Curriculum

At Chagford Church of England Primary School, we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing and happy environment where children’s learning and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our Christian foundation and inclusive values, we ensure that every child is known, valued and supported to thrive. These values shape our approach to teaching, learning and life in our school.

Our priority is to foster children’s curiosity, confidence and enjoyment of learning by enabling them to take an active role in their education through the EYFS Framework, the National Curriculum and the wider curriculum. Teachers adopt a creative and flexible approach to their practice, ensuring learning is responsive to children’s needs, interests and experiences. We aim to nurture independent, reflective learners with a lifelong love of learning.

When considering our curriculum at Chagford Church of England Primary School, we are guided by five key principles:

1. A carefully planned and thematic curriculum
   Our curriculum supports children’s natural curiosity and creativity, providing opportunities for depth of learning and meaningful reflection. Creative learning, both indoors and outdoors, is central to developing key life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, resilience, perseverance and collaboration.

2. Learning through direct experience
   Direct experience sits at the heart of our curriculum. Teachers create meaningful contexts that encourage children to question, investigate and make connections. Learning is active and purposeful, helping children to understand the world around them.

3. Learning through a range of approaches
   Knowledge, skills and understanding are developed through a wide variety of experiences, including practical learning, enquiry, play and the creative arts.

4. Learning in partnership
   Children, staff, parents and the wider community work together to create a challenging, distinctive and enriching curriculum. We draw upon local, national and global links to broaden children’s experiences and perspectives.

5. A rich and empowering learning environment
   All children are entitled to a well-resourced, engaging learning environment that promotes independence, responsibility and confidence. We encourage children to develop self-belief, a sense of belonging and respect for others, supporting them to grow as motivated learners and thoughtful members of their community.

At Chagford Church of England Primary School, all staff are dedicated to continually improving outcomes for our pupils and providing a high-quality education that meets the needs of every child. We work together to create a learning environment in which children are supported, challenged and encouraged to achieve their full potential.

Within our school, we strive to ensure:

• Thoughtful and flexible planning that reflects the diverse needs of all learners, enabling teachers to respond effectively during lessons and adapt provision based on ongoing assessment and identified next steps;

• High-quality teaching and learning that engages, motivates and challenges pupils, encouraging them to take pride in their work and develop confidence as learners;

• Meaningful and stimulating learning experiences, including regular opportunities for outdoor learning, that broaden pupils’ understanding and support learning across the curriculum;

• Clear progression and continuity in learning from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to the end of Key Stage 2, ensuring that knowledge and skills build securely over time;

• A balanced and well-structured curriculum that draws upon effective educational practice while meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum, preparing pupils well for the next stage of their education.

Through this approach, we aim to create a purposeful, inclusive and inspiring learning experience for all children at Chagford Church of England Primary School.