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Bowdon
Church School

  • Our Curriculum

     

    Intent

    At Bowdon Church School, our intent is to provide a holistic education that nurtures each child's unique potential while embedding our Christian values throughout the learning experience. We aim to cultivate an environment where children are encouraged to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually, fostering a love for learning and a sense of belonging.

    Key Objectives:

    1. Personal Development:

      • Promote the individuality of each child, ensuring that their personal, social, and emotional development is at the forefront of our educational practices.
      • Instil resilience, confidence, and independence, enabling children to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
    2. Curriculum Excellence:

      • Deliver a rich, varied, and ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all learners, ensuring high standards and progressive development.
      • Integrate spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education into all subjects, helping children to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives and values.
    3. Community Engagement:

      • Foster strong relationships with families and the wider community, valuing their contributions and encouraging active participation in school life.
      • Create a nurturing environment where collaboration and mutual respect are paramount, reinforcing our commitment to being a loving and supportive community.
    4. Values Integration:

      • Embed Christian values—Love, Respect, Hope, Forgiveness, Wisdom, and Koinonia—into every aspect of school life, guiding children’s behaviour and decision-making.
      • Encourage children to reflect on these values and apply them in their interactions, both within school and in the wider world.
    5. Well-Being Focus:

      • Prioritise the well-being and safety of all pupils, ensuring a supportive environment where children feel secure and valued.
      • Promote healthy lifestyles and mental well-being through various programs and initiatives that encourage physical activity and emotional resilience.
    6. Preparation for the Future:

      • Equip children with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to lead fulfilling lives and become responsible, active members of society.
      • Encourage critical thinking and creativity, preparing students to face the complexities of the modern world with confidence and integrity.

    We intend to create a nurturing and enriching environment where every child can flourish. By aligning our educational practices with our Christian values and focusing on the holistic development of each pupil, we aim to prepare them for a life of abundance and purpose, embodying the spirit of our mission: "Loving, learning, and growing together."

    Implementation

    We are committed to translating our vision into action through a comprehensive implementation strategy that prioritises positive relationships, expert teaching, and an engaging curriculum designed to support every child's unique learning journey. Our approach fosters an environment where children feel safe, valued, and motivated to thrive both academically and personally.

    Key Components of Implementation:

    1. Positive Learning Environment:

      • Foster nurturing relationships between teachers and students, ensuring that every child feels safe and supported.
      • Establish clear expectations for behaviour and conduct, promoting a respectful and inclusive atmosphere conducive to learning.
    2. Quality First Teaching and High Expectations:

      • Employ teachers who set high standards for both conduct and academic performance. Where appropriate using their first degree skills and knowledge to support teaching across the curriculum. 
      • Implement ongoing professional development for staff to enhance their teaching practices and maintain a focus on student achievement.
    3. Child-Centered Curriculum:

      • Deliver a bespoke, sequenced curriculum that is engaging and responsive to children's interests, emphasising retrieval practice and adaptive teaching to meet diverse learning needs.
      • Utilise high-quality texts to inspire a love of reading and to create meaningful, cross-curricular themes that enhance learning experiences.
    4. Growth Mindset:

      • Cultivate a growth mindset amongst staff and students, encouraging resilience and a positive approach to learning challenges.
      • Balance feedback and marking practices to ensure that children understand their progress and know how to improve.
    5. Integration of Technology and Outdoor Education:

      • Incorporate technology effectively into the learning process, enabling students to enhance their skills and understanding through digital resources.
      • Provide opportunities for outdoor education to promote exploration, personal growth, and connection with the natural world.
    6. Collaboration and Best Practices:

      • Encourage collaboration amongst staff across year groups and partner schools to share best practices and enhance the educational experience.
      • Empower student voices through initiatives that develop their roles as Courageous Advocates, enabling them to contribute to their community and express their opinions.
    7. Holistic View of the Whole Child:

      • Prioritise inclusion and equity, ensuring that all children, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, have access to high-quality education and support.
      • Celebrate individual achievements and implement timely interventions for those who require additional help, fostering aspiration and growth.
    8. Safeguarding and Well-Being:

      • Maintain a strong commitment to safeguarding, training Anti-Bullying ambassadors and engaging in anti-racism initiatives to promote a safe and respectful environment.
      • Include vital life skills education, such as drug, alcohol, and relationship education, first aid training, and lessons on online safety and British Values.
    9. Cultural Capital Development:

      • Provide enriching experiences that expand students' horizons, including Financial Literacy in Year 6, classical instrument lessons, and exposure to classical literature and Latin.
      • Offer a range of extracurricular activities in sports, arts, and various clubs to enhance students' skills and interests.
    10. Active Student Voice:

      • Facilitate meaningful participation in decision-making through our three Vision Groups: Growing Faith, Democracy Group, and Courageous Advocacy, allowing children to engage with their learning and the wider community.
    11. Curriculum Drivers:

      • Align our curriculum with key drivers that reflect our vision: excellence, engagement, enquiry, diversity, independence, resilience, and continuous evolution, ensuring that all aspects of learning are purposefully integrated.

    Impact

    Emotional, Social, and Academic Outcomes

    We measure the impact of our educational approach through exceptional outcomes across emotional, social, and academic domains. Our goal is to foster outstanding personal development in our students, ensuring they are happy and enjoy coming to school.

    Parent and Carer Satisfaction

    We value the feedback of our parents and carers, with a high proportion willing to recommend the school to others. This satisfaction reflects our commitment to providing an enriching and supportive environment for all students.

    Behaviour and Attitudes

    We spend a lot of time teaching about, discussing and modelling effective behaviour and attitudes at Bowdon. Students demonstrate our core vision and values, both in their learning and in their actions. They are taught to make responsible choices to protect their own safety and the safety of others.

    Quality of Education and Academic Achievement

    Our quality of education is exceptional. Students consistently achieve high standards, making at least expected progress and, in many cases, exceeding national expectations. Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) achieve the best possible outcomes relative to their starting points.

    Evaluation and Impact Measurement

    To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach, we use a range of evidence:

    • National performance data

    • Internal school assessments

    • Pupil voice (actively sought and acted upon)

    • External validation through OFSTED, SIAMS, or SIP reports

    This comprehensive approach allows us to continuously assess how well we are delivering on our educational intent and vision.