Curriculum
Initio Learning Trust's Curriculum Vision
VALUES: Our three core Trust values are excellence, collaboration and respect.
VISION: Our pupils develop character through a love of learning to achieve and thrive. They are prepared to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens with a global perspective.
OUTCOMES: Every child will leave our schools with the best possible character; resilience, confidence, aspiration, integrity, compassion for others, respect, curiosity, spiritual awareness and collaboration.
The Initio Learning Trust's Curriculum Vision is closely entwined with our Curriculum Vision at Verwood C of E First School & Nursery.
Verwood First School Curriculum Vision
At Verwood C of E First School & Nursery, our curriculum is designed to develop aspirational, lifelong learners who are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. We believe every child is entitled to a coherent, well-sequenced curriculum that offers engaging and meaningful learning experiences with clear progression over time.
Our curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced so that essential knowledge and skills build progressively over time. High-quality teaching and learning underpin its delivery, immersing children in meaningful learning and developing the knowledge, skills and personal characteristics they need to succeed in future learning and beyond.
We pride ourselves on offering a bespoke curriculum tailored to the needs of our children. While we utilise some published curriculum materials to support our planning, all are based on the Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum and the National Curriculum (2014). Our curriculum complies with legislation and national guidance, including the teaching of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). The published schemes we employ include:
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Unlocking Letters and Sounds (Phonics)
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White Rose (Mathematics)
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HeartSmart (PSHE)
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Discovery RE/The Emmanuel Project (R.E)
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GetSet4PE (PE)
Our approach to teaching and learning is inclusive and ambitious, designed to maximise thinking, engagement and a strong sense of belonging for every child. Lessons build purposefully on prior learning, supporting the progressive development of knowledge and skills across all primary subjects and preparing children for the next stage of their education. Teaching is carefully structured to include guided and independent practice, with subject content presented clearly and concisely to avoid cognitive overload. Teachers routinely check understanding, identify misconceptions and provide timely, direct feedback to ensure all children make strong progress.
Through this comprehensive approach, we nurture a love of learning, a secure sense of belonging and the confidence to thrive in the future.
Enrichment
Our curriculum is enriched through a wide range of purposeful opportunities that extend and deepen children's learning experiences. These include performing arts workshops, visits and talks from religious leaders, special visitors linked to curriculum themes, and high-quality forest school provision. Together, these experiences inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, enabling our children to apply their learning in meaningful contexts while developing confidence, cultural understanding, and a lifelong love of learning, helping every child to Be the Light and Hope.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
At Verwood C of E First School & Nursery, we offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities designed to enrich learning beyond the classroom and support the holistic development of every child. Through clubs, sports, leadership activities and community involvement, our children are encouraged to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build confidence. These opportunities promote teamwork, creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.
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Wild Woodland Adventurers Forest School