At Asterdale Primary School, we want our children to actively participate in their learning, so that our children grow a genuine thirst for learning and promote independence and appreciate the value of scholarship – being proud of their achievements. This ensures that our pupils will be life-long learners that extends beyond the classroom. Our curriculum encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and the joy of discovery, laying the foundation for continued personal and academic growth throughout life.

Our curriculum is designed to inspire and equip every child with the essential skills, values, and knowledge to thrive both now and in the future. We are committed to fostering an environment where children are encouraged to aspire to their highest potential, believe in their abilities, and work collaboratively towards common goals.

Our curriculum is designed to be dynamic and inclusive, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are dedicated to preparing our students for a successful future by instilling our core values and creating a supportive, stimulating, and safe learning environment.

Our motto of ‘Everyday Excellence’ demonstrates ambition for our students, making them realise their full potential:

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is a habit.

 

Our curriculum is designed to foster an environment where excellence is not just an aspiration but a daily reality. Our vision for ‘Everyday Excellence’ embodies the commitment to delivering the best work, in every lesson, every time, for every child. We strive to create a learning culture where high standards are the norm and where every student is empowered to reach their full potential. By integrating high standards with supportive teaching practices, we empower our young learners to excel both inside and outside the classroom, building a strong foundation for lifelong success.

Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on the following core values and principles:

Aspiration: We aim to ignite a sense of ambition in every child, encouraging them to set and pursue personal and academic goals with enthusiasm and determination. Through engaging and challenging learning experiences, we help students envision and work towards a bright and successful future.

Self-Belief: Building confidence and a positive self-image is central to our approach. We provide a supportive atmosphere where children are empowered to take risks, embrace their strengths, and learn from their mistakes. This fosters a strong sense of self-worth and a belief in their capacity to achieve.

Teamwork: Collaboration and effective communication are key components of our curriculum. We promote teamwork through group activities and projects, teaching students to value diverse perspectives, share ideas, and support one another in achieving collective goals.

Empathy: Empathy is the cornerstone of a thriving and inclusive learning community. Our curriculum is designed to nurture students’ ability to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering a culture of kindness and respect. By embedding empathy in our everyday interactions and academic pursuits, we prepare our students to become thoughtful, empathetic citizens who make a meaningful difference in the world.

Resilience: Developing resilience is crucial for navigating life’s challenges. Our curriculum includes opportunities for children to overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and persevere in the face of difficulties. We support them in building the emotional strength and problem-solving skills necessary for lifelong success.

Safety: Ensuring a safe and nurturing environment is fundamental to our educational approach. We prioritise the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of every student, creating a space where they feel secure, respected, and valued.

Our broad and balanced curriculum is built on the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum and is further enhanced by content tailored to meet the needs of our children. Where we recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of each student. Our curriculum is adaptable and responsive, providing tailored support to meet the varying needs, interests, and abilities of all learners. Adaptation and inclusivity are at the heart of our teaching strategies, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to excel and make progress.

Built within our curriculum are intentional opportunities for children to revisit core knowledge, so that they can build long-term memory from an ambitious body of knowledge. This creates an exciting and deep learning experience that builds on pupils’ prior knowledge, skills and understanding.

Reading is at the heart of our curriculum where we ensure that our children are exposed to high-quality texts and high-level vocabulary. We harness a language-rich environment to support the communication needs of the children in our school.

Beyond academic excellence, our curriculum supports the development of the whole child. We emphasise the importance of emotional well-being, social skills, and ethical values as integral components of a well-rounded education. Opportunities for extracurricular involvement, leadership development, and community engagement are integral to our curriculum, enriching the overall educational experience.

We embrace the outdoors as an integral part of our learning experience. Through Forest Schools and outdoor activities, students connect with nature, develop practical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of their environment. This hands-on approach enhances their learning, well-being, and appreciation for the natural world.