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At Kielder Primary School and Nursery, our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and deeply personal. As a very small school, we know every child as an individual and design learning that recognises their strengths, interests and needs. Our curriculum is built on the belief that every child can thrive and excel, regardless of starting point, background or circumstance.
We provide a broad, balanced and knowledge-rich curriculum that carefully weaves together essential knowledge, transferable skills and rich vocabulary, enabling pupils to make sense of the world and their place within it. Learning is sequenced to ensure strong progression, while flexible teaching approaches allow us to respond to the unique dynamics of mixed-age classes.
Located in a rural community, we are committed to broadening horizons. Our curriculum opens doors to places, cultures, ideas and possibilities beyond our immediate surroundings, while also valuing and drawing upon our local environment, heritage and community. Through meaningful links with the wider world, including global themes and international connections, pupils develop curiosity, empathy and ambition.
Reading sits at the heart of our curriculum. High-quality texts are carefully chosen to enrich learning across subjects, develop cultural capital and inspire a lifelong love of reading. Writing is purposeful and meaningful, giving pupils regular opportunities to communicate ideas clearly, creatively and confidently across the curriculum.
A strong focus on spoken language and vocabulary development underpins all learning. Pupils are explicitly taught subject-specific language and encouraged to articulate their thinking, ask questions and engage in thoughtful discussion, applying their oracy skills. This ensures all learners, including those with additional needs, can access and succeed in the full curriculum.
Our curriculum balances the acquisition of secure, essential knowledge with the development of key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and creativity. Knowledge is not taught in isolation but is revisited, applied and connected, allowing pupils to deepen understanding and build long-term memory.
The curriculum is underpinned by our Thrive and Excel Framework, which shapes not only what we teach but how we teach. Across all subjects and phases, pupils develop competencies within the six domains:
Academic
Metacognition
Communication
Service
Wellbeing
Innovation
These competencies empower pupils to become reflective learners, confident communicators, resilient individuals and responsible citizens. We explicitly teach children how to learn, how to care for themselves and others, and how to contribute positively to their community and the wider world.
Inclusion is central to our curriculum design. We ensure learning is accessible, challenging and aspirational for all pupils, with appropriate support and enrichment so that everyone can succeed. High expectations, combined with nurture and care, allow pupils to develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of self-worth.
In essence, our curriculum prepares children not only for the next stage of their education, but for life — equipping them with the knowledge, skills, language and character they need to thrive and excel in an ever-changing world.
