Curriculum Statement

Hadrian Primary is in the heart of an area with a rich social and culturally diverse community; we use this as a basis for our curriculum which celebrates diversity and utilises the skills, knowledge and cultural wealth of the community whilst supporting the pupils’ spiritual, moral and cultural development. 

Curriculum Intent

The uniqueness of every child is recognised and valued. As such, our curriculum embraces the community from which it exists, recognising and celebrating the diverse backgrounds and experiences from which our children originate. We constantly adapt our learning journey to meet the needs and interests of our children, offering an excellent education underpinned by a broad, culturally rich and powerful curriculum to ensure that all pupils are well equipped for the next stages in their education. 

Our curriculum is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills, knowledge, concepts and values however, creativity is pivotal at Hadrian. We constantly provide enhancement opportunities to engage learning and to celebrate and develop the individual talents of our pupils, recognising everyone as unique with their own ambitions, skills and dreams. We aim to provide an environment that encourages lifelong learning. This is reflected in our achievement of ‘The Inclusion and Excellence Award’. 

Community involvement is also an essential part of our curriculum as we celebrate local traditions, learning new skills to enable children to take an active role in event throughout the year. Children leave Hadrian with a sense of belonging to a tightly knit community where they have the confidence and skills to make decisions, self-evaluate, make connections and become lifelong learners.

Curriculum Implementation

Skills and knowledge are taught discreetly in subject areas so that our children gain a broad understanding of each subject and know exactly which subject they are studying. However, the curriculum is designed to embed transferable skills throughout, without weakening essential skills based learning.  The outstanding quality of our classroom environments serves to stimulate and engage higher order thinking. At Hadrian Primary School, we also recognise the importance of feedback, both adult and peer, as an integral part of the teaching and learning cycle, and aim to maximise the effectiveness of its use in practice. We are mindful also of the research surrounding effective feedback and research from cognitive science regarding the fragility of new learning. In response to this, planning is flexible and responsive to pupils’ needs.

Curriculum Impact

We plan our lessons with clear learning objectives. We base these upon the teacher’s detailed knowledge of each child, striving to ensure that all tasks set are appropriate to each child’s level of ability. Our lesson plans make clear the expected outcomes for each lesson. We make a note of those individual children who do not achieve at the expected level for the lesson, and we use this information when planning for the next lesson. We also keep this information as a record of the progress made by the class.

Day‐to‐day, on-going assessment is a crucial method of assessment which provides instant feedback to the teacher and ensures progress within every lesson.AfL strategies are used in all lessons. These strategies provide a clear picture of a child’s level of understanding and, ensure that teachers can quickly assess when a child does not understand and needs greater support. Lessons should be flexible enough to allow teachers to adapt to the needs of the child. AfL should also be used to inform planning for subsequent lessons.

Progress is assessed regularly. At the end of each term, assessment data is gathered and progress is checked by subject coordinators and the SeniorLeadership Team. Children are expected to make good or better progress in all subjects and this individual progress is tracked. In cases where children are identified as making ‘slow progress’ in English or Maths, rapid interventions are put in place to address gaps in learning.

The child is at the centre of everything we do at Hadrian and will be provided with an opportunity to:

Hadrian Primary School Curriculum

English

The teaching of English at Hadrian is designed to instil in children a love of speaking and listening, reading and writing that will last them a lifetime. Giving pupils the key skills in English enables them to access material in all curriculum areas, and provides a foundation for their learning throughout their school career. To achieve this, teachers are focussed on making English interesting and exciting, engaging the pupils with the joy and wonder of books and piquing their imagination and creativity. At Hadrian we view the teaching of English as a fundamental part of the holistic development of the pupil, fostering positive behaviours and attitudes toward learning, and providing key knowledge and skills, to benefit pupils throughout their education and beyond.

Maths 

Here at Hadrian it is of paramount importance to ensure that our children have the best possible grounding in mathematics during their time with us. With this in mind, we aim to spark a curiosity and excitement for maths learning, while instilling confidence and knowledge in children as they embark on their journey to mastering the maths curriculum. 

