The Curriculum

At Derwent we provide an knowledge based sequences of lessons  to ensure children are taught a challenging and varied subject based curriculum.

Our curriculum aims to allow all pupils to excel academically as well as develop socially and emotionally.  We have high expectations of our children but we know that they can face barriers to learning such as high mobility or difficulties with attendance.

To meet the needs of our children and their diverse backgrounds, we have a clearly structured curriculum that promotes a love of learning and intellectual curiosity as well as language development, particularly in the younger years through a consistent synthetic phonics scheme. We promote the development of children's knowledge and understanding in all the primary subjects so that they can flourish as citizens in modern day Britain. Through our curriculum we celebrate the diversity of our community, and the communities within the UK. In line with our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, this includes a range of underrepresented and protected groups including gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, disability, age and race. 

The National Curriculum

Primary Knowledge Curriculum - History

Primary Knowledge Curriculum - Geography

Primary Knowledge Curriculum - Science

PSHCE EYFS

PSHCE Y1 - Y6

WhiteRose mathematics EYFS

WhiteRose mathematics Y1 - Y6 progression

WhiteRose mathematics calculation policy

Derwent mathematics curriculum overview

Computing curriculum 

Music curriculum

Music singing curriculum

EYFS Curriculum

Religious Education curriculum overview

PE Curriculum overview

In our pre-school classes, Ladybirds and Caterpillars and our reception classes, Hedgehogs and Squirrels, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework which set outs the areas of learning for the children. The music in our federation is underpinned by taught instrumental whole class lessons delivered by qualitifed teachers through Inspiring Music.  In class in addition we have singing and music lessons which are supported by the  resource.

At Derwent Primary School we enhance the curriculum through a host of events. Our teachers look for ways to offer the children opportunities to undertake activities that enrich their education. These have included:

• Enrichment trips linked to the curriculum learning, including: rugby with the French national team at RAF Henlow, visits to St Albans (Verulamium), Stowe, Heron's Gate Farm, Standalone Farm, Hertfordshire Zoo and the Y6 residential at Rock UK residential centre. 

• Themed events including messy art day, Safer Internet day, Anti-bullying week, Roman's day, Dinosaur day and Armed Forces day, Children in Need and TT Rockstars. We also have companies in to support the teaching across the curriculum. 

• Visitors are welcomed and they range from the Police and Fire Services to a performance poet, and leaders from various religious backgrounds. Community events have included an anti-bullying assembly at Henlow Church of England Academy as well as the Remembrance Day service and the Christmas Carol concert at RAF Henlow. The children have also taken part in the Christmas Fayre.

• Sports events through the Redborne Sports Partnership such as athletics competitions, tag rugby and gymnastics, football and netball competitions and multi skills.  A few children had a chance to try boccia as well!

The result of our effective curriculum is that children at Derwent study a broad range of subjects which challenge and spark curiosity. We are proud that our teaching and learning research led practices support pupils to achieve standards above those achieved nationally. 

For more information about the impact of our curriculum, please visit our page on Ofsted and Performance Tables.

The Executive Head teacher has overall responsibility for curriculum.  For any further information please message via Dojo or email executivehead@derwentschool.co.uk to arrange a time to speak to Mrs. Barlow.