Curriculum vision
Curriculum Intention
Motto: ‘Positive Minds, Positive Futures’
Primary schools are unique and special places. They provide the opportunity for every child to achieve their full potential. At Gayton, we recognise that becoming your best self, someone who contributes positively to a better world, is about more than simply acquiring knowledge. It involves mastering a broad and ambitious curriculum, producing high-quality work and developing character, resilience and independence.
Our curriculum is designed to be ambitious, inclusive and coherent, equipping children with the knowledge, skills and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. To achieve this, we focus on providing children with the tools to become:
Effective learners: confident, curious and reflective in their learning.
Ethical individuals: compassionate, kind, responsible and active members of society.
At Gayton, we foster a strong sense of belonging. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where every child is welcomed, seen, heard, valued and supported. This foundation allows our pupils to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Implementation:
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills over time ensuring children are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.
We provide engaging and challenging lessons that spark curiosity, deepen understanding and promote a love of learning.
Children are encouraged to reflect on their progreess, understand how they learn and take ownership of their improvement.
Impact:
We aim for every child to achieve excellence, as defined by their ability to produce work of the highest standard and demonstrate the values we uphold. By working and learning together, understanding the importance of crew and taking pride in their contributions, our pupils are prepared to be active and ethical members of society who can contribute to a better world.
Curriculum Drivers
Our curriculum has been woven around 3 curriculum drivers which we consider to be important to our children at Gayton. These include:
Environment
'Our Environment, Our Responsibility'
We are incredibly fortunate to be located in such a remarkable part of the country, rich in geographical and historical significance. Our local area provides a wealth of opportunities to explore diverse environments, from one peninsula to two rivers, two cities and even another country nearby. We aim to ensure that every child develops a deep appreciation for their immediate surroundings and the broader geographical landscape.
Our curriculum enables our children to understand and celebrate the unique features of our locality, including Heswall, Liverpool, Chester and Deeside while connecting these to the wider UK, Europe and global contexts. We believe this foundation will help children see the interconnectedness of local and global environments.
In addition to learning about the environment, we empower our pupils to act as stewards of the planet. By participating in eco-projects, exploring sustainability and understanding the impact of climate change, children are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive tangible difference. Whether planting trees, reducing waste, or campaigning for change, our children will leave Gayton ready to contribute to a sustainable future.
Personal Development
'Positive Minds Positive Futures'
The seven years children spend with us pass quickly, but they are pivotal in shaping their future. Our curriculum is designed to help children develop a strong sense of self, a clear purpose and the skills they need to thrive in an ever changing world.
We focus on nurturing relationships, as they lie at the heart of human interaction and learning. Through developing empathy, social skills and the ability to work collaboratively, we ensure children can interact successfully with others and benefit from shared experiences. These skills underpin academic success and prepare children for life beyond school.
Resilience, teamwork and communication are woven into everything we do, giving pupils the tools to overcome challenges and embrace opportunities. Our motto, 'Positive Minds, Positive Futures' reflects our commitment to prioritising mental health and emotional well-being. We teach our children to manage their emotions, cope with life's ups and downs and recognise the importance of self-care and support networks.
We also celebrate diversity, encouraging children to value and respect differences in culture, background and perspective. This foundation ensures they grow into compassionate, inclusive members of society.
Democracy
'Your voice, Your world'
Discussion and debate are integral to life in Gayton. We encourage children to share their opinions and participate actively in decisions that shape their school community. Through our focus on democracy, children learn to develop informed, considered opinions while understanding the importance of listening to others and respecting differing viewpoints.
We teach the principles of democracy and its role in shaping both history and modern society, explicitly linking to British Values. Our pupils explore key concepts like fairness, justice and mutual respect.