Whole School Curriculum

Our aim is that all children:

• maintain and stimulate lasting pupil curiosity, interest and enjoyment in the Arts;
• become familiar with a body of knowledge, principles, skills, techniques and vocabulary related to the Arts subjects;
• are exposed to a wide range of creative experiences and resources;
• work independently and as part of a team in varied activities so that the Arts also contribute to the development of core skills such as ICT, reading, writing, speaking and mathematics;
• have equal access to the Arts, irrespective of their gender, ethnic origin, academic attainment etc.;
• are aware of the implications of the Arts (past and present) for the individual, local, national and international communities;
• develop informal opinions and are able to support these through reasonable arguments, free from prejudicial intolerance;
• foster and encourage a lasting enjoyment and appreciation of the Arts from a variety of cultures and traditions.

Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity.  At Warren Road, we aim to give children an understanding of how it has shaped our history and contributed to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.  We recognise that every child has untapped creativity and it is our responsibility to nurture, encourage and inspire them at this critical early age, so that they can grow up to be rounded individuals and contribute in all walks of society.

We provide an excellent, high-quality art and design education that meets the guidelines of the national curriculum and has seen us awarded with the Artsmark.  Our lessons inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, develop a capacity for critical thinking and problem solving.  Six skills areas are monitored for progression as children move upwards through the school: drawing, colour, texture/collage, form (3D and 2D), printing and pattern.  Alongside this, children continually use ICT for creative projects and learn from ‘The Great Masters’.

Our aim is that all children:

• draw upon their innate creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts;
• consider their own and others’ needs, wants and values in terms of design and manufacture;
• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users;
• acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art;
• develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world;
• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

At Warren Road, we recognise how important design and technology (DT) is in helping children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.  We want children to understand how it makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of our nation.

We provide an excellent, high-quality design education that explores skills in research, design, making, evaluating, and developing technical knowledge and skills. In addition, cooking and nutrition (food technology) sits central to the curriculum.  Our lessons aim to be inspiring, rigorous and practical, with children getting real, hands-on experience in areas such as woodwork and cutting tools, or 3D design in a variety of materials. We also have teams competing in external DT competitions with Lego, Knex and Kit cars.

Our aim is that all children:

• are excited and motivated to read, write and express themselves;
• are provided with a rich, experimental and imaginative curriculum;
• are exposed to a wide-variety of high-quality literature;
• build and internalise a bank of stories that support them in developing their imagination, vocabulary, writing techniques and confidence;
• are taught phonics, spelling and grammar through a creative approach that is contextualised within the art of writing;
• are exposed to high-quality shared and guided reading and writing, modelling the skills and techniques of being a confident reader and writer;
• receive informative and motivational feedback in order to move them on developmentally, as well as motivationally as readers and writers.

At Warren Road, our aim is that all children love English and are excited to read, write and express themselves. In order to achieve this, we follow Talk for Writing (TFW) as a whole school, cumulative and systematic process for the teaching of English. Since implementing TFW in 2015, children have made faster progress, gaining confidence as well as pleasure in becoming readers and writers.  The success we have seen through this approach has led to us becoming an accredited Talk for Writing training centre, showcasing some of the best teaching of English across the country.

Talk for Writing fundamentally teaches children how to be writers – not just how to write. It supports children to be able to generate ideas, draw upon their reading and write confidently for a variety of audiences and purposes.  The methodology follows a three-tier pattern: Imitation, Innovation and Independent Application.  During the imitation stage, children get to know a text really well by orally learning it, exploring it through drama and then reading it for vocabulary, comprehension and writerly tools.  The Innovation stage is grounded in the processes of shared writing, with a strong and systematic focus on securing the basics of handwriting, phonics/spelling and grammar in relation to what is needed for the text type being taught. The final stage, Independent Application, promotes children to draft, edit and publish their own independent versions.

