Curriculum
Our Curriculum at Gobowen Primary School
To meet the requirements of the National Curriculum, classes from Year 1 – 6 follow a number of themes with a focus on history, geography, science or design technology (DT) which is shared with parents each term by class teachers.
This approach to the curriculum means that, where appropriate, we make as many cross curricular links as possible and the topics we choose take into account:
- The requirements of the National Curriculum in terms of skills and knowledge.
- The interests and needs of our children.
- The opportunity to embed literacy and numeracy skills in real-life activities.
- The core values of our school as illustrated by our ethos statement.
The National Curriculum sets out the minimum content. However, at Gobowen Primary School, we work hard to ensure that our children have the opportunity to learn lots of additional skills and to develop their knowledge and understanding fully. For example:
- We offer a wide range of after-school clubs which are free and many are designed as parent/child clubs
- Outdoor learning is an integral part of our teaching and the development of our aims and values with our forest school site is used daily across KS1 and 2.
- We take part in sports leagues and sports opportunities in the locality and across the county.
- We have a specialist MFL teacher to teach French across Key stage 2.
- We offer a wide range of trips, visitors into schools and links with other schools both in this country and abroad.
- Specialist teachers also provide a variety of instrument lessons including piano and percussion. A choir is also in place.
- Children all have specialist teaching from members of staff in KS1 and KS2 each week.
- Independence and personal responsibility are taught through Mindful Awareness and Restorative Practice
- Higher attaining children are not restricted by the National Curriculum and are encouraged to think flexibly, take risks with their learning and to pursue excellence in particular areas.
Although the National Curriculum is in place and we are required to follow the programmes of study, we can interpret it in such a way that it meets the needs and interests of our children. By not sticking to a prescriptive long term plan we are able to provide bespoke learning and ensure high quality provision term by term.
To ensure that our curriculum allows for progression across the school we use Chris Quigley's Essentials as guidance. Here is an overview of what is taught in each year group for each subject:
Curriculum Overviews
Please click on the documents below to see the termly overviews of the subjects covered in each class. MFL will not appear on these as it is taught discretely. Please see the Languages page for coverage.
Reception-Willow Class
Willow STEAM Planner 2020-2021
Year 1 - Sycamore Class
Year 2 Hazel Class
Year 3 - Maple Class
Year 4 - Ash Class
Year 5 - Birch Class
Year 6 Oak Class
Specialist Teaching
In KS2 all of our children have the opportunity to experience specialist teaching.
The children move around the KS2 teachers Monday - Thursday.
Mr. Lawson delivers Computing
Mrs. Jones teaches Yoga
Mr. Griffiths teaches Music
Mrs. Owen teaches French
This gives the children the chance for really high quality teaching and also prepares them for working with different adults and in different classes.
The children thoroughly enjoy these sessions.
The children move around the KS2 teachers Monday - Thursday.
Mr. Lawson delivers Computing
Mrs. Jones teaches Yoga
Mr. Griffiths teaches Music
Mrs. Owen teaches French
This gives the children the chance for really high quality teaching and also prepares them for working with different adults and in different classes.
The children thoroughly enjoy these sessions.
PAT Yoga Survey
We asked the children in year 3-6 what they thought about the Yoga sessions that they every week.
Q1. Do you enjoy yoga?
All children in year 3-5 enjoy yoga. The children in year 6 are a bit more split in their opinions, as they feel a bit more self-conscious.
Q2. Why do we do it in school?
Children came up with; To relax, get fit, flexible, clam down, cope with worries, to settle your mind, gets you string and healthy, muscle development, control your body, to use as adults, learn life skills and we can use it at home.
Q3. Have you got better?
This was a resounding 'Yes' across years 3-5 but with less year 6 children feeling that they has improved.
Q4. Would you like to continue?
Again all of year 3-5 said yes or definitely and that they wanted more.
Q5. What would you like to do next?
Year 6 would like to try other subjects such as Art, Maths, PE and D&T.
Other years said They would like to; make up their own poses, do partner balances, make stories of the yoga poses, look at flexibility etc.
Overall we are really pleased with the results and the positive effect that it is having on our children.
Q1. Do you enjoy yoga?
All children in year 3-5 enjoy yoga. The children in year 6 are a bit more split in their opinions, as they feel a bit more self-conscious.
Q2. Why do we do it in school?
Children came up with; To relax, get fit, flexible, clam down, cope with worries, to settle your mind, gets you string and healthy, muscle development, control your body, to use as adults, learn life skills and we can use it at home.
Q3. Have you got better?
This was a resounding 'Yes' across years 3-5 but with less year 6 children feeling that they has improved.
Q4. Would you like to continue?
Again all of year 3-5 said yes or definitely and that they wanted more.
Q5. What would you like to do next?
Year 6 would like to try other subjects such as Art, Maths, PE and D&T.
Other years said They would like to; make up their own poses, do partner balances, make stories of the yoga poses, look at flexibility etc.
Overall we are really pleased with the results and the positive effect that it is having on our children.
PAT Dog
We have a PAT dog called Tom who comes into school once a week to read with our children.
The children absolutely love this time.

