Across Portswood Primary School we provide an enriched, high quality curriculum. Creativity is encouraged; essential skills and knowledge are taught and applied in real life contexts. All children are central to this and viewed as lifelong learners.

The National Curriculum provides exciting opportunities for staff at Portswood to engage and inspire children to be the best they can be; to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world around them and to equip them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, investigate, invent, create and imagine. We believe that developing a mastery of skills, that can be transferable, enables self-confidence and creativity. This in turn helps to foster a sense of pride and achievement.

We develop curious minds by adopting a flexible approach to lesson design and structure. Expert teachers develop expert learners by employing creative teaching methods; developing learning processes; challenging thinking and concepts and developing a ‘can do’ attitude when children are faced with adversity. Teachers are encouraged to think outside of the box, whilst ensuring that skills are understood and applied in a variety of forms. We make use of our own ‘backyard’ to inspire and fascinate children to develop a deeper understanding of the world¹.

Together, as staff and children, our curriculum is ever evolving to ensure that we match the needs and interests of our pupils and use the strengths and skills of our staff.  Our school curriculum “is not only the subjects on the timetable; it is the whole experience of education”².  Here at Portswood Primary School we provide memorable experiences which in turn provides memorable learning.

To find out more about the curriculum we follow please visit the DfE website (https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum/overview)

^{1 – Roger Cole}

^{2 – Dunford, J, 2012, New head, new school: the challenges and opportunities of starting a school, Nottingham, National College for School Leadership}