Overview
Vision
As a trust, we have developed a shared vision:
Curriculum Design
As a trust, we have worked together to develop a curriculum befitting of the 21st Century. We offer a curriculum that is interesting, stimulating and relevant to the needs of children growing up in a fast and ever-changing world. Core threads run through all aspects of our curriculum: technology; outdoor learning; global learning; safeguarding and equality and diversity. Each school interprets and personalises the curriculum design to respond to the needs and interests of the children within their provision. We believe that all areas of the curriculum are important in developing knowledgeable and inquisitive minds.
Core Threads
All subjects and topics taught, encompass elements of our curriculum ‘core threads’:
Wellbeing
At Chipstead Valley, there is nothing more important to us than the physical and emotional health and well-being of our pupils and staff alike. We recognise that every day we are trusted with the most precious members of our families. As such we have created and work hard to maintain a climate in which staff, pupils, parents and governors feel able to articulate concerns comfortably; safe in the knowledge that effective action will be taken, as appropriate.
Equality and Diversity
We are proud of our diverse school community and it is important that this is reflected in all that we do. We aim to develop a culture of inclusion and diversity in which all those connected to the school feel proud of their identity and ability to participate fully in school life. We believe that diversity is a strength which, should be respected and celebrated by all those who learn, teach and visit us.
Outdoor Learning
Learning outside the classroom has a wealth of benefits, including improved mental and physical health. Our school grounds play an integral part in the delivery of our curriculum and we take many of our lessons outside throughout the year. Whether it’s investigating life cycles next to our pond, maths in the orchard or creating poetry in our woodland area, pupils learn to enjoy and respect the outdoor environment. These sessions help our pupils develop a love and understanding of nature. They become more confident, take risks, solve problems, communicate, cooperate with their peers and just as importantly, have fun!
Technology
At Chipstead, we are fortunate to have a range of technology such as IPADS, Chromebooks and our Digiverse. We recognise the importance of computing within our curriculum but also value the impact technology can have on learning opportunities. The Digiverse is an immersive suite, which can transport pupils to a period in history, another country or even travel through space. It is used regularly as an introduction to a new topic, opportunity to explore a theme or even inspire creative writing.
International and Local Understanding
International projects and global learning are woven into our dynamic and forward-thinking curriculum, where children are encouraged to explore their role in the community, both locally and on a much wider scale. As a core thread, it links to our vision that pupils will leave our school equipped with skills and experiences that will make them more open-minded, considerate, respectful, confident and happy. We teach our pupils to be curious, enthusiastic, reflective, resilient and ambitious. Through project-based learning, our pupils begin to understand how they can contribute to society and help others.