Curriculum

We are very proud of the curriculum and the enrichment opportunities we have at Portfields Primary School.

Our curriculum is ambitious and strives to deliver a broad, balanced and exciting learning experience for all of our pupils.

PORTFIELDS PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM OFFER

What is our curriculum INTENT at Portfields?

The National Curriculum is the foundation of our curriculum offer. Working collaboratively with all of our stakeholders (children, parents, staff and Governors) we have built a broad, progressive and relevant offer.

Portfields is situated in the heart of Newport Pagnell. We are a large community school that serves the town and we have many families who choose our school who live outside of our catchment area. Although our pupils are predominantly white British, we also have over 30 different languages spoken at our school. In addition, we welcome children who have their own unique needs and require a more personalised approach. Our curriculum model ensures that equality and diversity are embedded and our learning opportunities celebrate, educate and challenge learners to be kind and respectful, where everyone is involved and valued equally.

During the challenges of the pandemic, many of our school community have been affected financially, emotionally and educationally. This is evidenced in the increasing numbers of our families who are eligible for Free School Meals and the demand for food packages and extensive mental health support during the pandemic. Due to this, alongside our taught programmes of study, our curriculum offer provides a variety of enriching mental health and learning opportunities. All year groups attend Forest School, we welcome inspiring visitors to Portfields to ignite engagement in a wide variety of topics and our educational and residential trips provide opportunities to challenge, motivate and build resilience.

Whilst considering the local need, we have also identified the strengths in our locality, in our school, staff and families and made use of these. We have also identified potential gaps and aim to fill these by providing an experience based on an equitable approach where all children are prepared for the next key stage in their education.

This equitable approach is underpinned by our 4 curriculum drivers. These drivers will be embedded in our curriculum, enrichment opportunities and whole school life. This will ensure that our curriculum is enriched and personalised to meet the needs of our community.

The four DRIVERS are:

• Communication
• Diversity
• Independence and Resilience
• Aspiration

COMMUNICATION

Through our curriculum delivery, all learners will learn how to effectively communicate through listening, speaking, reading and writing. Through effective communication where learners feel supported, are comfortable expressing their own thoughts and ideas in discussions, attempt challenges and ask when they need help, all learners will fully engage and participate with their learning and achieve great things. We will use a wide range of communication methods including symbols (Widget), Sign-a-long, Language of the Month, a focus on oracy and many more.

DIVERSITY

Our curriculum equips learners for critical and active engagement with the challenges and opportunities of life in a fast-changing and interdependent world. We will provide opportunities for pupils to make sense of a world marked by division, conflict, environmental change, inequality and poverty. Pupils will recognise and celebrate different perspectives, ideas, beliefs and values. Developing a sense of community and belonging, pupils will contribute to our school, community and the wider world.

INDEPENDENCE AND RESILIENCE

Pupils gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge they need to learn effectively. They take responsibility for their own learning, are self-motivated, curious and take initiative. As such, they gain confidence and the ability to learn from mistakes and, in doing so, build resilience. Pupil voice is at the heart of our planning to ensure that our children have an increased sense of ownership of their learning. Pupils are enthusiastic and display an exceptionally positive attitude to learning, knowing that their voice is heard and directly impacts on what and how they learn.

ASPIRATION

Our curriculum develops assertive, motivated and aspirational pupils supported by an enriched curriculum which excites, engages and challenges. Pupils see the relevance of their learning experience and can connect their knowledge through rich, real-life experiences.

Working hard enables pupils to fulfil their potential and fosters self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence. It connects pupils with their own personal and academic development and teaches them that everyone can achieve if they are prepared to dream big and persevere. It also helps pupils to understand the need to respect the rights of every pupil to learn in a calm, focused and supportive atmosphere.

For further information about our curriculum, please contact the school on admin@portfields.org or 01908 616060