The School Curriculum

How do we learn at Moorpark?

We ask questions and find out the answers and solutions for ourselves.

Our entire curriculum is enquiry (question) led through inspirational topics in which the children choose their own lines of enquiry over each half term. Children and adults use Bloom's taxonomy to encourage higher order questioning and thinking within topic question planning and regularly through many lessons. (SEE classroom pages for more on BLOOM'S HOTS)

In each half term topic, there is at least one educational visit and guest visitor to give the children concrete, real-life experiences and opportunities for hands on exploration. These experiences then inform and give a strong sense of purpose to all other areas of the curriculum, especially reading, writing and speaking and listening. Skills in all subjects are taught, learnt and applied through each topic, especially skills in Maths and Computing.

Science, Geography, History, Art and Design and technology enquiry and application skills also feature heavily within all topics.

Art, Music and Drama are taught by specialist teachers. These subjects also link to enrich the overall half term topic.

RE is taught within a whole school approach through special theme events throughout the year.

PE is also taught weekly by specialist staff.

We follow the Jenny Moseley circle time and golden rules approach to PHSCE, this includes the content of SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning, National Strategies resource 2003) positive relationships and this is taught throughout the year in all classes, during assemblies and through special visitors or theme events.

We follow the new draft 2014 National Curriculum high expectations and objectives for all subjects.

Below is an overview of the area of skills within each subject as outlined by the National Curriculum.

English (Literacy)

The areas of English include; Reading, Writing, Spelling and grammar, Speaking and Listening and Handwriting.

Mathematics

Using and applying, number, shape, space and measures and data handling. Using and applying knowledge and skills in order to solve problems with an emphasis on mental calculation.

Computing

Communicating ideas, handling information and the control and use of suitable software and equipment.

Science

A wide knowledge of scientific understanding, the work of famous scientists and inventors.

Key skills: Observation, comparison, measure, communication, investigation and recording. These will later lead to higher order skills of hypothesizing, predicting, interpreting and devising experiments.

History

A chronological knowledge of events from prehistoric through to modern day. Curiosity about the past and help them to develop a sense of time and influence.

Geography

Develop knowledge of places and environments, maps, investigation and problem solving. Children think about their own place in the world, and how this affects others.

Art

Experience of the environment and awareness of colour, form, pattern, texture and space to develop an appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of art.

Music

Understanding and enjoyment through participation. This is achieved through a variety of activities including singing, percussion and musical appreciation. Visiting musicians afford the opportunity to widen horizons and provide stimulus.

Physical Education

Games, athletics, gymnastics, dance, swimming through challenge, competition, aesthetic movement, team work and physical fitness.

Design and Technology

Find ways to identify and generate ideas, plan, make, test and evaluate to find the best solutions to everyday problems.

P.S.H.C.E

Understand informed choices related to their day to day lives e.g. factors about hygiene and healthy lifestyles.

If you would like to find out any other information about the curriculum you can contact the school.