Curriculum Statement; Teaching and Learning Methods and Organisation

Our curriculum is a joined-up way of thinking to realise our vision to ensure our learners are ambitious, enterprising, ethical and healthy citizens. Our curriculum is broad and balanced and suitable for learners of different ages, abilities and aptitudes. It provides for appropriate progression for learners and includes a range of provision to ensure this. We use a concept-based curriculum as they help to:

• explore the essence of a subject
• add coherence to the curriculum
• deepen disciplinary understanding
• build the capacity to engage with complex ideas
• build understandings across, between and beyond subjects
• integrate and transfer learning to new contexts.

What concepts do we focus on?

How do we teach?

Teachers are the facilitators of learning. Considering the needs, views and stages of learners they will design fun, challenging and progressive experiences. Learners will have opportunities to influence their learning by collaborating with teachers and pupils during the start of each topic on their immersion days and also by sharing ideas to enhance their learning environment linked to topic and skills. Teaching staff as the experts will coach the learning in an appropriate direction considering the views and ideas of learners. Learners will influence the design of their learning environment. They will have opportunities to work in ways that enhance their learning and also contribute to driving school improvement through pupil voice. Learners will participate in community projects, go on school trips, welcome visitors to the school and raise money for charities to enhance their learning experiences.

At Fairoak Primary School we are consistently working towards delivering a curriculum which focuses on the four key purposes. They are that all young people will be:

• Ambitious, capable learners who are ready to learn throughout their lives
• Healthy, confident individuals who are ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society
• Enterprising, creative contributors who are ready to play a full part in life and work
• Ethical, informed citizens who are ready to be citizens of Wales and the world.

Discrete lessons, thematic projects, extra-curricular activities, visits, visitors, outdoor learning and collective worship are all employed in order to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum which provides learning experiences that engage and motivate children to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding.

The Structure of the Curriculum

The curriculum at Fairoak Primary School is structured and delivered in such a way as to engage and motivate all children in their learning from Nursery to Year 6 (3 – 11yrs). There are six Areas of Learning and Experiences (AOLE’s) which include ‘What Matter Statements’ and these are:

• Languages, literacy and communication
• Mathematics and numeracy
• Health and well-being
• Science and technology.
• Expressive arts
• Humanities

English and Maths are delivered discreetly whereas nearly all other learning is achieved through thematic/topic-based work. The three overarching competencies, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital, are embedded throughout the curriculum. Themes are chosen according to stages of development and interests of the children.

At Fairoak Primary the children have a voice with regards to what they would like to learn. This voice has a significant influence on curriculum content.

Relationships Sexuality Education - RSE

RSE is a mandatory element of the curriculum in Wales; and every child has the right to access the full curriculum.

RSE has a positive and empowering role in our children’s education and plays a vital role in supporting them to become healthy, confident individuals – ready for the next chapter in their lives. RSE is about keeping our children and young people, healthy and safe; supporting them to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours that will assist in protecting them throughout their lives. What will be taught All lessons delivered will be developmentally appropriate for all learners. The aim of the lessons and activities is to gradually build learners’ knowledge, skills and values, as they develop; emphasising the social and emotional aspects of relationships. Education around relationships in early development is required, which will allow our pupils to focus on building positive relationships and their  own self-esteem. This will then encourage our learners to value themselves, recognise and communicate their feelings, and form friendships.

At Fairoak, we have adopted a comprehensive programme called, ‘Jigsaw,’ which will help staff deliver the RSE element of the curriculum in a safe, sensitive and secure environment. All lessons follow the Welsh Government RSE Code.

RVE and Collective Worship at the School

At Fairoak we teach RVE through the five key concepts which provides a holistic approach that prepares learners for life in a rapidly changing world. We ensure that Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE) contributes to the development of ethical, informed citizens who understand the connections between beliefs, values, and society. This approach reinforces the Curriculum for Wales’ Four Purposes, ensuring that pupils become ambitious, capable learners and ethically aware individuals ready to engage with local and global challenges.

Welsh

Welsh is taught as a second language as part of the LLC AoLE. The school follows a Welsh Continuum which is a whole-school approach to teaching Welsh through a series of progressive and developmental language patterns. These language patterns form the basis of the scheme of work that we teach at Fairoak. There is a progression of linguistic skills from Foundation Phase to Year 6. Welsh is incorporated into other curriculum areas where possible. Welsh culture and heritage is a fundamental part of the new curriculum in Wales and is taught through a range of mediums – poems, legends, song and film. We participate in all Wales competitions, take part in Urdd events and link with a neighbouring Welsh first language school to develop our Welsh identity. Pupils in Year 4 to 6 also have the opportunity to learn an international language – at Fairoak Primary School this is French.

Sport and Healthy Schools

Physical and emotional well-being are an important part of life at Fairoak Primary School. Pupils enjoy regular, high-quality physical education, active playtimes, and a range of inclusive sports and fitness opportunities both during and after school, helping children to develop confidence, teamwork and a lifelong love of physical activity. A healthy snack policy is in place, with pupils encouraged to eat fruit or vegetables at breaktime and stay hydrated to support concentration and energy levels.

Our curriculum includes practical cooking skills, food education and an understanding of how diet and exercise affect the body. As part of the Cardiff Healthy Schools Scheme and the Welsh Healthy Schools Network, we are proud to embed health and well-being into every aspect of school life—supporting all children to feel good and stay healthy.