Learning at Dorridge Primary
At Dorridge, reading is at the heart of all we do, and is underpinned by the National Curriculum. We are determined that every pupil will learn to read, regardless of their background, needs or abilities.
It is vital to provide a learning environment in which we work together for the benefit of all of our pupils. Together we ensure that our pupils achieve their full potential, developing skills to become independent, life-long learners, who leave us as responsible citizens that are respectful and tolerant. Above all, we strive to encourage initiative within a happy, healthy and safe environment where all achievement is valued and celebrated.
Our rewards systems enable all pupils to achieve their own personal best; whilst recognising good behaviour and manners. Further to this, we deliver a broad, balanced, and enriching curriculum that promotes challenge and creativity, enabling all pupils to make a positive contribution towards their own and others’ learning experience.
Further details
More information on how aspects of school life fit into our use of the curriculum "Three I's" of Intent, Implementation and Impact can be seen in the expanding sections below. Click on the + sign to the right of each heading for more details in that area. Hovering over images revealed will give a short summary of that topic, while, in relevant cases, clicking on the image will take you to a web page devoted to that topic.
Intent
What are we trying to achieve with our curriculum?
- We have constructed an ambitious curriculum that is designed to give all pupils the knowledge and cultural capital they will need to succeed in life.
- Our curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced towards cumulatively sufficient knowledge and skills for future learning and employment.
- For pupils with SEND, our curriculum is successfully adapted and developed to be ambitious in meeting their needs, developing their knowledge, skills and abilities to apply what they know and can do with increasing fluency and independence.
- The Dorridge curriculum isn't narrowed. We teach a broad range of subjects at all stages (in Key Stage 1 and 2).
Implementation
How do we deliver our curriculum?
Teaching:
- Our teachers have good knowledge of the subjects they teach.
- They present subject matter clearly, promoting appropriate discussion about the subject matter being taught.
- They check pupils’ understanding systematically, identify misconceptions accurately, and provide clear, direct feedback.
- They respond and adapt their teaching as necessary.
- Our teaching is designed to help pupils to remember long-term the content they've been taught and to integrate new knowledge into larger ideas.
- We use assessment well, to help pupils embed and use knowledge fluently, or to check understanding and inform teaching.
- Our teaching materials reflect our ambitious intentions for the programmes of study. Materials clearly support the intent of a coherently planned curriculum, sequenced towards cumulatively sufficient knowledge and skills for future learning and employment.
- Our teachers make sure their own speaking, listening, writing and reading of English support pupils in developing their language and vocabulary well.
Pupils:
- The work we give to our pupils is demanding and matches the aims of the curriculum.
- Reading is prioritised. There's a rigorous and sequential approach to the reading curriculum to develop pupils’ fluency, confidence and enjoyment in reading.
- Reading attainment is assessed at all stages and gaps are addressed quickly and effectively for all pupils.
- Books connect closely to the phonics knowledge pupils are taught when they're learning to read.
- There's a sharp focus on making sure that younger children gain phonics knowledge and language comprehension necessary to read, and the skills to communicate.
DPC CURRICULUM MAP 2024-2025
Impact
What difference is our curriculum making to pupils?
The outcomes that pupils achieve are a result of the education they've received. Pupils should be able to do more and know more than when they started.
- Our pupils develop detailed knowledge and skills across the curriculum and, as a result, achieve well. This is reflected in our results from national tests.
- Our pupils are ready for the next stage of education.
- They have the knowledge and skills they need and gain qualifications that allow them to go on to destinations that meet their interests and aspirations.
- Our pupils with SEND achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Our pupils’ work across the curriculum is of good quality.
- Our pupils read widely and, with fluency and comprehension appropriate to their age.
- Our pupils can apply mathematical knowledge, concepts and procedures appropriately for their age.