Our curriculum is designed to deliver on our vision of “Care, Creativity & Challenge”, and is underpinned by the following key drivers:
1. Promoting Effective Communication, Vocabulary Development and a Love of Reading
Aim: BVS pupils will become eloquent and effective communicators, able to draw upon a rich vocabulary to express their understanding and share their learning. They will develop a love of reading that supports their learning across the curriculum.
Lower Key Stage 2: Children are able to expand on their explanations and provide evidence to support their reasoning. They use ambitious vocabulary and engage in respectful discussions, agreeing or disagreeing appropriately.
Upper Key Stage 2: Pupils can debate their opinions with clarity and precision, speaking clearly and confidently when presenting to others. Their vocabulary choices become increasingly sophisticated and purposeful.
2. Inclusion – Meeting the Needs of All Children
Aim: BVS pupils will develop an inclusive ethos where everyone’s voice is valued, and they understand the importance of being helpful, caring, tolerant, open, respectful and accepting of others.
Lower Key Stage 2: Children know that friendships are important, and they respect others regardless of appearance or choices. They understand what stereotypes are and how they can be unfair.
Upper Key Stage 2: Pupils have an open mind to people from different backgrounds, appearances and faiths. They are aware of the need to accept and respect those with disabilities and those with differing sexual orientations, recognising that all are equal.
3. Providing a Wide Range of Experiences & Opportunities
Aim: BVS pupils will have an increasing range of experiences that develop them in a variety of areas, including the arts, sports, music and more. These experiences will help them develop a diverse set of skills applicable to different situations.
Lower Key Stage 2: All children are accessing experiences that broaden their curriculum learning and deepen their understanding. Pupils apply their skills and learn from these experiences in performance-type outcomes.
Upper Key Stage 2: Pupils have had a range of experiences and opportunities, including clubs that challenge them, overnight stays, and facing new learning challenges. Specialist learning allows them to perform at a high level of skill and proficiency.
4. Developing the Whole Child to be Secondary Ready
Aim: BVS pupils will finish their primary education “high school ready”, being independent, resilient, organised, and able to approach new learning with confidence.
Lower Key Stage 2: Pupils are open to taking risks when approaching new situations. They take responsibility, are honest about needing help, and are committed to their own learning and self-improvement.
Upper Key Stage 2: Pupils respond positively to change and challenges, taking responsible actions to bring about improvement for themselves and others. They communicate their learning in relevant ways to different audiences.
5. Promoting Mentally Healthy & Emotionally Literate Children
Aim: BVS pupils will become able to self-regulate through increased self-awareness, allowing them to channel their emotions productively and develop empathy and other key social skills.
Lower Key Stage 2: Pupils know that feelings, thoughts and behaviours are linked. They stop and think about their emotions before acting, and they understand and appreciate the feelings of others.
Upper Key Stage 2: Pupils have developed awareness and strategies to handle fears, anxiety, anger, and other emotions. They have become good listeners and have the ability to cope with conflict, change and challenge, making appropriate choices based on how they feel.
By focusing on these key curriculum drivers, alongside our Framework for Excellence and co-operative values, Bure Valley School is committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares our pupils for the next stage of their learning journey and equips them with the skills and qualities needed to thrive in secondary school and beyond.
