We are proud of our exciting and varied curriculum at Akeley Wood Junior School. It is under constant scrutiny and review to ensure it provides focus on the development of knowledge and skills in a fun, interactive and responsible way. We encourage active participation and aim to provide a curriculum to develop children with a love of learning.
We aim to create an environment in both taught lessons and beyond, where academic risk-taking, questioning and debating, challenging thinking and the freedom to learn from mistakes are all accepted and encouraged.
Academic Curriculum
Our taught curriculum broadly follows the EYFS framework for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the English National Curriculum for Key Stage1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2). Teachers plan lessons to support children to achieve age related End of Year Expectations for their year group. Our pupils undertake Quest Assessments at the start of the academic year to establish accurate baselines, throughout the year to track their progress and at the end of the academic year in Years 1 -6 in English and Mathematics.
Our curriculum is inclusive. For those pupils with special educational needs, the school uses provision mapping led by the SENCo. Our unique environment is an important part of the Akeley Wood experience, as we make purposeful use of our outdoor spaces and natural surroundings within our curriculum. We are committed to developing the whole child, celebrating individuality and supporting children’s personal, social and emotional development alongside their academic success.
Specialist Subject Curriculum
Children at Akeley have access to a variety of specialist teaching throughout the school year.
Our specialist teachers in PE, Music, Art, Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), Forest School, Design Technology, Cooking and Nutrition and Computer Science plan a broad and varied curriculum, giving students an excellent understanding of specific subject areas alongside their core subjects.
Extra-Curricular Activities
A wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities supplement the timetabled curriculum. Our pupils are encouraged to take part in an extensive range of Art, Drama, Music, Sport and many more activities and clubs.
We focus on themed days and weeks to enrich learning. Pupils are also taken to places of interest on a regular basis. Visits, including residential opportunities, are organised annually to help develop independence, teamwork and responsibility in an environment outside the school gates.
PSHE Education
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) Education is a school curriculum subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future.
PSHE lessons help pupils to stay healthy, safe and prepared for life – and work – in modern Britain. When taught well, PSHE also helps pupils to achieve their academic potential.