Curriculum

Our curriculum covers all the requirements of the National Curriculum but is arranged around inquiries into six different Transdisciplinary Themes. Tree Tops Primary Academy is in the process of applying to become a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), with the intention of pursuing authorisation as an IB World School.

IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.

Curriculum Mission Statement

Tree Tops Primary Academy aims to develop knowledgeable and inquiring pupils, who think globally and who are motivated to effect meaningful change. They demonstrate the IB Learner Profile attributes and they value the views and opinions of others, developing international mindedness and thinking critically about the world.

Our curriculum offer promotes children’s independence, resilience and confidence, by building on our Academy Values and immersing children in high quality learning experiences.

Our curriculum:

  • is inclusive, so that every child can achieve their potential,
  • reflects children’s interests and their world, to make learning meaningful and purposeful,
  • is interactive and fun, to develop children’s creativity and collaboration.

To achieve this, we will:

  • use real and relevant artefacts, texts, activities, visits and the arts to bring topics alive and motivate pupils,
  • make these memorable and first-hand where possible,
  • develop local, national and global multi-cultural awareness, and an understanding of British Values in a meaningful way,
  • make use of our outdoor environment to enhance and extend provision,
  • make strong links with the local community and other learning school communities to give pupils aspirations for their future,
  • embed effective safeguarding, health and safety and on-line safety principles within our curriculum offer for every pupil and member of staff.

The Foundation Stage

When children begin either Nursery or school in the Reception Year they follow the Foundation Curriculum.  This will build on their many rich experiences at home.

There are 7 areas of learning and development that shape The Foundation Stage Curriculum.  All areas of learning are important and inter-connected.

These are the PRIME AREAS:-

  • Communication and language
  • Physical development
  • Personal, social and emotional development

These areas are crucial for igniting the children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.

We also support the children with four further areas of learning through which the prime areas are strengthened and applied.  These are the SPECIFIC AREAS:-

  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding of the world
  • Expressive art & design

The Curriculum in Years 1 and 2

In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children follow the National Curriculum.

All children are individuals and have different ways of learning – teachers continually assess your child’s progress in all aspects of our rich curriculum and share new targets with the children.  Enjoying learning is the key to success!

The Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for pupils aged 3 to 12 is one of four programmes offered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).

IB Mission

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

The PYP focuses on the development of whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is a framework guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, explored using knowledge and skills derived from six subject areas, as well as transdisciplinary skills, with a powerful emphasis on inquiry.

The PYP is flexible enough to accommodate the demands of the National Curriculum as this is the curriculum that all LAT primary academies follow. The PYP

  • addresses pupils’ academic, social and emotional well-being
  • encourage pupils to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own learning
  • support pupils’ efforts to gain understanding of the world and to function comfortably within it
  • helps pupils establish personal values as a foundation upon which international mindedness will develop and flourish