Curriculum-Gallery (ID 1147)

• Art and Design
  Art and Design

  Art Curriculum

  At Dodford First, we believe that art is an essential part of a well-rounded art curriculum for primary-aged children. Through carefully planned activities, children learn to explore colour, shape, texture and form, while building confidence in their own ideas. Our approach supports creativity and helps pupils develop practical skills through observation, making and reflection.

  Our art curriculum is designed to be engaging, age-appropriate and progressive, so children can build on what they have learned over time. Lessons may include drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and craft techniques, alongside opportunities to study the work of artists and designers. Parents can feel reassured that children are encouraged to experiment, refine their work and express themselves in a supportive learning environment.

  Art at Dodford First also supports wider learning, including communication, problem-solving and teamwork. Children learn to talk about their work using clear, respectful language and to consider how art can represent feelings, stories and ideas. We encourage families to celebrate effort and creativity at home, reinforcing the value of making, sharing and learning together.

• Computing
  Computing

  Computing Curriculum

  At Dodford First, we believe that a strong computing curriculum helps children build confidence, curiosity and practical skills for everyday life. Our approach introduces pupils to the key ideas behind how technology works, while also supporting safe and responsible use of digital tools at school and at home.

  Our computing curriculum is designed for primary age learners, using engaging activities that develop core concepts such as algorithms, simple programming, data handling and digital literacy. Children learn through clear explanations, hands-on tasks and age-appropriate challenges, helping them to understand how to solve problems step by step and communicate their thinking.

  We also place great importance on online safety and digital citizenship. Parents can feel reassured that our teaching supports children to recognise trustworthy information, understand privacy and make sensible choices when using technology. If you would like to know more about what your child will be learning, please speak to the school team so we can share guidance and resources aligned with our computing curriculum.

• Design and Technology
  Design and Technology

  Design & Technology Curriculum

  At Dodford First, our Design & Technology curriculum helps children build practical skills and confidence through hands-on learning. We focus on designing, making, and evaluating ideas so pupils can understand how everyday products are created and improved. This approach supports curiosity and encourages children to think creatively while developing careful, responsible working habits.

  Our design and technology curriculum is planned to be age-appropriate and engaging, with activities that introduce key concepts such as materials, tools, structures, and mechanisms. Children learn to follow safe procedures, measure accurately, and test their ideas. Each project gives pupils opportunities to communicate their thinking, refine their work, and make improvements based on what they observe.

  Parents play an important role in reinforcing these skills at home, and we aim to make learning meaningful beyond the classroom. By exploring design and technology topics, children gain transferable abilities such as problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance. We are committed to delivering a high-quality experience at Dodford First that prepares primary-aged pupils for future learning and supports their enjoyment of making and innovation.

• English
  English

  Welcome to Dodford First—our aim is to support every child’s progress through a carefully planned English curriculum. For parents, this means consistent classroom routines, clear learning goals, and teaching that builds confidence in reading, writing, speaking, and listening from the earliest years.

  Our English curriculum is designed to strengthen core language skills while developing vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Children learn through a balanced approach that includes high-quality texts, structured phonics, guided reading, and opportunities to write for real purposes. We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, a systematic synthetic phonics programme, to provide children with a strong foundation in early reading and spelling. Through daily phonics lessons and regular opportunities to practise and apply their learning, children develop the skills and confidence needed to become fluent, independent readers and thoughtful communicators.

  We work closely with families to reinforce learning at home. By sharing practical ideas and expectations, we encourage parents to support reading habits, talk about stories and everyday experiences, and celebrate progress. Our Little Wandle phonics programme also provides a consistent approach between school and home, helping parents support their child's early reading journey. Together, we aim to ensure that children leave primary school ready to engage confidently with the next stage of learning.

• EYFS
  EYFS

  Early Years

  At Dodford First School, we are committed to providing a happy, safe and nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to learn, grow and reach their full potential. We believe that the Early Years are the foundation of lifelong learning, and we aim to provide exciting and meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity and a love of learning.

  Our Provision

  At Dodford First School, we warmly welcome children into our Early Years setting, where they are supported in developing confidence, independence and essential skills for their future learning.

  Our Early Years provision offers a caring and stimulating environment where children can learn through play, exploration and practical experiences.

  We work closely with parents and carers to ensure that every child feels valued, supported and ready to take the next steps in their learning journey.

  Learning in Early Years

  Our Early Years curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, providing children with a broad range of exciting learning opportunities.

  We encourage children to become respectful, resilient and independent learners through a balance of child-initiated play and adult-led activities.

  Our learning environment is designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving, allowing children to explore their interests and develop new skills both indoors and outdoors.

  What Children Experience

  Children at Dodford First School have access to a wide range of engaging learning experiences, including:

  • Creative activities, arts and crafts.

