Planting Seeds to Help Little Minds Grow...

Our Intent

Our curriculum has been created with our children, families and community in mind. 

At Westwood Infant and Nursery School we pride ourselves on conducting an inclusive, fun and engaging curriculum that promotes independence and is enhanced through trips, visits, visitors and experiences.

Our aim is to create a school in which our children feel happy, safe and cared for. Our nurturing values are clear through our school slogan

'Planting Seeds to Help Little Minds Grow'

Staff work hard to build confidence and resilience amongst our young children leading to creating independent learners and inquisitive minds.

We have a whole school topic based approach to teaching that provides a broad and balanced curriculum. We ensure that there is a clear progression across all subjects to enable staff to build on prior knowledge and identify next steps.

Our Curriculum Drivers

Our three key drivers are personal to our school and underpin everything we do.  

Independence

From starting in Nursery through to year two we encourage the children to take ownership of their learning and be curious, confident and resilient children.

Experience

We believe that learning is most meaningful and memorable when children are provided with real life experiences. We plan as many real life experiences in each topic as we can, including real artefacts,  visitors, off site visits and trips. Experiences also take place in the classroom through baking, food tasting, theme days and well resourced lessons.

Tolerance

Through our curriculum and daily school life we actively promote tolerance and diversity. Our children work collaboratively throughout school and demonstrate respect and encouragement to one another.

Below is our Topic Cycle for EYFS and KS1.

English 

Our English Lead is Mrs Armstrong

Across the school we follow 'Talk For Writing' which supports children within their reading and writing development.

We also use Twinkl for our phonics teaching which is DfE validated and supports children's understanding of sounds as well as developing their phonic knowledge. If you would like any further support with supporting your child at home with phonics please speak with a member of staff. 

Music 

Our Music Lead is Daniel Heald

Music is taught directly each Tuesday morning by our experienced music co-ordinator Daniel. Music is taught from Nursery through to Year Two and incorporates use of musical instruments, online learning using Purple Mash and through whole class work.

Children are also provided with the opportunity to attend Music Club which takes place each Tuesday lunch time in our outdoor Music area.

Please click on the link below to be taken to our Music page.

Physical Education

Our P.E Lead is Daniel Heald

Each Tuesday morning children from Nursery through to Year Two take part in a P.E session with Luke, learning various alternative sports including Archery and Fencing.

Each Tuesday afternoon children take part in a P.E session with Daniel. Daniel's sessions focus on Gymnastics, movement, dance and outdoor sports.

During the Spring term children in Reception, Year One and Year Two also participate in a 16 week swimming block to develop water skills. 

We offer an after school PE club with Daniel each Tuesday. This is a free club for children to attend to enjoy physical activities.

Geography 

Our Geography Lead is Mrs Armstrong

Where possible our Geography teaching builds upon child knowledge, therefore our teaching consists of exploring local surroundings. We  incorporate this with educational visits and visitors into school to provide children with a broad range of experiences. 

History

Our History Lead is Miss Spencer

Science 

Our Science Lead is Miss Spencer

Science is taught through practical experiments and investigations. We believe children learn most when they are curious and have the opportunities for hands on learning. 

Mathematics

Our Mathematics Lead is Miss Woodcock

As a whole school we follow 'White Rose Maths' scheme. This incorporates lots of problem solving and reasoning skills. We also use Numicon to ensure all children are able to access the curriculum through the use of resources. 

ICT 

Our ICT Lead is Miss Woodcock

ICT is taught across the curriculum. Children access a range of ICT including laptops, ipads, cameras, Interactive White Boards and also Beebots/Bluebots. 

PSHE/Well-Being 

Our PSHE Lead is Mrs Armstrong

Regular circle times and discussion groups contribute to well-being and ensuring that children feel safe, confident and happy within school. As a school we take part in

Well-Being Wednesday each week to provide opportunities for discussion, reflection and calming activities including mindfulness and yoga. Our children's well-being is incredibly important to us and we work hard to ensure that they are supported, feel safe and happy within the school environment.

Art and Design

Our Art and Design Lead is Miss Spencer

Art and Design is taught across the curriculum with a high importance on Art and Mindfulness during our Well Being Wednesday each week.

We also offer Art After School Club each Wednesday and Thursday.

Religious Education

Our Religious Education Lead is Miss Woodcock

Religious Education is embedded across school throughout each day through our nurturing and supportive school ethos, along with a direct teach on a weekly basis. Children are taught following the Nottinghamshire agreed Syllabus, teaching mutual respect and appreciation. 
We have established links with St Mary’s Church in Jacksdale and predominantly teach Christianity across school. We also celebrate festivals including Diwali, Chinese New Year and focus on religions including Buddhism and Judaism.

Online Games and Activities