Curriculum Statement

Widcombe Infant School
Curriculum Statement
Our curriculum is designed to help our pupils embed knowledge whilst at the same time learning new skills. 
These two foci are closely linked and we believe that, for our young children, development in one of these 
cannot happen without a commensurate focus on the other. Children need knowledge in order to practise 
the skills that they are developing. For example, without any factual understanding of healthy living, our 
Year 2 children would be unable to practise their writing skills in order to produce a piece of information 
writing on this topic. Here the acquisition of knowledge leads to the development of a skill. We also believe 
that teaching of specific skills can support factual understanding. For instance, for our Reception children, 
the skill of being able to count on and back in ones leads to the acquisition of knowledge about addition and 
subtraction facts. We believe that we will know if we have been successful in our teaching of knowledge and 
skills when our pupils are able to apply these to new contexts and in problem solving and 
investigational work. Therefore, explaining ideas and developing reasoning are essential ingredients of our 
curriculum.
We believe that a broad and balanced curriculum, which is relevant to our children, is the best way for our 
children to develop the knowledge and skills that they require to equip them for KS2 and to become a 
rounded learner. Reading is the ticket to success and the means through which the curriculum is accessed, 
and as a result, has a high profile throughout our school. As well as explicitly teaching decoding skills, we 
believe that the broad, balanced curriculum that we offer supports reading comprehension. By developing 
the children’s vocabulary, language, and knowledge and understanding of the world, our children have a 
greater range of experiences upon which to hang the words, phrases and ideas that they decode in their 
reading. The emphasis that we place upon trips, external visitors and unique experiences for the children 
impacts positively upon our children’s learning of knowledge through the development of their factual understanding. 
Due to the young age of the children at our school, we believe strongly in the value of practical, hands on, 
interactive and enjoyable experiences to help develop the knowledge and skills set out in our curriculum. It 
is important to develop strong learning skills, such as perseverance, confidence, independence and the 
ability to take risks, so that pupils can contribute fully to school life. The use of the outdoor learning 
environment including through Forest School combines these aims. Another important feature of our curriculum is
the emphasis upon the development of social skills. We want to produce learners who are confident, 
creative and robust, and our curriculum is geared towards supporting the development of strong personal 
characteristics. Opportunities to participate in community events broaden the children’s experiences and 
understanding of others, as well as developing social skills. We are also passionate about arts education as 
it allows children to express themselves and develop creativity. In addition, international education is an 
essential component of our curriculum through which we develop tolerance, respect of others and their 
beliefs. 
With our curriculum, we therefore aim to:
- Be proactive
- Consider carefully the sequence of what is taught so that children can progress
- Provide the core knowledge necessary for success
- Build deeper understanding and be constantly reflective as practitioners, to do the best we can to 
 facilitate progress, in all areas of a vibrant curriculum
- Nurture and care for every child so that their individual strengths are celebrated and they feel valued and 
 of value.