Curriculum aims

Reception pupils follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

The six areas of learning are:

Personal, social and emotional development
Communication, language and literacy
Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
Knowledge and understanding of the world
Creative development
Physical development

We will provide a stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environment where children will be motivated to communicate, explore and learn independently. A carefully planned range of activities will provide a rich, age appropriate learning experience across the curriculum.

We will give every child a firm foundation:

English – focusing on speaking and listening, reading and writing using synthetic phonics and other reading strategies.

Mathematics – our world-leading mathematics programme uses practical and written activities that help children develop their numerical and problem-solving abilities.

Across the primary curriculum we aim for our pupils to exceed national expectations for achievement.

Depth before breadth

All children need a firm mastery of English and mathematics as early as possible. Our first priority is to build a secure foundation in literacy and numeracy as the basis for all other learning. Pupils will be taught to read, write and work with numbers fluently and confidently. Where pupils need extra support it will be provided, to ensure that every child reaches and exceeds nationally expected standards.

Enriched curriculum

Our longer day provides time for a rich curriculum, stimulating new interests and enhancing children’s learning experiences. We will invite professional artists, actors, writers and musicians into school and offer a range of trips and events to stimulate learning and broaden pupils’ interests and experience.

Specialisms

Mathematics

Ark academies have a special focus on mathematics and we invest to attract and train the best teachers. Atwood Primary will teach a distinctive, world-leading maths curriculum (Maths Mastery). Our aim is to ensure that every child achieves mastery of mathematics concepts, computational skills, problem solving and application of mathematics to daily life activities. Children learn drawing strategies to solve complex problems and build strong links between objects, pictures, and abstract numbers. We teach mathematics topics in depth, so children understand the “how” as well as the “why”.

Performing Arts

Performing arts are at the core of the Ark Atwood Primary Academy community. They are key to our learning and how we have fun. Collective participation in the performing arts builds a sense of community and develops skills in self-expression and performance. Our performing arts programme enables pupils to gain the knowledge and skills to enjoy and develop their interests. The primary programme focuses on dance, drama, singing and on instruments which are taught and played in groups. Our aim is for every pupil to play an instrument and sing confidently. To this end our school offers the following extra curricular performing oppurtunities: