Curriculum

Learning to learn together by building our learning power

At Oasis Academy Clarksfield, we believe that learning should be a journey of discovery and excitement. Therefore all staff aim to provide challenging and engaging learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. In a journey, we all need occasional pointers to keep us on the right track so children are given clear guidance about intended learning outcomes and are given ongoing and appropriate feedback on their progress towards those outcomes. This process is known as Assessment for Learning.

Learning is also a social activity. It relies on knowledge construction more than knowledge transfer. We regularly use Learning Partners to develop conversations and dialogue about both the task and their learning. As children move through the school, they are encouraged to be reflective about the quality of their own work and that of their peers. We encourage the development of Cooperative Learning Skills to ensure that pupils can work together as well as independently.

Finally, learning is a lifelong activity. We aim to provide appropriate role models for our children by encouraging staff development and learning so that the pupils can see that even the Principal is still learning. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to engage families and the wider community in the learning journey e.g. our English classes for parents and carers as well as stay and play sessions and the partnership we are developing with the local community associations. Find out more about our approach in our Curriculum Statement of Intent.

If you would like more information about the curriculum each class is following, please feel free to speak to a member of teaching staff at the school. Alternatively, please email the school office info@oasisclarksfield.org or contact the Curriculum Lead Miss R Morrish on 0161 235 1235.

In order for pupils to see the value in what they learn, these learning experiences should be firmly rooted in the personal experience of our pupils and our community. A curriculum is the means by which a school agrees what learning experiences pupils will be offered. Pupils are therefore encouraged to value the wisdom of the past by using local people and places as contexts to learning.

Core areas

Core areas are:

English Language and Literacy – speaking, listening reading and writing play an important in the learning process.
Phonics - we follow the Letters and Sounds phonics programme from Nursery upwards, all children are grouped for phonics according to the phase they are working on. Grouping for phonics takes place in Years 1 & 2.
Speaking and listening – we encourage learners to express themselves effectively and confidently for different purposes and audiences and to listen and respond to each other.
Reading – we teach reading skills daily and provide opportunities to read in all areas of the curriculum. We have a systematic approach to teaching reading skills and we engender a life-long love of reading.
Writing – learners are encouraged to write for a variety of purposes and are taught the skills needed to become confident writers.
Mathematics – learners develop their numeracy, problem solving and reasoning skills through a range of practical activities and challenges.
Science – learners have opportunities to explore and learn about their world. They learn to hypothesise, test their predictions and draw conclusions.
Computing – learners are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to successfully function in the changing world of technology.
Religious Education – we believe that all learners should develop mutual respect and understanding of many different beliefs and cultures. You will have the right to withdraw your child from RE and Collective Worship by written request.

Foundation Subjects

Your child will also study the following Foundation subjects:

History
Music
Geography
Modern Foreign Languages - Spanish
Art
Design Technology
Physical Education
Swimming – this is part of the National Curriculum. The school aims for every child to be able to swim before they move to secondary school. Qualified swimming instructors work with the children to teach this important life skill.
Personal, Social & Health Education and Citizenship

Protected Characteristics

The Equality Act 2010 define the following as protected characteristics:

age;
disability;
gender reassignment;
marriage and civil partnership;
pregnancy and maternity;
race;
religion or belief;
sex;
sexual orientation.

At Oasis Academy Clarksfield, we ensure children are taught about the protected characteristics through careful curriculum planning. Embedded into our curriculum are authors, scientists, designers, composers and artists from a range of races, ages, disabilities, cultures, religions and beliefs, backgrounds, genders and sexual orientation; ensuring that children are exposed to a wide variety of role models across the curriculum. We are passionate about our curriculum promoting equality and diversity.

Through the ‘Oasis 9 habits’ and British Values embedded into our curriculum, children are taught the importance of respect and tolerance.

From 1 September 2020, relationships education is compulsory for all primary school pupils. Much of the protected characteristics are also taught through our RSE curriculum which can be found here.