Curriculum Intent

At FST Federation our curriculum intent is centred around fostering a holistic learning experience for our students that goes beyond academic achievements, where children:

‘Love, Learn & Grow Together.’

We aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the essential values, skills, and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing world. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate the following core values:

1. Love: We believe in creating a caring and compassionate learning environment where kindness, empathy, and respect are celebrated and practised. Through this value, students will learn to appreciate and support one another, developing strong relationships with their peers and teachers.
2. Joy: We aim to inspire a love for learning and exploration, making education an enjoyable and enriching experience for our students. We encourage a positive and enthusiastic approach to learning, promoting curiosity and creativity.
3. Patience: Our school values a culture of inclusivity, tolerance, and conflict resolution. We prioritise the development of communication skills, emotional intelligence, and peaceful problem-solving, creating a harmonious community within the school.
4. Self-Control: We emphasise the importance of self-discipline and self-regulation in achieving personal growth and academic success. Students will learn to manage their emotions, impulses, and behaviours, enabling them to make responsible decisions.

To enhance our curriculum, we have identified the following key enhancers:

1. Creativity: We foster a curriculum that encourages creativity and imagination. Through various art forms, projects, and problem-solving tasks, students are provided with opportunities to think critically, outside the box.
2. Diversity: Our curriculum celebrates diversity in all its forms, promoting understanding, appreciation, and respect for different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. We aim to create global citizens who can thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.
3. Sustainability: We are committed to educating our students about environmental issues and sustainable practices. We instil a sense of responsibility towards the planet, empowering students to become environmentally conscious individuals.
4. Community: Our curriculum emphasises the importance of community engagement and social responsibility. We encourage students to actively participate in community projects and learn about the impact of their actions on society.

Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every child flourishes and reaches their full potential. We provide a nurturing and inclusive environment that supports students with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of school life.

As students’ progress through our primary school, we focus on developing their career aspirations and readiness for secondary school. We guide them in exploring various career options, instilling confidence, and ambition for their future endeavours.

Curriculum Implementation

The curriculum at FST Primary Schools Federation is built around promoting and instilling important values such as love, joy, peace, and self-control. These values are integrated into various aspects of teaching and learning to foster a positive and supportive learning environment.

1. Long-Term Plans for Mixed Age Groups: The curriculum planning takes into consideration the mixed age groups within the primary school setting. Teachers create long-term plans that cater to the varying needs and developmental stages of students across different year levels.
2. Quality First Teaching: The primary focus is on delivering high-quality teaching and learning experiences in the regular classroom setting. By prioritising quality first teaching, educators ensure that all students receive a strong foundation in essential skills and knowledge.
3. Consolidation Activities: After introducing new concepts, consolidation activities are provided to help students reinforce their learning. These activities offer opportunities for practice and application to solidify understanding.
4. Curriculum Enhancers: The curriculum is enriched by incorporating elements that enhance learning experiences, including creativity, diversity, sustainability, and community involvement. These enhancers help create a well-rounded and meaningful educational experience for the students.
5. Inclusion (SEND): The curriculum implementation takes into account the needs of all students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It ensures that the learning environment is inclusive and supportive, catering to individual differences and providing appropriate support where needed.
6. Differentiation: Teachers use differentiation strategies to accommodate the diverse learning needs and abilities of students. This may involve adapting teaching methods, materials, and assessments to ensure every student can access the curriculum at their level.
7. Knowledge Organisers: Knowledge organisers are tools used by teachers to summarise and organise essential information for each unit or topic of study. They provide a clear overview of the key concepts, facts, and vocabulary to aid students’ understanding and retention.
8. Developing Vocabulary: Emphasis is placed on developing students’ vocabulary across various subjects. A rich vocabulary is essential for effective communication and comprehension, enabling students to express their thoughts clearly and understand complex texts.
9. Exciting Lessons: The curriculum is designed to deliver exciting and engaging lessons that capture the students’ interest and make learning enjoyable. By using innovative and interactive teaching methods, we foster a positive attitude towards learning.
10. Enhancements: Additional learning opportunities or activities are integrated into the curriculum to enrich students’ educational experiences. These enhancements include extracurricular programs, workshops, visitors, visits and projects that complement the core curriculum.
11. Readiness for Secondary School: The curriculum aims to prepare students for the transition to secondary school by equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the next phase of their education.
12. Career Choices and Aspirations: The curriculum is designed to help students explore various career choices and develop their aspirations for the future. It involves career guidance and exposure to different career paths.

By combining these elements, FST Primary Schools Federation aims to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.

Curriculum Impact

The impact of the FST primary school federation curriculum with the emphasis on values of love, joy, self-control, patience, and curriculum enhancers creativity, sustainability, community, and diversity is highly positive for our children, such as:

1. Holistic development: Children are encouraged to develop emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for their overall growth and well-being.
2. Creativity and critical thinking: By enhancing creativity in the curriculum, students are encouraged to think outside the box, problem-solve, and explore their unique talents and interests.
3. Environmental consciousness: Incorporating sustainability into the curriculum raises children’s awareness of environmental issues and encourages them to become responsible and eco-conscious citizens.
4. Community involvement: With an emphasis on community, children are engaged in projects and activities that connect them with their local communities. This involvement instils a sense of responsibility, empathy, and understanding of the needs of others.
5. Embracing diversity: By acknowledging and celebrating diversity, the curriculum fosters a more inclusive and accepting school environment. Children will learn to appreciate different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, helping to build a harmonious and respectful community.
6. Academic progress and readiness for secondary education: The curriculum’s focus on creativity, critical thinking, and self-control leads to good progress for all and readiness for secondary school. Children are equipped with strong foundational skills are better prepared to handle more advanced studies.
7. Aspirations and self-confidence: Our nurturing and values-based curriculum boosts children’s self-esteem, confidence, and motivation. By recognising and celebrating their achievements, the curriculum helps children set higher aspirations for themselves and believe in their potential.
8. Social and emotional well-being: The holistic approach of the curriculum, coupled with the focus on values, positively impacts on children’s social and emotional development. This, in turn, contributes to better mental health.

Curriculumn Long Term Planning

If you would like to view our long term plan please go to the following link Long Term Planning

If you would like to find out more about the curriculum for your school then please contact the individual schools via the following emails:

Foston school e-mail fostonoffice@foston.n-yorks.sch.uk

Stillington school e-mail stillingtonoffice@foston.n-yorks.sch.uk

Terrington School e-mail terrington.primary@foston.n-yorks.sch.uk