Starting in September, children in Key Stage One will be following the Power Maths programme: the most recently recommended programme to meet the criteria for high-quality teaching of mastery in England. In Key Stage Two, children will be continuing to use White Rose Maths to develop a deeper understanding of maths.

All of our resources follow an exciting growth mind set and problem-solving approach. All children are encouraged to believe in their ability to master maths and are empowered to succeed through curiosity and persistence, while tackling the same concepts at the same time and progressing together as a whole class. 

Science 

Here at Hadrian we encourage children to explore their curiosities and theories relating to Science. We try to ensure that children are excited and intrigued by the topics, through varied and exciting activities and investigations. We strive to incorporate Science across the curriculum, linking themes from other topics or organised days, events and trips to the subject. Our curriculum aims to broaden the children's scientific view of, and respect for the world around them, whilst promoting a love for enquiry and a desire for exploring new things.

We are always eager to work with professionals within the STEM industries to promote a positive attitude towards the exciting and fascinating world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. With this in mind, we have developed links with Newcastle University, Harton Technology College, Life Centre, Beacon of Light, National Marine Aquiarium, RTC North, local police and fire services and Green Shift Educational Services to organise workshops, visitors, trips and events with the aim of inspiring young people and encouraging their curiosity about the world around them. It is important for the children to understand the various routes and diverse career opportunities within the STEM industries and for the children to see that scientists are not old men in white coats but young women, students and anyone with a curiosity about the natural world.

Computing

At Hadrian Primary School we value the contribution that ICT can make for the benefit of all pupils, staff, parents, governors and the wider community.  Our aim is to provide an ICT rich environment which allows pupils to gain the confidence and ability to prepare them for the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world. 

We have 3 aims that underpin our vision:

• To develop the Computing skillsof everyone in school so they are confident, safe and independent.
• To provide interactivelearning for adults and children through a range of current technologies.
• To encourage independentlearning for life.

ICT Strategy

To achieve our 3 aims we will:

• Use ICT where appropriate to motivate and inspire pupils and raise standards across the curriculum.
• Develop pupil’s computing skills, knowledge, understanding and capability through taught Computing lessons and to provide varied opportunities for pupils to apply and consolidate their computing capability across all curriculum contexts.
• Assess ICT systematically with a focus on pupil’s skills and future targets.
• Encourage learning out of school hours and promote links with parents and the wider community.
• Use ICT to support all pupils to ensure they are able to reach their full potential, regardless of gender, disability or ethnicity.
• Make children aware of inappropriate use of ICT and how to use it safely and responsibly. 
• Take responsibility as staff for our own continuing professional development in the Computing curriculum and ICT.
• Ensure our ICT resources are up to date, easily accessible and sustainable.
• Use creativity with technology in each and every aspect of the curriculum and life.

When teaching computing at Hadrian Primary School, our aim is to equip the children with the skills required to use computers effectively to enable them to maximise their potential. To do this, we aim to develop teaching strategies which promote resilience, independence, critical thinking, communication skills, basic skills and problem solving. We hope our pupils at Hadrian will become confident with technology, but will also see the benefits of using technology in later life. We aim for our children to become digital leaders, who are ready to meet the challenges of their digital future. 

 At Hadrian Primary School we value the contribution that technology can make for the benefit of all our pupils.  We provide an ICT rich environment from Nursery to Year 6 including use of our computer suite, laptops, programmable toys, IPad's, interactive whiteboards, C-Touch screens and our own filming equipment.

History

At Hadrian Primary Schoolwe believe that children should gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain's past and that of the wider world which helps to stimulate children's curiosity to know more about the past. Children should learn to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Our History curriculum ensures that children will have a chronological understanding of British history from Stone Age to present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this is the need to look at world history such as the ancient civilisations of Greece and the Mayans and Egyptians.
The units are enriched by cross curriculum work when appropriate. Children learn through enquiry based learning opportunities to gain a greater understanding of Britain’s and the World’s history.
 

