At Norton, we teach the national curriculum.
The National Curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools so children learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught and the standards children should reach in each subject.
Every state-funded school must offer a curriculum which is balanced and broadly based and which:
- promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society
- prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life
The National Curriculum forms one part of the school curriculum, which comprises all learning and other experiences that each school plans for its pupils.
The National Curriculum for five to 11 year olds is made up of blocks of years, known as key stages:
- Infant children (Year 1 and Year 2) are known as Key Stage 1.
- Junior children (Years 3 to 6) are known as Key Stage 2.
Formal assessment takes place at the end of each Key Stage (Years 2 and 6). A phonics screening check takes place in Year 1.
In addition, schools are advised to teach personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) and citizenship, together with at least one modern foreign language.
Pupils are closely monitored throughout the school year to ensure that they make progress from whatever their starting point.
We teach our curriculum through our vision so that our children are prepared spiritually, morally and culturally for a life in modern Britain:
Strive: that our children lead happy and fulfilled lives through seeing the best in others and in themselves; they are resilient, forward looking and appreciative
Think: that our children have the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours to guarantee that they thrive in modern Britain; the wisdom to preserve the beauty of our planet; the wisdom to make informed, positive decisions
Act: that our children celebrate differences and value everyone in our Norton family and wider community; they celebrate belonging to a local, national and international community and they expect inclusion
Respect: our children know that everyone has the right to be themselves. Norton is a place where everyone can feel safe, be happy and learn. Everyone at our school is equal and acts with respect and kindness towards each other. Our children respect themselves and are proud to be part of an inclusive school.