At the heart of Talk for Writing is the principle that schools should increase the amount children read and are read to.  Warren Road has adopted Talk for Reading as a whole-school approach, establishing a very strong ‘literature spine’ which identifies key stories, picture books, poems and non-fiction which will be read and drawn upon and referred to when teaching writing.

Through their time at Warren Road, children gradually build their bank of well-known texts, supplemented by picture books, novels, poems and non-fiction books. Gradually, this living library of language begins to equip the children with the words they need to express themselves.

Our aim is that all children:

• have a contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – terrestrial and marine – and their related geographical characteristics and processes;
• can understand the Earth’s key physical and human processes;
• can collect, analyse and communicate data gathered from fieldwork;
• are able to interpret geographical sources, such as maps, diagrams, globes, photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS);
• can effectively communicate through images, maps, data and written formats.

At Warren Road, we believe that all children should be inspired to have a real sense of curiosity and fascination to find out about the world around them and the people within it. Our geography curriculum equips the children with knowledge and understanding about diverse places, people, resources and environments.

Geography at Warren Road is taught through discrete lessons.  We widen and enrich the geography curriculum with international school partnerships and educational fieldwork opportunities both locally and further afield.

Our aim is that all children:

• know and understand the history of Britain, how people’s lives have shaped it and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world;
• know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world;
• understand historical concepts, such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance;
• understand the methods of historical enquiry and decide on the validity of a range of sources;
• gain historical perspective by looking at historical events from a variety of points of view.

At Warren Road, we aim to provide a quality and, most importantly, enthralling history education that will help children gain knowledge and understanding of both Britain’s past and that of the wider world.  We believe that children should be inspired to learn from the events of the past. Our history curriculum gives children the opportunity to question the mistakes that have come before them, as well as reflecting on the numerous successes, allowing them to think critically and develop their own opinions and judgements.

History gives pupils an insight into people’s lives, changes in society and relationships between people, which should not only capture their imagination, but will also help form them into well-rounded people with a breadth of interests. Crucially, history should be fun and engaging by allowing children to experience elements of the topics they study through practical lessons, history-themed days, school trips and independent research.

Our aim is that all children:

• can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation;
• can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems;
• can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically in order to be able to solve problems;
• become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Our aim at Warren Road is to equip the children with the computing skills and creative flair required to access the world we live in today. We are strong believers that, whilst pupils become digitally literate, they are also able to use and express themselves through information and communication technology.  As a result, ICT infiltrates all elements of our curriculum, providing the children with the opportunity to explore, observe and solve specific problems, whilst making thrilling and interesting discoveries.

Additionally, due to ever changing technology, ICT resources are carefully factored into all areas of the curriculum, enabling the children to identify the tools that help promote and develop ICT skills, as well as supporting and encouraging them to engage with their imagination and their learning.

Our aim is that all children:

• foster an interest in learning other languages;
• introduce children to another language in a way that is enjoyable and fun;
• stimulate and encourage children’s curiosity about language;
• help the children to develop their awareness of cultural differences in other countries;
• gain strategies to help with learning another language;
• develop a positive attitude and a disposition towards language learning;
• acquire an awareness of different languages and their similarities and differences;
• develop technical acquisition of the French language;
• show progression in speaking, listening, reading and writing;
• develop an understanding of phonics in the French language.

At Warren Road, children in Key Stage 2 learn French in a fun and creative way. The children build up their vocabulary and apply this learning to their own experiences, enabling them to express themselves in another language. It is important that the children are excited about learning a new language and are also given opportunity to explore the culture and particular historical events in France.

The curriculum is based on the ‘Tout-le-monde’ Heinemann Primary French scheme. This provides a foundation for the school’s programme in early foreign language learning. Through the use of ‘Tout-le-monde’ and teachers’ own planning, a clear model of progression is seen through a term’s work. This would begin with the acquisition of key vocabulary and games to help memorise and consolidate these words and phrases. Next, the children would be exposed to French texts in order to identify the learnt vocabulary and put it into context. This could be through the use of stories, poems, songs or other text types. Depending on their age and ability, children will then work towards putting these words and phrases together to form relevant sentences. Differentiation is often in the form of scaffolding and word banks. There is a focus on any relevant phonetic or grammatical knowledge during this phase of learning.

