At Gospel Oak, we take a topic-based approach to the teaching of a number of subjects, as we believe this helps children to make connections between different areas of learning and allows us to deepen their understanding. National Curriculum objectives for science, history, geography, art and design and technology are all covered using this approach. Other subjects, such as English, maths, computing, languages, music, PSHE, PE and RE, are taught separately from these topics, although links are made wherever relevant. Click here to find out more about the topics covered in each year.

Our curriculum also contributes to children's understanding of life in modern Britain.

Democracy is common within the school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our school council and pupil surveys. Our approach to teaching and learning provides opportunities for children to explain their views and be listened to by others.

The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced through class routines, through school assemblies as well as when supporting good behaviour. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws and rules, that they guide and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when rules are broken.

Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school, we educate and provide boundaries for children to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and empowering education. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, for example through our E-Safety, PSHE and philosophy lessons. Whether it be through choice of the level challenge; of how they record their learning; or of participation in our numerous extra-curricular clubs; pupils are given the freedom to make choices. Nutrition education is taught, monitored and assessed through the International Primary Curriculum IPC. Cooking skills are taught by a specialist cookery teacher who also includes a focus on healthy eating. All classes have a specialist lesson at least once a term.

Mutual respect is at the heart of our ethos. This can be seen in the underlying principles that are described within our aims and mission statement and more tangibly in the relationships that run throughout the school.

Empathy and understanding between faith and social groups are achieved through enhancing pupils understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Assemblies and discussions that cover these areas are supported by learning in RE, PSHE and philosophy. Members of different faiths or religions are frequently encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.

For more information on the school's curriculum please contact John Hayes (jhayes@gospeloakschool.com)