Our Drybrook Curriculum Intent

At Drybrook Primary School, we understand the significance of fostering dreams and achieving collectively. Our commitment to education is deeply rooted in our core beliefs. We firmly believe that upon leaving Primary school, every child should:

1. Be literate.
2. Be numerate.
3. Possess the ability to think critically.
4. Discover and cultivate a positive self-esteem and self-image.

With these foundational beliefs, our students are immersed in a learning environment that prepares them for the ever-evolving world. They are taught the values of resilience, creativity, and a growth mindset. We emphasise that challenges are a natural part of the learning process, and we nurture our students to face them head-on, adapt, and grow.

Our curriculum is expansive, reflecting our unwavering commitment to laying strong foundations and promoting academic excellence. We operate on the principle that good teaching, rooted in formative assessment and retrieval practice, is paramount. Precise assessment, targeted teaching to bridge any gaps, and a fresh perspective on ability are integral to our approach. Our curriculum is planned to be progressive and sequenced to ensure our students know more, do more, and remember more.

Every day, we inspire our students to challenge themselves, take calculated risks, learn from their setbacks, and persistently work towards their most ambitious aspirations. We encourage them to aim high, all while cherishing their childhood and benefiting from a plethora of diverse opportunities and experiences.

Our curriculum and teaching methods have been tailored to meet the unique needs of our students. We prioritise rapid and effective teaching of reading, writing, and mathematical skills, starting from each child's individual baseline. Our expectations remain high for every student. We emphasise context-rich vocabulary to support all learners, especially those with SEND and EAL. Through clear retrieval and instructional practices, we aim to ensure that learning solidifies, building lasting neural pathways and schemas in the long-term memory.

In essence, our curriculum at Drybrook Primary School aims to:
• Provide an environment where every student can learn, succeed, and make significant progress.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to know more, remember more, and do more.
• Prepare our students for subsequent educational stages and their roles in society.
• Offer a curriculum that evaluates progress and caters to both academic and emotional needs.

Our Drybrook Curriculum Implementation

At Drybrook Primary School, our curriculum's implementation is as crucial as its intent. We believe that the method and manner in which we deliver our curriculum play a pivotal role in the learning outcomes of our students.

Pedagogy:

At the heart of our teaching lies a deep understanding of pedagogy – the method and practice of teaching. We recognise that the way concepts are imparted and grasped is fundamental to effective learning. Drawing inspiration from renowned educational research, such as Barak Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, we have established a framework for Effective Teaching Practice at Drybrook. This approach enables our students to delve deeper into their learning processes, fostering critical thinking and comprehension.

Evidence-Led Approaches:

 Our commitment to excellence in teaching is rooted in evidence-led approaches. Every subject taught at Drybrook is backed by pedagogy, ensuring that our lessons are not just informative but also effective in fostering deep understanding. We continuously engage with the latest research in the Science of Learning, ensuring that our teaching methods are aligned with proven strategies that enhance learning outcomes.

Continuous Professional Development:

Recognising that the quality of teaching directly impacts student success, we invest heavily in the continuous professional development (CPD) of our staff. All team members are routinely engaged in school improvement activities, focusing on refining pedagogy and ensuring that subject content is expertly delivered. This commitment extends to individualised mentoring and coaching, supporting continuous improvements in practice. Our responsive coaching approach ensures that every educator is equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to optimise learning opportunities for all student groups.

The implementation of our curriculum at Drybrook Primary School is a dynamic process, continuously evolving and adapting based on research, feedback, and the unique needs of our students. We are committed to delivering an education that is not only comprehensive in content but also exceptional in delivery.