Enquiring Minds, Caring Hearts
Curriculum Description – Aspire
We expect our children to develop their independence through continuous provision and routines within the classroom. We encourage children to reflect on mistakes made and reflect on how to make it better next time.
During Key Stage 1 we aim to provide all children with a solid foundation for the basis of their learning enabling them to develop the skills to become enthusiastic, interested and independent learners who are motivated to succeed and understand that making mistakes is part of their learning journey. Children are encouraged to engage in their learning and respond positively to challenge and feedback. Children’s own interests and hobbies are encouraged and opportunities are given to share these with their class family.
During year 3&4 we provide children with a variety of different learning experiences, encouraging each individual to develop and follow their own interests and range of skills. Children are given support to help them develop these interests and skills and become better at making appropriate choices. We give children constructive feedback and model how they can reflect upon and improve their own learning. This continuous process is aided by children using peer and self-assessment.
We expect our children to be independent learners with drive, ambition and a passion to work hard and achieve their best. They will carry this out by being well aware and clear about their learning journey and the steps that they need to take in order to succeed. This will be shared on a regular basis through children/teacher dialogue and written feedback. Learner conversations and support from parents will also play a pivotal and supportive role in this process. Most importantly we urge our children to relish in challenge, to step out of their comfort zone, try new learning and ‘do their best’! To learn effectively is to take on board advice, learn from mistakes and make that next little step to improve – ‘We’re in it together!’
During Year 5&6, our children will gain knowledge, skills and understanding to ensure that they reach their full potential. This is done with an aim to guide them for their own future. Children’s own interests and hobbies are encouraged, as well as making children aware of their own learning. We expect our children to be active learners, ensuring they’re in control of their own learning. Children will constantly be given opportunities to question for themselves, using what they already know. A key feature of learning is for children to be aware of their next steps in aware of their next steps in order to improve and progress. Children are encouraged to stretch themselves, and are frequently challenged further through questioning. Throughout their learning process, they will be given opportunities to carry out research in class and through homework, encouraging them to think for themselves.
Curriculum Description – Care
We expect our children to be able to look after their own belongings and care for their learning environment. Children learn to respond to their peers in a friendly manner and show awareness of the needs and feelings of others.
In KS1 we expect our children to demonstrate basic manners (eg please/thank you/holding doors) and to show helpfulness for the right reasons.
Children are encouraged to work with everyone on an equal basis regardless of gender, social group, ethnicity etc. They accept that other people’s opinions may be different and respect these.
A key feature of LKS2 is that we expect children to be responsible for their own items and show respect for those of others (including coats, homework sheets, spelling books, presentation of learning).
We expect our children to show respect and encourage and praise each other in a kind, constructive manner. During Years 3 & 4, we expect children to be attentive and show good listening skills (eg eye contact, nothing in hands and lips closed). In LKS2 we expect our children to demonstrate good manners (eg. please/thank you etc.) and to show helpfulness and kindness.
In Year 5, the children are encouraged to continue to follow and uphold behaviour expectations. We expect our children to use their manners, and show respect towards everyone (adults and children alike). They are expected to work as a team and with partners, showing mutual respect to one another.
The children gain skills needed throughout life, particularly in relation to showing tolerance of others, whatever their ability or background. A key feature of Year 5 is an understanding of the ‘friendly but firm’ relationships we, as teachers, uphold and maintain in our classroom.
A key element of Year 6 is that our children will learn to be mature, responsible Mills Hill pupils, who show mutual respect towards each other and all members of our school.
It is a year group that develops a special kind of rapport with its students. It is a demanding year both in terms of national tests and looking for their next school, however, we look to develop a sense of humour, an ability to discuss conflicts and how to come to a common ground fairly.
We aim to tolerate/respect differences in learning abilities, skills and backgrounds and at the end of our journey be able to say that we are proud to have ‘done our best’.
Curriculum Description – Enquire
Children will learn to develop their skills of sharing and turn taking through child led and adult initiated activities. Children will be encouraged to take ownership of their learning environment and work together cooperatively to ensure it is tidy and ready for learning.
In KS1 our children will be able to work with a partner, team and with their class effectively. In order to achieve this, the children will listen to each other without interrupting, take turns and share equipment.
By the end of this key stage we expect our children to be able to solve problems and disputes with greater independence.
Pupils’ familiarity with Kagan structures will develop during this key stage, moving from paired, verbal structures in Year 1 to simple team structures that involve recording in Year 2.
Children are encouraged to make positive choices and mistakes are seen as reflection and learning opportunities.
A key feature of our work will be encouraging, supporting and praising one another. To share equipment in a kind manner, to take turns and participate in all activities to the best of their ability and to be able to work alongside anyone in the class.
They understand that ‘Together Everyone Achieves More.’ All children in the class are stars, they all have a job to ensure the class/classroom is tidy and runs smoothly. In teams the children all have a co-operative role. Eg. materials monitor, silent captain etc.
Throughout Year 5, our children will be expected to continue to work as a team, involving coaching and praising others. The children all have roles within the classroom, encouraging them to be responsible for their immediate environment.
We expect our children to work co-operatively in all lessons; following Kagan structures to aid learning. We follow an I, We, You structure to each lesson, to encourage both peer/teamwork as well as individual understanding.
The children are also involved in their own and peers’ assessment, further actively engaging them in the learning process.
During Year 6 our children will develop collaboration through acquiring roles and responsibilities both in Year 6 and around school. Their commitment to their roles ensures the smooth running of both Year 6 and the school.
The aim of our collaboration is that we have a common goal to achieve our best and become the next Mills Hill star. Year 6 is the end of our Learning Journey where we become ‘Secondary Ready’ (develop the skills and attributes in order to survive and succeed in the world away from Mills Hill).
Our children will be given the opportunities to collaborate during a residential visit during Year 6. They will perform in the end of school production, as well as participate in a range of sporting and musical collaborative events.
