Ethos and Values
At Oughtibridge Primary School we aim to provide a curriculum to develop inquisitive, independent thinkers with a love of learning. We understand that the curriculum, both within taught lessons and beyond them, should create an environment where questioning, academic risk-taking, divergent thinking and the freedom to learn from mistakes are all encouraged.
The curriculum should be seen in its widest sense as the entire planned learning experience. This includes formal lessons as well as events, routines, and learning that take place outside the classroom. It should be seen within the overall aims and ethos of the School, which are at the core of its objectives.
Our curriculum is designed to allow each student to:
- achieve the best possible academic qualifications and standards, whatever their ability
- ensure high levels of engagement, enjoyment and personal development
Our curriculum is based around four key ideas, or ‘AIMS’. Through these AIMS, we ensurekey skills for life are taught every day. The AIMS are:
Aspiration
We have high expectations of all members of the school community, staff, pupils, parents and governors. Together we aim to support, nurture and challenge children to achieve the very best they can in all aspects of school life. We aim ‘high’, fostering a positive attitude towards learning and teaching the children skills for life. We expect children to persevere, take risks, work outside their comfort zone and to be resourceful, resilient, thoughtful and co-operative.
Inspiration
We seek to inspire learning through a curriculum which is seated in first hand learning experiences and delivered through high quality teaching. We are extremely proud of our curriculum which encompasses enterprise, modern foreign languages, creative arts, environmental issues and investigating beyond the classroom. Children are challenged to lead their learning which is relevant and in context to the times in which they live in order to prepare them for their future. Through the range of inspirational visitors that come into school the children discover whole new worlds. We are able to take advantage of the stunning hills, valleys and moorlands that surround school and the children use these as a stimulus for learning.
Motivation
The children are motivated to learn through the positive experiences they encounter every day. These are practical and relevant to their life experiences as well as to academic objectives. There are many special themed days and weeks, celebrations, competitions and rewards. Children are proud to become members of the School Council, be Playground Friends and Listening Buddies. They are exceptionally proud of themselves if they win a much coveted ‘Gold Star’. The children in KS2 cannot wait to sign up for the four residential experiences on offer. All the children in school look forward to educational visits that enhance learning.
Success
Most of all, individual and group successes are celebrated – in lessons and also through formal events and assemblies. Fostering pride in our children’s achievements, whether big or small, is essential in building self-esteem and resilience. All members of the school community actively support the achievements of each other. Due to the enthusiasm, commitment and engagement of all the children and staff at Oughtibridge Primary School we have earned many awards including the Gold Arts Mark, Green Flag for Eco Schools and the International Dimensions Certificate. Through the extensive range of extra-curricular provision many children receive certificates and medals from the Children’s University.
While our AIMS set out how we work, we share and work towards the following vision, across our entire curriculum:
