Curriculum Statement

We learn, we care, we achieve together

VISION:

At Robert Bakewell, we believe every child should be inspired by their learning and filled with the confidence to dream big. Through teaching that excites, challenges, and nurtures, we will unlock each pupil’s unique potential and create a culture where ambition and curiosity are celebrated. Our curriculum will be broad, balanced, and alive with purpose - shaped by local, national, and global contexts so that every learning journey feels meaningful. Children will enjoy rich experiences both inside and outside the classroom, making real connections with the wider world. By embracing an enquiry-led approach, pupils will be encouraged to wonder, to question, and to explore, growing into confident, resilient, and lifelong learners.

Alongside mastering the fundamentals of the National Curriculum, our children will develop the deep knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to flourish far beyond Robert Bakewell. They will be encouraged to think independently, act creatively, and rise to challenges with courage and determination. Our staff will model the joy of learning, drawing on research and best practice to deliver the highest quality teaching. Every child will be engaged, supported, and challenged, so they not only make strong progress but also discover a genuine love of learning that will last a lifetime.

IMPLEMENTATION:

At Robert Bakewell, we are committed to delivering a curriculum and pedagogy that inspires ambition, raises standards, and equips every pupil with the knowledge, skills, and character to thrive.

Curriculum Design and Delivery – Our Robert Bakewell Curriculum is sequential, progressive, and carefully structured to ensure coherence across all subjects. Clear subject threads run through each discipline, while interdisciplinary links enrich learning and build deeper connections. We embed a knowledge-rich approach that balances core skills, knowledge acquisition, and enquiry-led learning. The two-year rolling cycle for mixed-age classes ensures progression for all pupils. High-quality teaching is secured through consistent use of our five-part lesson model (Retrieve, I Do, We Do, You Do, Review), influenced by Rosenshine’s principles.

High-Quality Teaching and Pedagogy – Classroom practice is underpinned by research and evidence, supported by regular CPD and the Walkthrus model. Our keep-up, not catch-up approach drives early intervention. Whole-school strategies remain central, including Little Wandle Phonics, a reading strategy that secures fluency and fosters a love of reading, and Mastery Maths, which builds deep conceptual understanding.

Inclusion and Targeted Support – Personalised provision, tracked through our Provision Map, ensures pupils with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds make strong progress. Adaptive teaching and targeted interventions enable access and success for all.

Oracy and Vocabulary Development – Oracy serves as a key driver for learning, with mapped vocabulary progression across all subjects so pupils articulate, reason, and engage confidently.

Professional Development and Research-Led Practice – We invest in staff development through weekly CPD, NPQs, and professional networks, embedding research-led practice. Teachers model lifelong learning, ensuring a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.