Thrive and Excel @ Kielder Framework

Thrive and Excel @ Kielder is our whole-school framework that guides everything we do at Kielder Primary School and Nursery. It helps us make sure that every child not only achieves well academically, but also develops the skills, confidence and character they need to succeed in life.

What is the Thrive and Excel @ Kielder Framework?

The Thrive and Excel @ Kielder Framework is a clear set of learning and life skills that sit alongside the National Curriculum. It supports children to become confident learners today and responsible, capable leaders for the future.

The framework focuses on six key domains (areas):

• Academic – building strong subject knowledge and a love of learning

• Metacognition – understanding how to learn and developing a positive mindset

• Communication – speaking, listening and using digital tools safely and effectively

• Innovation – creativity, problem-solving and trying new ideas

• Service – helping others and making a positive difference locally and globally

• Wellbeing – physical health, emotional wellbeing and positive relationships

Why are we using this framework?

The world is changing, and children need more than just subject knowledge to thrive. The Thrive and Excel @ Kielder Framework helps us:

• Put wellbeing and happiness at the heart of school life

• Develop life skills such as resilience, teamwork and confidence

• Support children to become curious, motivated and independent learners

• Prepare pupils for the challenges and opportunities of the future

How does it underpin our work in school?

Thrive and Excel @ Kielder is not an extra subject. It is woven through:

• Our lessons and curriculum planning

• Assemblies, enrichment days and trips

• Behaviour, relationships and school values

• Pupil leadership, responsibility and community projects

• How we support children’s personal development and wellbeing

This means the framework shapes daily school life, not just special events.

What are the benefits for your child?

Through Thrive and Excel @ Kielder, your child will:

• Develop strong learning habits and confidence

• Learn how to think about their learning and improve

• Build excellent communication and teamwork skills

• Grow in creativity, independence and problem-solving

• Learn how to care for themselves and others

• Understand how they can make a positive difference in their community and the wider world

Our aim is simple: to help every child at Kielder thrive now and excel in the future — academically, socially and personally; learners today, leaders tomorrow.