The Colchester Primary Schools’ Curriculum

The Colchester Curriculum enables all children to flourish through promoting and developing creativity, optimism and the consideration of ourselves, others and the world around us.

The curriculum is designed to encourage children to think innovatively and express themselves freely through creative exploration (Boundless Creativity), to foster empathy and a sense of responsibility for others and the environment (Heartfelt Compassion) and to promote resilience, bravery and forward- thinking, tackling challenges and exploring new ideas (Courageous Optimism).

The Colchester Primary schools in the LIFE Education Trust are: Chappel Church of England Primary School, Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School, Fordham All Saints Primary School, and Langenhoe Community Primary School.
Our Curriculum is based on the 2014 National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 & 2 and the Early Years 2021 framework in Reception and is underpinned by the LIFE Curriculum Framework, which applies to all our LIFE schools.
Our schools collaborate with one another to learn from one another, to build upon best practices, and ensure consistency of experience and high standards for all pupils in LIFE schools.

Mission, Beliefs, Vision and Values

At LIFE Education Trust, our Mission is “everyone flourishes.”
As with all our work, our Values are evident in our curriculum. They are:

• Courageous Optimism: It takes courage to hope for a better future. We champion a ‘can do’ attitude and encourage our pupils and staff to tackle challenges with resilience and perseverance as they reach for ambitious targets.
• Boundless Creativity: Through captivating discoveries in the classroom and eye-opening adventures in the outside world, we give pupils freedom and promote varied learning experiences which stimulate innovation and develop adaptability.
• Heartfelt Compassion: We show love and respect to each member of our community as we nurture a powerful collective spirit. In humility, we embrace difference and individuality, show forgiveness when necessary, and are united by compassion.

Each of the Colchester Primary Schools has a vision, and where relevant, this reflects their status as a Church of England Voluntary Controlled school. These are:

Fordham All Saints Primary School

‘All things are possible to those who believe;’ (Mark 9:23)

Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School

‘To Flourish and Grow.’
‘Through God’s Love, we are the rich soil where seeds flourish and roots grow.’ (Luke 8:4-15)

Chappel Church of England Primary School

‘Be Strong and Courageous’
‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go.’ (Joshua 1:9)

Langenhoe Community Primary School

‘Everyone Flourishes’
Belong, Achieve, Contribute.

Each vision was written with the Trust’s Mission, Beliefs, and Principles in mind. The school values also feed into each of the visions.

Principles and Intent (Including SMSC)

Our curriculum is the foundation for what happens in each of our schools. It is not just about what is taught in lessons, and nor is it simply about subject content. Our curriculum is driven by our LIFE mission and beliefs and built upon eight key principles which ensure that all our pupils, regardless of their backgrounds:

• Learn valuable knowledge
• Are taught the skills to read well
• Experience, understand and value creativity
• Acquire vital cultural capital
• Understand and maintain good physical health and mental wellbeing
• Develop the skills to be lifelong learners
• Are fully prepared to carry out their roles as valued citizens in all aspects of life in Modern Britain, having developed an understanding of themselves and others
• Achieve excellent outcomes in national tests and examinations

These principles are shown in our Curriculum Wheel, which is part of our Mechanics of Education approach.

We provide a knowledge-rich curriculum that is broad, balanced, and ambitious. The EYFS Framework and National Curriculum are covered in their entirety. The curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced so that it spirals with ever-increasing levels of challenge and independence. Subjects plan schemes of learning to enable pupils to acquire mastery.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

At the Colchester Primary Schools, we teach our curriculum to all pupils, regardless of their ability. We provide learning opportunities matched to the individual needs of each pupil, including those who are more able or have learning difficulties. When planning the delivery of the curriculum and providing feedback to pupils, any EHCP (Educational, Health and Care Plan), IEP (Individual Educational Plan), and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) are, where relevant, referred to.

• Set suitable learning challenges
• Respond to pupils’ diverse needs
• Endeavour to overcome potential barriers to learning

Learning is planned and adapted to enable children to broaden, deepen, and accelerate their understanding and development of skills and knowledge. Children are challenged to think at depth and deepen their learning across the curriculum.