Our Curriculum Intent and Offer
At Whaley Thorns, our curriculum is completely inclusive and is based around 6 core themes that we believe our children need:
Active learning, Well-Being, Aspiration, Language, Social Skills and Experience 

Curriculum Policy

Curriculum Policy September 2021
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The curriculum at Whaley Thorns Community Primary and Nursery School is one that seeks to maximise the achievements and progress of all pupils academically, socially, spiritually, morally, culturally, physically, mentally and emotionally as they move through the school. Our curriculum is designed to ensure our pupils receive their full entitlement to access a curriculum which is balanced and broadly based whilst being flexible and responsive to the needs the community we live in.
 
At Whaley Thorns Primary School, our curriculum is designed to:
  • recognise pupil’s prior learning,
  • provide first hand and practical learning experiences,
  • place value on outdoor learning,
  • allow pupil to develop interpersonal skills, language, behaviours and attitudes needed for life-long learning,
  • ·build resilience and become creative, critical thinkers,
  • ·reduce barriers to learning and provide nurture opportunities,
  • raise aspiration by providing pupils with experiences and opportunities outside of the classroom environment.
 
In daily classroom practice, too many of our pupils under achieve because they lack the fundamental skills of problem solving and behaviours for learning such as teamwork, sharing, communication and perseverance. Due to low self-esteem, many pupils give up if they deem the challenge too great or that they are not ‘good enough’ to rise to it. They are part of a generation that have led indoor childhoods and our curriculum is designed to work with families to change that mindset and improve the mental well-being of our pupil so that they can be the best version of themselves they can possibly be.
 
Every child is recognised as a unique individual. We celebrate and welcome differences within our school community. The ability to learn is underpinned by the teaching of basic skills, knowledge, concepts and values. We constantly provide enhancement opportunities to engage learning and believe that childhood should be a happy, investigative and enquiring time in our lives where there are no limits to curiosity and there is a thirst for new experiences and knowledge.  
 
We use the RESPECT code to promote positive attitudes and behaviours which reflect the values and skills needed to promote responsibility for learning, self-worth and future success.
 
Community involvement is an essential part of our curriculum in order to raise aspirations and opportunities for our pupil and their families. We celebrate our local history and values, but aim to provide opportunities to widen their experiences beyond their locality.