School Curriculum

Statement of Intent:

Olney Middle School is a CARING school. It is our vision that our children are curious, inspired, and aspirational, develop a passion for learning and achieve without fear. As staff and governors, it is our role to support, guide and work with the community to ensure all the children in our care have the opportunity to fulfil our vision through our core values:
C – Co-operative A – Ambitious R – Resilient I – Integrity N – Neighbourly G –Gracious
It is our intention to develop:

  1.  our learner’s learning,
  2. the character of our learners,
  3. behaviours and habits to become effective learners
  4. the moral compass of our learners.

Statement of Implementation:

Using the National Curriculum as our starting point, we have developed a thematic approach to delivering the curriculum which is embellished further by clearly thought-out progressions of skills and knowledge for all subject areas. Our curriculum follows IFTLs curriculum principles and are followed through a pupil’s learning journey across the four years.  However, at the heart of this, is children being exposed to high quality experiences and children being immersed into their learning with visits or off timetable days of discovery. Parents and outside specialists come into school to help at regular opportunities to help bolster our offer and deepen the experiences further.

Children have a book for each subject in which to record their curriculum journey. Having a book for each subject strengthens the message that our curriculum is ‘built in’ and not ‘bolted on’. We are Historians, Geographers, Musicians and Scientists, morning, noon and night.  We really do ‘dive right in!’

Additionally, we invite parents and carers and where appropriate, members of the local community, in to allow the children to showcase their work and demonstrate what they know and can do. To really bring the topics to life, the classroom environments are stimulating, and immersive and home learning conversations are designed to further encourage the children to reinforce their learning in school and delve deeper into their particular topics. Alongside effective teaching, focused assessment and curriculum organisation ensures all learners have the opportunity to participate and wider needs are supported.