Our aim is that all children:

• become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics so that they are efficient in using and selecting the appropriate written algorithms and mental methods, underpinned by mathematical concepts;
• can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication, including in unfamiliar contexts and to model real-life scenarios;
• can reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, and develop and present a justification, argument or proof using mathematical language.

 ‘Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.’  National Curriculum.

At Warren Road, we believe that all children should be given the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways, using different representations, and that they will apply their knowledge to other subjects.  We also acknowledge the importance of mental arithmetic and times tables, and how a strong foundation in these can help with the understanding of other mathematical concepts.

Within each Year Group, we cover the following topics throughout the year:

• Number – place value, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and fractions
• Measurement
• Geometry – Properties of shape, position and direction
• Statistics (Year 2 upwards)
• Ratio and Proportion (Year 6)
• Algebra (Year 6)

Our aim is that all children:

• learn how to play a musical instrument, starting with recorders in Year 3 and a range of tuned and percussion instruments in weekly music lesson. Peripatetic music lessons are also available on a range of instruments.
• take part in musical events in their local community, for example, the Bromley Schools Music Festival, Gamelan workshops at Sevenoaks School, singing carols in The Glades, visiting and performing to local care residents, school performances;
• perform in front of an audience, including school assemblies, annual music concerts and school performances;
• have the opportunity to join the school choir, Glee club or orchestra, building confidence and giving more purpose to playing and singing;
• develop their listening and concentration skills: music lessons and group activities significantly help children to build their communication and listening skills which impacts on all areas of learning;
• compose, listen and appraise: composing in groups and individually; reading and writing music notation and creating musical scores; listening to a range of composers and genres of music from around the world; making cross-curricular links.

At Warren Road, we aim to ensure that all children have the opportunity to experience and enjoy musical activities. These include playing in groups, performing to peers, composing and enjoying listening to music.  Music can spark a child’s imagination and open up a whole world of new possibilities, cultures and intellectual capabilities. Music is about communication, creativity and cooperation, with listening at the heart of it.  Through playing and performing, children grow in confidence and are better equipped to take on new challenges as they move through their lives.

Children learn in different ways and we ensure that music is taught in a variety of ways, enriching and challenging all children.

Our aim is that all children:

• know and understand what constitutes a healthy lifestyle;
• are aware of issues surrounding their own safety;
• understand what makes for good relationships with others;
• have respect for others;
• be independent and responsible members of the school and wider community;
• be positive and active members of a democratic society;
• develop self-confidence and self-esteem, and make informed choices regarding personal and social issues.

Through high-quality teaching, we aim to ensure that all children leave Warren Road with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to keep themselves healthy and safe, build healthy relationships, reach their full potential and become lifelong learners that contribute successfully to society.

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Education) and SEMH (Social, Emotional, Mental Health) underpin all that we do at Warren Road. SEMH is closely linked to many aspects of the PSHE curriculum and so often goes hand in hand within our teaching.

Our teaching consists of 3 core themes that are taught through age-appropriate discussion, activities, visiting workshops and assemblies in each year group. These are: Relationships, Living in the wider world and Health & Wellbeing. PSHE is taught as discreet lessons, as well as part of cross-curricular themes. Lessons are taught weekly in every class following a carefully designed spiral curriculum that gradually revisits and reintroduces topics at a deeper, more complex level at each Key Stage.

The curriculum has been designed using guidance from the PSHE Association and taking into account the government’s current and proposed statutory requirements.

Lessons are enhanced by additional visitors and initiatives such as: A mind to be kind, The life education centre, Forest School and Anti bullying workshops.

Our aim is that all children:

• understand and reflect upon the religious and spiritual beliefs, practices, insights and experiences that are expressed in humanity’s search for meaning in life;
• explore and express their own responses and personal beliefs.