  • Outdoor learning and exploration.

  • Early reading, writing and mathematics.

  • Imaginative play and role-play activities.

  • Physical development and active play.

  • Opportunities to develop friendships, communication and social skills.

  • Exploring the natural world and learning about their local environment.

  We aim to make every day an exciting opportunity for children to discover, explore and achieve.

  How We Teach

  Our Early Years practitioners carefully plan engaging learning experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and Development Matters guidance.

  Through high-quality interactions, purposeful play and regular observations, we support each child's individual development and progress towards the Early Learning Goals.

  We recognise that every child is unique and provide a supportive learning environment that enables all children to develop at their own pace.

  Our Team

  Our Early Years team at Dodford First School is dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring learning environment.

  We work together to ensure that every child feels happy, safe and confident, building strong relationships with children and their families to support a positive start to their educational journey.

• French
  French

  French Curriculum

  At Dodford First, we build confidence in French through a clear and progressive curriculum designed for primary age children. Our French curriculum supports listening, speaking, reading, and simple writing, helping pupils develop a positive attitude to languages from an early stage.

  In year 3, children begin to broaden their vocabulary and practise everyday phrases through interactive activities and short, purposeful lessons. Pupils learn to respond to classroom instructions in French, explore basic grammar patterns, and develop pronunciation with regular opportunities to speak in pairs and small groups.

  By year 4, learners build on these foundations with increasing accuracy and greater independence. Lessons focus on using French in familiar contexts, strengthening sentence building, and encouraging pupils to understand short texts and follow meaning. This approach ensures that children steadily progress while remaining engaged, supported, and ready for further language learning.

• History & Geography
  History & Geography

  History & Geography Curriculum

  Welcome to History & Geography at Dodford First. Our aim is to help children build a strong understanding of the world around them and the past that shaped it. We follow a clear history & geography curriculum designed for primary learners, encouraging curiosity, careful observation and respectful thinking about people, places and events.

  In our history learning, pupils explore familiar stories and significant events in a way that makes sense for their age. Children learn to place events in time, understand change over time and develop age-appropriate historical vocabulary. Through carefully planned topics, they are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and make simple connections between the past and the present.

  In geography, children learn about their local area and the wider world, building understanding of human and physical features. The history & geography curriculum supports map skills, direction, location and an awareness of how places are connected. Pupils also develop an appreciation of different communities and environments, supporting them to become thoughtful, informed learners.

• Mathematics
  Mathematics

  Maths Curriculum

  At Dodford First, our maths curriculum is built to support every child in becoming confident with numbers, patterns and problem-solving. We use clear, age-appropriate approaches that help children understand mathematical ideas rather than just memorising answers. Parents can expect consistent teaching routines, regular practice and opportunities for children to explain their thinking in simple, meaningful ways.

  Our approach to the maths curriculum focuses on developing strong foundations across key areas such as number, place value, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, shape, measures and early reasoning. Lessons are designed to build step-by-step, with careful progression from concrete examples to pictorial representations and then to abstract methods. This helps children connect what they learn in school to everyday situations they may recognise at home.

  We encourage parents to support learning through short, positive conversations and practical activities. For example, counting objects, using money in shops, measuring ingredients during cooking or spotting patterns in the environment can all reinforce core skills. If you’d like to know what your child is working on, please speak with their teacher—together we can ensure the maths curriculum continues to be meaningful, engaging and successful for every child at Dodford First.

• Music
  Music

  Music Curriculum

  At Dodford First, we believe that music plays a vital role in supporting children’s confidence, creativity, and wellbeing. Our music curriculum is designed to introduce children to a wide range of sounds, rhythms, and styles, helping them develop listening skills and enjoy learning through engaging, age-appropriate activities.

  Our approach includes regular opportunities for children to sing, move, and explore musical instruments in a structured but enjoyable way. Through carefully planned lessons, pupils learn musical vocabulary, practise keeping a steady beat, and begin to understand how music can express different moods and ideas, all while building teamwork and concentration.

  Parents can feel reassured that our music curriculum supports progression across the year groups, with activities tailored to primary age learners. We encourage children to share what they have learned at home and to develop a positive attitude towards practice, performance, and celebrating others’ efforts.

• PSHE
  PSHE

  PSHE & RSE Curriculum

  At Dodford First, our PSHE & RSE Curriculum supports children to grow into confident, healthy and responsible members of the community. We focus on personal wellbeing, relationships, and safety, helping pupils build skills such as communication, empathy and resilience. Our approach is designed to be age-appropriate, inclusive and delivered in a way that encourages curiosity and respect.

  We follow the jigsaw curriculum, which provides a clear structure for teaching key themes across the school. Lessons are planned to reflect children’s developmental stages, allowing them to learn about feelings, friendships, healthy choices and respectful behaviours in a supportive environment. This helps pupils understand themselves and others, and it supports families by reinforcing consistent messages at home and in school.

