School Curriculum
We aim to promote the highest level of learning for each of our pupils whilst preparing them for the challenges they will face in their future lives. To achieve this, we have created a curriculum that is relevant, enjoyable, challenging and realistic, and an environment that is safe, respectful and forward-thinking. Underpinning all of our actions are the 20 Vigo Village School Values:
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Theory into Practice
At Vigo Village School our curriculum is designed to inspire enthusiasm for learning, embed long-term knowledge, ensure achievement and support pupil well-being and happiness. We provide first-hand learning experiences that allow our pupils to develop interpersonal skills and build resilience, and our cross-curricular approach enables them to make meaningful links with their learning.
We celebrate our own special school identity through the unique experiences that our curriculum provides. We have developed a rich and varied menu of enhancement opportunities to engage learning and recognise individuality, whilst our curriculum enables pupils to build strong relationships, celebrate diversity, encourage respect and build a sense of inclusivity. It provides and acknowledges success for all pupils in all aspects of their development and it encourages and celebrates talents of all types.
Our school values, PSHE lessons and assemblies promote positive attitudes which reflect the skills and attributes needed for future learning and success. We see teamwork and responsibility as essential aspects of our curriculum and we encourage children to be active participants in their learning, but also as part of the school and wider community.
We fully intend every child to leave Vigo Village School imbued with the skills that will enable them to make a positive contribution to society and to be a success in whatever they choose to do.
Subject Coverage
We use the Programmes of Study identified in the National Curriculum (2014) for the core subjects (English, Mathematics, Science and Computing and the foundation subjects (Design and Technology, History, Geography, Art and Design, Music and Physical Education) for Key Stages 1 and 2. We also follow the guidelines for P.S.H.E. and Citizenship. For R.E., we follow the Kent Agreed Syllabus (2018), although parents can choose to withdraw their child(ren) from this lesson. Sex and Relationships Education is taught from Years 4 to 6. Parents are informed in advance of up-coming lessons, and can choose to withdraw their children from all or part of the sessions.
The children in the reception class are taught the seven elements of the foundation stage, namely:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design.
Our curriculum is based around one shared reading book per term per class. The book provides a stimulus for all Reading and Writing activities, but cross-curricular links are also exploited where possible to provide depth and relevance to the children's learning. Where a relevant cross-curricular link is not available, subjects are taught on a stand-alone basis. The school’s values are also timetabled across the year, as are opportunities to explore British Values (BV), cross-curricular links (CC), the extended classroom (EC) and the exploration of different cultures (DC). Please click the links below to access each year group's curriculum.
Link to Learning in the Foundation Stage:
Link to Year 1 and 2 curriculum
Link to Year 3 and 4 curriculum:
Link to Year 5 curriculum:
Link to Year 6 curriculum:
Although the school exploits cross-curricular themes and links within its curriculum, it is important that each subject is given appropriate coverage and focus. To that end please find the statements of intent for each of the subjects taught:
To ensure that the children experience an ever-more-challenging curriculum we have created a progression map for each foundation subject. Please click the link to see how learning and skills are developed.
English and Mathematics
The school has adapted the elements of the National Curriculum for English and Mathematics to suit the needs and learning styles of the children.
Reading and Phonics
Our main reading scheme is Collins' 'Big Cat'. We encourage parents to assist with reading in school. Regular (preferably daily) reading at home will only contribute to the development of the child’s skills. Book bags can be purchased to transport the books to and from school.
For phonics, we follow the Unlocking Letters and Sounds programme.
It is critical that the children practise the skills they have learnt whilst in school at home. To that end, Mrs Groves, the school's English co-ordinator, has prepared a presentation which explores the means by which the children learn to read and provides suggestions for how their learning can be supported at home.
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Please click on the links below to access questions that you may like to use when reading with your child:
Children with Disabilities
Where necessary, children with specific disabilities will be offered, in the first instance, a part-time timetable, but this will be increased following discussion between parents, carers and the school.
Further Information
Should you wish to learn more about Vigo's curriculum, please contact the head teacher.