Curriculum

Our Creative Curriculum Policy  – click here to view

Highfield’s Creative Arts Week Video – January 2024

“The curriculum is a strength of the school. Each subject is bought to life through innovative, creative and practical approaches which challenge and spark pupils’ interest” – Ofsted 2016

What we do and why

At Highfield we want our children to be knowledgeable of the world around them and to develop the skills and values to be successful and make positive contribution to society.

Learning at Highfield is engaging, interactive and includes a range of experiences within the classroom and beyond. Children will be challenged and supported to achieve their potential. We systematically develop children’s knowledge and skills through a sequential curriculum that is relevant to our pupils. By linking knowledge and skills acquired to different areas of the curriculum children develop a deeper understanding and learning becomes embedded.

At Highfield we organise our Creative Curriculum into termly whole school topics (chosen by children and staff) which incorporate and promote our school values.  We have created a skills and knowledge based continuum of year group curriculum maps which include coverage of the National Curriculum, as part of a broadly balanced curriculum provision which meets the needs of Highfield’s pupils, taking regard of the school setting and local, national and international developments.

Our planning incorporates higher-order questioning and challenge for all pupils. Our curriculum is designed to be meaningful and purposeful, including practical, hands-on activities. Staff take every opportunity to promote learning beyond the classroom – outdoors in our mini-farm and wildlife area and further afield on trips and excursions.

Children are encouraged to undertake their own research projects, follow their own interests and preferred learning styles through pre-learning topic homework challenges. Regular feedback from children reveals how this cross-curricular approach allows them to make connections and apply their knowledge and skills across different subjects. At Highfield, pupils are motivated and learning is fun. 

Children develop the core skills that enable them to fully access our exceptional curriculum. At Highfield, pupils are motivated and learning is fun. As a result of their understanding of the world, they are able to recognise the positive impact they can have. It shows children that the world is an exciting and interesting place but we also develop children’s skills and self-esteem so they are able to effectively question, investigate, evaluate and form their own opinions and then articulate those opinions confidently and effectively. By the time our pupils leave Highfield not only are they ready for the next stage of their education but they have the knowledge, skills and values that will help them live successful and fulfilling lives.

Termly Topic for Years 1-6

Termly Topic – Nursery

Termly Topic – Reception

Termly Topic  – Year 1

Termly Topic  – Year 2

Termly Topic  – Year 3

Termly Topic  – Year 4

Termly Topic – Year 5

Termly Topic – Year 6

Termly Topic – Berry Class

Curriculum Maps for Years 1-6

Curriculum Map – Nursery

Curriculum Map – Reception

Curriculum Map – Year 1

Curriculum Map – Year 2

Curriculum Map – Year 3

Curriculum Map – Year 4

Curriculum Map – Year 5

Curriculum Map – Year 6

Curriculum Map – Berry Class

For more information on the National Curriculum in England, please click here

‘Changes to Curriculum and Assessment’ – Powerpoint information – Click here

Interventions

At Highfield interventions within the school day may take many forms such as;

  • Reinforcing the main teaching objectives
  • Developing an understanding to a greater depth
  • Improving confidence and social skills 

This is targeted support designed to help children reach their full potential and involve children of all abilities

Homework

“Well organised homework can play a vital role in raising standards of achievement”

Letter regarding an overview of  homework at Highfield

10 THINGS TO HELP WITH HOMEWORK

10 things you can do to help your child learn

1. Give your child confidence through lots of praise and encouragement.

As a parent, you have tremendous power to strengthen your child’s confidence – and confidence is vital to learning.

Provide specific praise that focuses on a particular aspect of their work. Comments such as “I like the way you have…” is more effective than “You’re clever!”.

2. Read to, and with, your child as much as possible.

As part of the National Year of Reading the Government is encouraging parents and carers to read to children, hear them read, or encourage them to read to themselves for at least 20 minutes a day.

3. Encourage children to observe and talk about their surroundings.

Even young children can be helped to read notices and signs, for example, and understand what they mean.

4. Make use of your local library.

Look out for special events and services for children.

5. Visit museums and places you think your child might find interesting.

Children now have free admission to major national museums and art galleries.

6. If your children like watching television, watch it with them sometimes and encourage them to talk about what they have seen. They will get more out of the experience.

7. Try to set time aside to do “homework” activities with young children.

8. Wherever possible, try to provide a reasonably quiet place for children to do homework (or help them to get to other places where homework can be done).

9. Encourage your child to discuss homework with you, including feedback from teachers.

10. Try to help your child to see the enjoyable aspects of homework.