Curriculum Information
‘Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum’ (Ofsted April 2023), which inspires creativity, independence and a thirst for learning.
The children explore topics and concepts in depth, using our exceptional provision, both indoors and out. They learn facts and understand how this knowledge is interwoven across subjects and builds, year on year. They Use their skills to apply this learning in purposeful ways and are therefore prepared for the next stage on their learning journey, be that, transitioning into a new year group, key stage or moving on to secondary school.
We want our children to hear and read rich vocabulary so our choice of books for whole class learning and their individual reading books, on our Reading Trail, ensure children access language beyond their years. Our two library areas have rich non-fiction texts and the Reading Chalet on the playground means all our children can enjoy hearing stories and sharing books at lunchtime. Children enjoy learning; phonics are taught explicitly and applied in fun ways. (https://smitham.croydon.sch.uk/croydon/primary/smitham/site/pages/curriculum/phonicsguidance is the link to our website, where our teaching of phonics is explained)
Our children become confident, able writers through having opportunities to write purposefully for an audience; having their work published in school, writing for the CR5 magazine, for our Learning Blog, to the Mayor and to the Royals. Even in the Early Years the children reflect on their writing and are aware of how to edit their work to make it the best it can be.
We make Maths accessible to our children by exploring concepts in depth, ensuring they have a secure understanding of the number system, place value and times tables so that they can apply these in all maths learning and in a variety of challenges, puzzles and real-life scenarios. (Information about how we teach calculations is on our website under Parents' Guide).
Children debug programs and solve problems using logical reasoning in our computing curriculum. We use our own esafety program ‘Would You…’ to develop children’s awareness and understanding of how to stay safe online.
Our curriculum complements the children’s interests. It is designed to effectively use our extensive provision, for example, children love re-enacting the Greek myths in the amphitheatre, and utilise resources in the local community, visiting the lavender fields, the synagogue and having our Christmas Concert in the church.
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Our outdoor, carefully thought out, landscaping design supports ecology and purposeful outdoor learning and Forest School. The outdoor studio, pond, orchard, meadow, woodlands and kitchen gardens promote scientific enquiry through practical exploration. We have gained Level 4 RHS Campaign for School Gardening Award.
Forest Schools is delivered to all of the children in dedicated sessions, which supports their holistic development.
The Houses –Earth, Fire, Air and Water – support our focus on sustainability.
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Creative and Performing Arts are an important focus; our choir and orchestra perform to a variety of audiences. We participate in the National Gallery’s ‘Take One Picture’ and the Pottery Club make good use of the kiln room. We have won the Chipstead Flower Schools’ Trophy 2019, 2022 and 2023 for our Art Installations.
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Our designated sports coach supports our commitment to sport and a healthy lifestyle, with high quality teaching, successful participation in competitive sport and ‘Change4life’ sessions. Our extensive range of extra-curricular activities, at lunchtime and after-school, ensure all children’s interests are developed; sporting activities include football, netball, athletics, tag-rugby, cross country, multi-skills and dance; musical activities include steel pans, choir, clarinet, guitar, violin, drums and orchestra; other activities include pottery, art, chess, science, drama and debating.
Our extensive range of extra-curricular activities, at lunchtime and after-school, ensure all children’s interests are developed; sporting activities include football, netball, athletics, tag-rugby, cross country, multi-skills and dance; musical activities include steel pans, choir, clarinet, guitar, violin, drums and orchestra; other activities include pottery, art, chess, science, drama and philosophy.
Each year group shares key information for each subject with parents. This is published in the form of Knowledge Organisers, which can be found on the Year Group tab or included on the Curriculum Subjects tab.
If you require further information on our curriculum, please contact the school.