Geography

At Hadrian School, we believe that Geography helps to provoke and answer questions about the natural and human worlds, encouraging children to develop a greater understanding of their world and their place in it. It helps to develop a range of investigation and problem-solving skills that are transferable to other curriculum areas and which can be used to promote children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Geography is, by nature an investigative subject, which develops an understanding of concepts, knowledge and skills. We seek to inspire in children a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people which will remain with them for the rest of their lives; to promote children’s interest and understanding about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.

PE

At Hadrian, we believe that PE plays an important role across the curriculum. Not only can it teach children about developing important skills and keeping themselves healthy but also about problem solving, self-assessment (identifying their strengths), communication, team work and competitiveness which can be carried across all the different subjects in the curriculum. Building vital skills, whether in football, gymnastics or dance are extremely important and every child will constantly and consistently develop their own personal PE skills from Nursery up to Year 6. Here at Hadrian, we provide many opportunities for children to access sport, through School sports games, after school clubs, and community links with South Shields FC Foundation, Harton and Westoe rugby club, swimming at Haven point, Foundation of Light, Thurston and the Newcastle Eagles. Ensuring our children are active allows them to develop and improve across the whole curriculum and we encourage children to take part in the ‘Active 30’ initiative, which contributes to their overall personal health and well-being. Our ‘Active in 5’ initiative which the children complete daily, has allowed children to maintain their focus, engagement and has contributed to children achieving vital skills not only in PE, but across the whole curriculum.

Arts

At Hadrian we believe that the arts offer opportunities for our children to explore, express and communicate their feelings whilst gaining experiences of the wider world. Our children are provided with opportunities to a wide range of arts experiences as part of and in addition to the curriculum. Through experiencing the arts, children develop their creativity, self-esteem and confidence. Our creative arts programme, including music, dance, drama and art significantly impacts cognitive development, increases self-esteem, and actively engages everyone in learning.

Design Technology
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Design and Technology encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. At Hadrian, we encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. The children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers.

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. 

When designing and making, the children are taught to:

Design 

• use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups
• generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design

Make 

• select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing) accurately
• select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

Evaluate 

• investigate and analyse a range of existing products
• evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work
• understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world

Technical knowledge 

• apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures
• understand and use mechanical systems in their products
• understand and use electrical systems in their products
• apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products

We ensure the children:

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users and critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. Children will design and make a range of products. A good quality finish will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child

Children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

PSHE

At Hadrian, personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is an embedded part of our broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development is at the heart of our school ethos. British Values are promoted through the overarching aims and objectives of PSHE by supporting our children to become healthy and responsible members of society, as well as preparing them for life and work in modern Britain.

RE

At Hadrian Primary School we believe that Religious Education plays an important part in developing our children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural growth. Through the teaching of R.E. children gain a better understanding of themselves and their belief system and also develop an awareness of the differing beliefs of others. R.E. offers our children the means by which to understand how other people choose to live and to understand why they choose to live in that way. This helps children to develop respect and tolerance towards their peers, staff and the community as a whole. As well as developing factual knowledge of a variety of religions, R.E. also encourages students to ask questions about life, develop self-reflection and promotes attitudes of confidence and thoughtfulness about themselves. We aspire to help children to develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues which is an essential skill in our 21^stcentury multi-cultural society. 

MFL 

The intention of the Italian curriculum at Hadrian is that children are taught to  develop an interest in learning other languages in a way that is enjoyable and stimulating. We encourage children’s confidence and creative skills. We strive to stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language. We help children develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries. we strive to embed the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills necessary to enable children to use and apply their Italian learning in a variety of contexts and lay the foundations for future language learning. 

Our MFL curriculum is designed to progressively develop children skills in languages, through regular taught lessons. Children progressively acquire, use and apply a growing bank of vocabulary organised around topics. Children are encouraged and supported to develop their speaking and listening skills through conversational work, singing activities and games. As confidence and skill grows, children record their work through pictures, captions and sentences. 

Our MFL curriculum ensures that children are accessing work at age related expectations, with regular opportunities to be challenged through higher-level objectives. Children are assessed according to age related expectations in line with curriculum requirements.