Our Curriculum
We care, we strive, together we thrive
We want every child to develop secure knowledge, discover new interests and grow into a confident, independent learner.
Our curriculum combines high expectations with a caring approach. We help children build on what they already know, practise new skills and make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them.
Our vision shapes this journey:
We care: children learn in a supportive environment where they can ask questions, make mistakes and seek help.
We strive: children are encouraged to be curious, persevere and take pride in improving.
Together we thrive: children learn to listen, explain their thinking and work respectfully with others.
A connected journey
Learning builds over time. Teachers plan carefully so that new knowledge connects to earlier learning and prepares children for what comes next.
Reading, vocabulary and communication support learning across the curriculum. Each subject also develops its own knowledge, skills and ways of thinking.
Stories, practical activities, visits, visitors and local experiences help children deepen their understanding. We prepare children for these experiences and revisit the learning afterwards so that it stays with them.
How we learn
We use six familiar stages to help children understand how learning happens. These shared words give children a clear sense of what they are doing and why.
1. Recap — remember and connect
Children revisit knowledge and skills that will help with today’s learning. This helps them make connections and gives teachers an opportunity to address anything that needs another explanation.
2. I do — watch and think
The teacher demonstrates a new skill or approach, explaining their thinking and choices. Children see how to tackle a task, rather than only seeing the finished answer.
3. We do — try together
Children practise with the teacher and one another. They discuss ideas, explain their choices and improve their work with support.
4. Check — show what you understand
Questions, short tasks and demonstrations help the teacher see what each child understands. This guides the next step: another explanation, more shared practice, additional support or further challenge.
5. You do — practise and apply
Children use their learning with increasing independence. Teachers continue to monitor, support and give feedback as children work.
6. Share — explain and reflect
Children share their thinking, explain an approach or show an improvement. They reflect on what helped them and what they need to practise next.
Teachers check understanding throughout the lesson. The stages vary in length, and teachers return to modelling or shared practice whenever children need it. In Early Years and practical subjects, these approaches are adapted to children’s development and the activity, alongside purposeful play and exploration.
Helping learning last
We want children to remember and use their learning over time.
Important knowledge and skills are revisited across lessons, weeks and terms. Short recap activities, discussion and regular practice help children strengthen their understanding and apply it in new situations.
When something has been forgotten or misunderstood, teachers use that information to decide what needs to be taught or practised again.
Support and challenge for every child
We hold high expectations for all children while recognising that they may need different support to succeed.
Teachers adapt explanations, resources, examples and practice to children’s needs. Additional modelling, practical materials, visual prompts or a guided group can help children access learning.
As confidence and understanding grow, support is gradually reduced to develop independence. Children who are ready to go further deepen their learning through reasoning, explanation and more demanding applications.
Learning through talk and feedback
Children learn to listen carefully, use precise vocabulary and explain their ideas. Partner discussion gives them opportunities to rehearse answers, compare approaches and build on another person’s thinking.
Feedback helps children understand what they have done well and what to improve. We give them opportunities to use that feedback, make changes and recognise their progress.
We also teach children to think about their own learning:
What do I already know that will help?
Which strategy could I use?
Is my approach working?
What could I do differently next time?
Explore our curriculum -
Click on the links below to delve deeper into how our children learn at Prospect Vale.
Early Years
Discover how children learn in Nursery and Reception through relationships, purposeful play, exploration and adult-led teaching.
Reading and Phonics
Find out about Little Wandle, the development of reading and how families can support children at home.
Writing, Spelling and Handwriting
Explore how children develop their ideas, become confident writers and learn spelling and handwriting skills.
Mathematics
Discover how children develop mathematical understanding, fluency, reasoning and problem-solving.
Wider Curriculum
Explore science, history, geography, computing, art, design and technology, music, PE and languages.
PSHE, Relationships and Sex Education, and RE
Find out how children learn about wellbeing, relationships, staying safe, faiths and beliefs, and their responsibilities towards others.
Working with families
Families play an important part in children’s learning. Reading together, talking about new experiences and encouraging children to explain their thinking can make a valuable difference.
To find out more about the curriculum or discuss your child’s learning, please contact their class teacher through the school office.