Our Curriculum Intent

At Forestdale, we believe that every child can achieve, every child can grow and every child has something to contribute.

Our curriculum is designed to give children the knowledge, skills, experiences and confidence they need to thrive — both during their time at Forestdale and beyond. We want our children to be curious about the world, excited by learning and proud of what they can achieve.

We believe that a great curriculum should do more than prepare children for the next stage of their education. It should help them understand who they are, discover what they are capable of and develop the confidence to take their place in the world.

A curriculum that inspires

We provide a broad, ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge over time. New learning connects to what children already know, helping them make meaningful connections and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

We place a strong emphasis on reading, vocabulary and communication. We want children to encounter rich language, challenging texts and exciting ideas so that they develop the knowledge and vocabulary they need to express themselves, understand others and access the wider curriculum.

Learning is not limited to what happens in the classroom. We value experiences, opportunities, creativity, discussion, exploration and real-life learning. We want children to leave Forestdale with memories as well as knowledge.

Building knowledge that lasts

We know that learning takes time. Our teachers carefully plan opportunities for children to practise, revisit and apply important knowledge so that it becomes secure in their long-term memory.

As children move through the school, they build upon what they have learned before. This helps them become increasingly independent, confident and successful learners who can think deeply, ask questions and tackle new challenges.

Every child included

Our curriculum is for every child.

We have high expectations for all pupils, including children with SEND, and adapt our teaching and support so that every child can participate, make progress and experience success.

We recognise that children learn in different ways and at different rates. We celebrate individual strengths and interests while ensuring that every child has access to the rich knowledge and experiences they deserve.

Growing as individuals

Education is about more than academic achievement.

Through our curriculum and wider school experiences, children develop the qualities they need to flourish: respect, integrity, kindness, positivity and a strong sense of belonging.

We help children understand themselves and others, appreciate different beliefs and cultures, develop healthy relationships, make responsible choices and contribute positively to their community.

We want our children to be confident enough to have a voice, resilient enough to learn from mistakes and courageous enough to try something new.

Looking beyond Forestdale

We want our children to leave Forestdale with ambition, curiosity and a belief in themselves.

We want them to have a secure foundation of knowledge, a love of learning and the skills to embrace future opportunities. Most importantly, we want them to understand that their background or starting point does not define what they can become.

Our curriculum helps children to:

Believe — in themselves, in their ability to learn and in the difference they can make.

Aspire — to challenge themselves, discover their interests and imagine what is possible.

Excel — by giving their best, persevering through difficulty and taking pride in their progress.

Our promise

Every child. Every lesson. Every day.

At Forestdale, we want children to leave us knowledgeable, curious, kind, confident and ready for whatever comes next.

 

Our Curriculum

Below are details of our curriculum in Foundation Stage and KS1/KS2.

• Link to the National Curriculum To find out more about the National Curriculum follow this link