At Warren Road, Religious Education promotes pupils’ understanding of the multicultural and multi-faith society that we live in today by enabling them to explore issues of belief and issues between faiths. Having learned about different faiths and beliefs, pupils are then encouraged to understand how we can interact with each other and explore inter-faith issues of contemporary society.

Religious Education allows children and young people to help build their identity but also to understand their culture and the cultures of others, and how they relate. This can not only help breed tolerance, but also support them in building the moral framework that is so important in guiding young people as they grow and develop into active and effective members of our community.

We follow the Bromley Agreed Syllabus, produced by Bromley SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education). All agreed syllabuses must reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, whilst taking account of the teaching and practises of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain.  The areas of study through which children learn are authority and worship; sacred and inspirational writings; and lifestyle and celebrations.

Our lessons are engaging, with pupils being given opportunities to explore religion and beliefs through symbols, artefacts, art, drama and music.

In Early Years and KS1, pupils are given an introduction to the six main faiths: Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism and Buddhism.

In KS2, each year group studies a non-Christian faith in more detail and makes comparisons with Christianity. In year 6, Philosophy is further developed.

Throughout their time at Warren Road, pupils are also given the opportunity to visit a Mosque, Baptist Church, Hindu Temple, Catholic Church, Gurdwara, Synagogue and an Anglican Church.

Our aim is that all children:

• engage in a high-quality science education that provides the foundation for their understanding of the world;
• are equipped with the skills for lifelong learning;
• are developed in curiosity, enjoyment, scientific skills and a growing understanding of science knowledge, through an approach in which pupils raise questions and investigate the world in which they live;
• apply their own knowledge across a wide and varied curriculum;
• are confident in the investigational skills required to explore the wider world.

At Warren Road, children build up a body of key foundational knowledge, concepts and skills, with a particular focus on the teaching of practical science.  We aim to foster a sense of excitement and curiosity for the world around them, encouraging children to explore, question, predict, investigate, research and draw their own conclusions.

Our aim is to provide the foundation stones for the science capital required for children to make a successful transition to secondary school and beyond into the wider world. We support this by adding a rich variety of experiences within lessons, as well as through the use of outdoor learning space, extra-curricular activities and visits from respected scientific institutions.  We also encourage links to be made at home to support and embed the concepts learnt in school through the setting of varied homework tasks and experiences.

Within each Key Stage, we study the following topics:

• Biology: Plants; Animals (inc. Humans); Living Things and their Habitats; Evolution & Inheritance
• Physics: Everyday Materials & their Properties; Electricity; Light; Forces (inc. Magnetism & Sound);
• Chemistry: States of Matter; Changes of State
• Earth Science: Rocks, Seasonal changes; Earth & Space

In addition, working scientifically and researching the work of inspirational scientists, both past and present, is woven into the curriculum at all stages.

Our aim is that all children experience learning linked with the following areas:

• School Grounds and Growing – Outdoor learning is integral to every year group and children experience this within a variety of lessons.
• Biodiversity – Children learn about environmental science and how to improve the biodiversity of the school.
• Energy, water and recycling – Saving energy and focussing on renewable sources is key. This filters through topics and assemblies throughout the year.  Children actively look for ways that they can lessen their footprint on this world.
• Global Citizenship – We have partnerships around the world from China to Italy – children receive visitors from afar or make new friends with email projects.
• Smart Travel – It is vital that children take the opportunity to lead a healthy, active life and this can also have a positive impact on the air we breathe. Our Junior Travel Ambassadors help lead the way with this.

One of key aims at Warren Road is to make sure that children have an appreciation of the environment around them.  We are a school committed to sustainability, evident in our status as a Green Flag School and as WWF Green Ambassadors.  As a result, Sustainability is woven throughout every subject and found within classroom ethos.  It is also clearly visible around the school grounds, where children help to improve the biodiversity and participate in outdoor learning in a range of subjects. With this ethos, we aim to inspire creative minds and foster enthusiasm for discovery.

Our mission is for all children to leave Warren Road understanding the world around them and also the impact they have on it, however large or small.