technology

  At PAWS we define Design and Technology as given children the opportunities for designing and making ‘Something for Somebody for Some purpose.’

  We have scaffolded our curriculum around the D&T principle agreed by the D&T Expert Advisory Group. The D&T principles direct our planning to ensure the following are considered: the user, the purpose, innovation, authenticity, functionality and the ability to make design decisions.

• English
  English

  "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." - Stephen King

  At PAWS we follow a Talk for Writing approach. It ensures that our children become confident at discussing their learning, which enhances their ability to craft their own stories. Our children have a clear understanding of writing with a purpose. They also have a secure understanding of the purpose of individual text types, the intended impact of writing skills/tools and the ability to carefully select vocabulary and grammar with attention to the desired effect on the readers’ thoughts and feelings.

  Our children are challenged and given the appropriate time to craft and edit their own writing, enabling them to rise to their own expectations, taking pride in all aspects of learning and in everything they produce.

• French
  French

  “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way” - Franck Smith

  At PAWS we recognise that learning a language provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality language education fosters pupils’ curiosity and deepens their understanding of the world.

  French is delivered through a planned sequence of lessons, ensuring progressive coverage of the skills required. This allows opportunities for children to gradually build on their skills. The French curriculum enables children to express their ideas and thoughts in French and provides opportunities to interact and communicate with others in both speech and writing.

• Geography
  Geography

  “The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.” - President Barack Obama

  At PAWS, the study of Geography supports our pupils to build an awareness and developing sense of identity as they come to understand their place in the world. As a school we recognise that engaging children and young people in investigating questions about people and the world helps them to better understand their lives, the contested nature of knowledge and prepares them for the future as more informed citizens. Engaging our pupils with a relevant, exciting and challenging Geography curriculum, which inspires curiosity and is appropriate for preparing them for an adult life in the 21^st century.

• History
  History

  “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree.” - Michael Crichton

  The study of History supports our pupils to build a temporal awareness and a developing sense of identity as they come to understand their place in the story of human development. As a school we recognise that engaging children and young people in investigating questions about people and events in the past helps them to better understand their lives today, the contested nature of knowledge and prepares them for the future as more informed citizens. Engaging our pupils with a relevant, exciting and challenging History curriculum which inspires curiosity and is appropriate for preparing them for an adult life in the 21^st century is essential.

• Maths
  Maths

  "Mathematics is all about becoming a creative thinker, not a calculator"

  Our vision at PAWS is for all pupils to develop positivity, confidence, resilience and enjoyment in maths learning. Pupils will leave us secure in mathematical concepts and confident in their skills in reasoning and problem solving, which they can continue to develop and apply in everyday life. As well as this, they will have an awareness of the fascination in this subject that can open up a world of career opportunities in order to lead a ‘life in all its fullness’. We want children to have a high standard of mathematics to give them the option of choosing a role in fields such as science, engineering, research, technology, finance, construction and design.

  Our Teaching for Mastery approach places conceptual understanding at the heart of learning and is underpinned by a belief that all children can achieve in maths.

• Music
  Music

  "As a musician, you are not only a creator but a communicator.” – Yo-Yo Ma

  At PAWS, our ethos for music teaching is rooted in fostering a lifelong commitment to musicianship and personal expression. We believe that every pupil should have the opportunity to perform, which not only cultivates an appreciation for music but also builds self-confidence and resilience. Through regular performances, both formal and informal, students are encouraged to embrace their artistic voice and connect with their peers. Central to this ethos is a dedication to learning an instrument and understanding musical notation, as these skills provide a solid foundation for all musical endeavour.

  Above all, we strive to instil a genuine enjoyment of music, recognising it as a vital aspect of human experience. Our commitment is to nurture the talents of each pupil, fostering a vibrant musical community that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

• Outdoor Learning
  Outdoor Learning

  At PAWS we want children to flourish, reach their full potential and enjoy fullness of life. We also want children to be filled with awe at the wonders of the world and to have learning opportunities that are enjoyable, creative, challenging and adventurous. Our Forest School and outdoor learning provision plays a key role in helping our children to appreciate the wonders of the word around them and develop a personal sense of responsibility towards the environment. Our outdoor learning curriculum also supports children with effective relationships and enhancing skills in leadership and team work as well as developing the resilience to meet the challenges and responsibilities of everyday life.

• Physical Education
  Physical Education

  "Sport is a universal language, building more bridges between people than anything else I can think of." - Sebastian Coe

  At PAWS Physical Education is not the same as just sport and/or physical activity. It draws on a much deeper range of disciplines to substantiate its body of knowledge - such as physiology (the body), psychology (mind/behaviour) and sociology (social change). We have incorporated golden threads, which run throughout our Physical Education curriculum. These bring together the important knowledge from these different disciplines so that pupils can apply them competently, confidently and then transfer them to different areas of their life.

• Religious Education
  Religious Education

  “Religion is the clearest telescope through which we can behold the beauties of creation.” - William Scott Downey.

  At PAWS we define Religious Education as providing pupils with opportunities to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to their lives. We aim to provide pupils with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for them to explore ‘big’ questions raised by religion and belief. We seek to provide our pupils with the confidence to reflect on and express their own ideas and beliefs as well as considering and respecting the choices of others. We are aware that Religious Education is vital in preparing pupils to engage in a diverse and complex multi-religious and multi-secular society.

  Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of the RE curriculum. Please contact a member of the leadership team and we will give you the opportunity to discuss the content of our RE curriculum.

• RSHE Life Skills
  RSHE Life Skills

  “There are skills we can take wherever we go in life, no matter what we do.” - Millie Hogue

  At PAWs we seek to ensure that the RSHE Life Skills curriculum protects, informs and nurtures all pupils. It clearly differentiates between factual teaching (biology, medicine, the law, marriage, different types of families and the composition of society) and moral teaching about relationships and values.

  At PAWS, we aspire to equip our children with the skills, knowledge and attributes to make healthy life choices as well as knowing how to manage their academic, personal and social lives. The knowledge and skills gained as well as the attributes developed will support their own and others’ wellbeing and attainment and enable them to become successful and happy adults who make a meaningful contribution to society.

• Science
  Science

  “Science is the process that takes us from confusion to understanding.” - Brian Greene

  At PAWS children will be taught how to think and work scientifically: to ask questions about their environment and why and how things work; to answer these questions using correct scientific enquiry methods; to identify other scientific questions and to build hypothesis around these; to plan, conduct and evaluate an investigation; to draw upon previous and taught knowledge to form connections and to group and classify a range of objects and materials.