Penponds School Curriculum Statement
Article 28: All children have the right to an education - no matter what!
Our Curriculum Intent
Rooted in Article 28 of the UNCRC (the right to education), Penponds School provides a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum that nurtures academic excellence, curiosity, independence, creativity, and personal development. The curriculum aims to be a driver of change, enabling every child to:
- Reach their academic potential
- Build a love of learning
- Develop independence and resilience
- Foster leadership in their own learning journey
- Be inspired by and connected to the local context
Our Curriculum Implementation
The curriculum is rich, diverse and carefully sequenced, ensuring progression and depth from EYFS to the end of KS2. Delivery includes:
- A wide range of experiences (lessons, trips, clubs, camps, community projects)
- A cross-curricular approach scaffolded by subject-specific skills
- A bespoke Penponds Curriculum, carefully mapped to National Curriculum objectives and the EYFS Framework
- Use of varied resources like Kapow, White Rose, Literacy Tree, and Teach Computing
Planning Tools:
- Long Term Plans – Mapping coverage, progression, sticky knowledge, careers links, and launch/finale ideas
- Skills Progression Maps
- Sticky Knowledge Organisers
- Sequence of Learning Documents
- SEND Strategy Documents
- Assessment and Monitoring Systems
- Topic Flipbooks to share learning with families
- Use of Rich Allen’s Green Light Classrooms to embed long-term memory strategies
Subject Highlights
English
- Reading is central, celebrated through tea parties, book recommendations, and a culture of reading for pleasure.
- Phonics taught via Read Write Inc (RWI).
- Reading progression supported by Accelerated Reader and decodable books.
- Emphasis on public speaking (Youth Speaks).
- Writing taught using Literacy Tree Writing Roots, covering poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.
- Integration of school values through storytelling with local author Tracy Curran.
Maths
- Based on White Rose Maths, supplemented with NCETM resources.
- Focus on mental arithmetic, fluency and reasoning.
- Use of platforms like Times Tables Rockstars, SumDog, and Prodigy.
- Staff involved in Maths Mastery programme via the Maths Hub.
Science
- Taught through White Rose Science, prioritising curiosity, experimentation, and real-world application.
- Strong progression from KS1 practical investigations to KS2 theory, data analysis, and communication.
Foundation Subjects
- DT and Art supported by Kapow, with a practical, skills-based approach.
- Music led by a specialist headteacher. Follows the Model Music Curriculum, includes whole-class instrumental teaching, choir, and performances.
- Computing delivered using Teach Computing, with strong cross-curricular links.
- Languages (French) taught across KS2, celebrated through Bastille Day and cultural immersion.
- RE follows the Cornwall Agreed Syllabus and uses NATRE to support planning and delivery.
- PE is varied, inclusive, and enriched by external partners. Offers swimming, residentials, and leadership opportunities (e.g. Play Leaders).
Curriculum Impact: Four Key Intentions
- Develop learners’ learning
- High standards in core/foundation subjects
- Readiness for the next phase of education
- Progress measured against age-related expectations and starting points
- Develop the character of learners
- Focus on values, community life, respect, tolerance
- Behaviour and interactions as key indicators of impact
- Develop learning behaviours and habits
- Emphasis on resilience, motivation, problem-solving
- Attitudes in both classroom and playground settings
- Develop the moral compass of learners
- Learners develop a sense of right and wrong, and a desire to contribute to their community and wider world
