Trent Young'sCE School

Health

During their time at Trent Young’s, we want our children to develop habits and acquire knowledge and skills that will promote good health, both physical and mental. We want each child to have experiences which enable them to understand the importance of eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise; to learn and apply strategies which will help them to deal with life experiences; and develop the ability to solve problems.

We believe that it is important that children

• feel loved, trusted, understood, valued and safe;
• are accepting of who they are and recognise their strengths;
• are interested in life and have opportunities to enjoy themselves;
• are hopeful and optimistic;
• are mentally healthy;
• are able to learn and have opportunities to succeed;
• have a variety of opportunities to be physical;
• have time and the freedom to play, indoors and outdoors;
• have a sense of belonging in their family, school and community.

Language

In order to fully access learning and life, we consider that developing children’s interest in language, and the skills related to acquiring and using language are vitally important. Alongside the development of language, we aim to teach children communication skills so that they become confident communicators who are equipped to succeed now and in the future.

Our work through all the curriculum subjects provides opportunities for children to

• develop a rich and varied vocabulary;
• use a range of different words and vocabulary linked to a topic;
• encounter a variety of books to help to develop a love of reading;
• critically evaluate what they read;
• read to inform learning;
• discuss opinions;
• justify opinions and give reasons for them;
• listen to others and respond appropriately;
• agree and disagree with others respectfully;
• present information for different audiences.

Learn a second language

All of our children learn French; language learning from Reception sows the seeds of curiosity that enable children to learn about, and foster an interest in, another language and culture other than their own. As their curiosity blossoms so does their confidence, appetite for learning about other languages, countries, communities and cultures.  Language learners use their skills to harvest vital knowledge and understanding that improves communication and literacy skills in their own language.  We teach languages to broaden horizons and enhance future opportunities for study, work and travel as well as developing a lifelong passion for languages.

Community

We believe that our curriculum will enable the children to develop the emotional understanding necessary to experience positive relationships, to develop a sense of justice and an ability to empathise, which in turn will lead to respect for themselves and each other. We also feel that developing our school as a learning community is key to enable everyone’s light to shine. Through parental and community involvement, we strive to enhance the learning for both pupils and adults. We want to encourage parents’ and carers’ involvement and for them to feel welcome and valued in our school. We aim to help the children to understand that they are all part of a global community, to gain a sense of place and understand that they play a part in our world’s future.

We aim to do this through

• ensuring clear communication with parents is in place to enable them to support their child’s learning;
• providing opportunities for children to work together in real life situations, for example looking after farm animals and crops;
• challenging stereotypes;
• teaching children strategies to deal with disputes;
• promoting a strong anti-bullying culture;
• developing understanding of our British Values to prepare for life in modern Britain;
• learning about other cultures and communities both in school and further afield;
• our PSHE curriculum, which provides opportunities for children to explore the diversity of gender representation, race, religion and family units within our community;
• providing quality CPD for staff, and opportunities to work collaboratively both within our school, and with others.

Environment

We want to enrich our children’s understanding of their local and wider environment by providing opportunities for learning within and beyond the classroom. We believe our children deserve opportunities to experience the richness of the world’s diversity and develop an attitude of care and respect, understanding how actions and decisions impact upon it. We aim to raise awareness of issues which  impact on the environment upon which we all depend, as well as actions we can take to improve and sustain it.

Through learning about the environment across our curriculum we aim to

• spark imagination and enthusiasm;
• enable children to make connections and apply their learning to the real world;
• enhance creative and critical thinking skills;
• close partnership with Gore Farm, part of the Ernest Cook Trust;
• investigate varying sides of issues to understand the full picture and promote tolerance of different points of view and different cultures;
• understand ways we can take action to keep our environment healthy and sustainable for the future;
• empower our children to share their voices and make a difference at their school and in their communities.

Technology

We aspire to use technology so that it enhances learning experiences and prepares each child for living well in a digital world. We aim for technology to foster engagement, interactivity and creativity, making learning more enjoyable and effective.

Through learning about technology across our curriculum we aim to

• educate children about the benefits and potential dangers of using technology, and in particular to consider how they use the internet;
• enhance children’s learning e.g. through the use of virtual visits and educational programmes;
• enable children to share their learning with a wider audience;
• develop children’s understanding of developing technology so that they are well-prepared for each stage of their education, and for life.