Curriculum
We believe an inclusive school is one in which the teaching and learning, achievements, attitudes and well-being of every pupil really matter.
Our curriculum is broad, balanced and tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, including those who need extra support or challenge high achieving, talented and gifted children.
Every child brings something unique, and we celebrate those differences. We begin with each pupil’s strengths and tailor our teaching to meet their personal, social and academic needs. Learning is dynamic, hands-on and meaningful – driven by curiosity, creativity, problem-solving and the thoughtful use of technology.
Rivermead Curriculum Drivers
Our curriculum is based on four pillars:
- Inquiry
- Connections
- Oracy
- Community
We offer a unique ‘Rivermead Curriculum’ which is enriching, engaging and interesting, and enables children to gain knowledge, master skills, express their individual talents and develop a love of learning. We want your child to be happy and confident, equipped with the attributes, skills and knowledge that will endure beyond their time at Rivermead.
Effective learning and teaching is promoted through an emotionally supportive environment and a culture of mutual respect, high expectations and aspirations. We provide a vibrant, happy and safe learning environment which enables every child to achieve the best they can regardless of gender, ethnic or social background or educational needs.
Through the curriculum, we make learning vivid and real, through enquiry, creativity, the use of appropriate technology, developing problem-solving skills. In addition, we promote the importance of healthy lifestyles, respect for the environment, and the value of tolerance and mutual respect.
Our curriculum is designed to prepare our pupils for the responsibilities and opportunities that arise throughout life in a multicultural and technological society.
Our aims to support all learners
- Provide a vibrant, happy and safe learning environment which enables every learner to achieve the best they can regardless of gender, ethnic or social background or educational needs
- Promote the importance of healthy life-styles, respect for the environment and the value of personal relationships based on mutual respect
- Prepare all learners for the responsibilities and opportunities that arise throughout life in a multi-cultural and technological society.
Our teams & class structures
- Foundation Team: Two Reception classes
- Lower School: Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 – six classes
- Upper School: Year 4, Year 5, Year 6 – six classes
Our school operates through a team approach. Children are in mixed-ability year groups and stay with their teacher for one year before moving up the following year. The children are taught in their year group.
Each year the children are often regrouped, with the new classes based on the learning needs of the cohort. However, we also appreciate the importance of the emotional and social development of each child. All these factors are considered when they are placed into classes for the following year.
Teachers work together to plan and organise the learning in their year group. However, it is the class teachers who are responsible for the progress and welfare of each child in their class.
The learning for the children may be taught in a variety of settings: within a whole class, as a group, a set or as individuals depending on the task and what they need to learn. Our teachers ensure that the children learn through activities and tasks that are relevant, challenging, purposeful and yet achievable, whilst being suited to every child’s needs and abilities.