  Parents play an important role in PSHE & RSE, and we welcome partnership and open communication. If you would like to know more about what is covered and when, please speak to your child’s class teacher. Together, we can ensure children receive high-quality learning that prepares them for everyday life, strengthens relationships and promotes safe, caring communities.

• Physical Education
  Physical Education

  PE Curriculum

  Physical Education (PE) at Dodford First supports the wellbeing and development of our primary pupils through a balanced approach to movement, play and skill-building. Our PE curriculum encourages children to be active, build confidence and develop positive habits that can last beyond school. We work to ensure lessons are age-appropriate, inclusive and enjoyable for all learners.

  Our PE curriculum covers a range of activities that help children develop fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching. Alongside physical skills, children learn about teamwork, fair play and how to follow instructions safely. We also introduce children to a variety of sports and games, helping them discover interests and build a strong foundation for future learning.

  We understand that parents play an important role in supporting children’s physical development. We encourage families to promote daily active play, healthy routines and positive attitudes towards exercise. If you have any questions about PE at Dodford First, including how we support different needs, we are happy to discuss this with you.

• Reading
  Reading

  Reading is a key part of the learning journey at Dodford First, and we encourage parents to support children with a consistent approach at home. A strong reading curriculum helps children build confidence, develop fluency, and grow a love of stories and information texts. When children practise regularly, they strengthen the skills needed to understand what they read and to use new vocabulary in their everyday speaking and writing.

  At school, our reading curriculum is designed to match children’s needs and develop essential reading strategies step by step. We focus on phonics, word recognition, comprehension, and discussion about texts. At home, short, regular reading sessions are often most effective, such as sharing a book together for a few minutes, discussing pictures, asking simple questions, and encouraging children to sound out words they find tricky.

  Parents play an important role in building motivation and routine. We recommend choosing texts that are suitable for your child’s current level while also offering opportunities to read for enjoyment. If your child is learning new sounds or reading specific types of books, try to mirror the language and approaches used in class. With steady support and positive encouragement, children can make strong progress and develop the habits that will carry them through primary school and beyond.

• Religious Studies
  Religious Studies

  Religious education is an important part of learning at Dodford First, helping children understand the beliefs, values, and traditions that shape communities in the UK and around the world. Through age-appropriate lessons, our aim is to encourage curiosity, respect, and thoughtful discussion, so pupils can develop their knowledge and understanding in a calm, supportive classroom environment.

  In religious education, children explore a range of religions and worldviews, learning about key stories, symbols, practices, and celebrations. We also support pupils to reflect on questions about meaning, purpose, and how people live their lives. This helps children build empathy and develop the language they need to talk about beliefs and feelings with confidence and kindness.

  At Dodford First, religious education is taught in line with the expectations for schools in England, with a focus on respectful learning and careful handling of different perspectives. Parents can be reassured that lessons are delivered professionally, and children are encouraged to ask questions and listen to others. If you would like to know more about what your child will cover, please speak with the school team so we can share our approach and resources.

• Science
  Science

  Science Curriculum

  At Dodford First, we believe that a strong science curriculum helps children build curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong interest in the world around them. Our approach supports primary-aged learners to ask questions, explore ideas through hands-on activities, and develop clear scientific thinking in a way that is age-appropriate and engaging.

  Our science curriculum is designed to support progression across the school, helping pupils develop key knowledge and skills year by year. Children learn about topics such as plants, animals, materials, and everyday forces, using practical investigations and carefully planned lessons to connect learning to real-life experiences.

  We also encourage parents to be part of their child’s learning journey by making science visible at home. Simple activities—such as observing nature, discussing how things work, or carrying out safe everyday experiments—can reinforce classroom learning and help children communicate what they notice, what they think, and what they discover.

• Writing
  Writing

  At Dodford First, we believe writing is a key life skill and a central part of the writing curriculum for primary children. From the first stages of forming letters to writing for different purposes, we build confidence through clear routines, high-quality models, and regular opportunities to practise. Our approach helps children develop strong sentence skills, expanding vocabulary, and the ability to express ideas clearly.

  We teach writing through a structured, age-appropriate writing curriculum that supports progression across the school. Children learn how to plan, draft, and improve their work, using feedback to make meaningful changes. Teachers provide guidance on spelling, grammar, and punctuation, while also encouraging creativity so that children can write confidently in a variety of genres, such as stories, explanations, and letters.

  For parents, supporting writing at home can make a real difference. Simple activities—such as reading together, discussing new words, and writing short sentences about everyday experiences—help children practise what they learn in class. If you would like to know more about how the writing curriculum is taught at Dodford First, please speak with your child’s teacher, who can share practical ideas tailored to your child’s current stage.