Curriculum

Our Context

Little Learners, Big Achievers

Arden Forest Infant School is a two-form entry school in Bulkington, serving children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

We are a close school community where relationships with children and families help us understand each child’s strengths, experiences and needs.

Children join us with varied starting points. Some need additional support with communication, early literacy, social and emotional development or special educational needs; others are ready to deepen and extend what they already know. Our curriculum must provide strong foundations for every child, while opening up experiences, ideas and possibilities that reach beyond those they encounter in everyday life.

The infant years are a short and significant stage of education. We therefore place particular importance on language, reading, mathematics and the characteristics of effective learning, alongside rich learning across every subject. As we develop our curriculum, we are sharpening what children need to know and be able to do, how learning builds from the Early Years through Key Stage 1, and how regular opportunities to revisit and retrieve knowledge help it endure. Our local community provides a meaningful starting point, while the wider world gives children much more to discover.

Working in partnership with families, we aim to ensure that every child feels included, is inspired to learn and leaves Arden Forest with many successes, preparing them for their next stage of education and life

Our Intent

Included, Inspired and Successful

At Arden Forest Infant School, our vision is for every child to feel Included, Inspired and Successful. Our curriculum supports children to achieve excellence, in a caring and inspirational learning environment. Rooted in respect, responsibility, honesty, empathy and tolerance, we aim to nurture children’s curiosity, confidence and sense of belonging, as they begin their school journey.

We are strengthening our curriculum so that learning builds coherently from the Early Years through Key Stage 1. We want all children to develop a firm grasp of the important concepts in each subject, alongside the skills needed to think and apply understanding in that subject. Teaching gives children regular opportunities to revisit, practise and retrieve what they have learned, helping them to remember it, make connections, and apply learned skills within new contexts. We continually review our curriculum to ensure it remains ambitious, inclusive and relevant to the world in which our children live.

Planning for teaching and learning develops the characteristics of effective learning. We encourage children to be active learners who seek out and enjoy challenges, persevere when things are difficult, collaborate with others and reflect on their own learning, and that of their peers. We develop strong foundations in speaking, reading, writing and mathematics so that children can convey ideas confidently, communicate effectively and apply their learned skills, to solve problems.

We foster creative thinking by encouraging children to ask questions, generate ideas and explore possibilities. They learn to try alternatives when they meet a barrier and to connect their knowledge and experiences in inventive ways. Through rich experiences, thoughtful teaching and high expectations, we aim for every child to leave Arden Forest with the knowledge, skills and self-assurance to thrive in their onward education, and beyond.