The Fairlawn Curriculum

A knowledge rich curriculum

At Fairlawn Primary School, we have developed our enquiry based curriculum to allow our pupils to immerse themselves in specific subjects for an extended period of learning. We teach subjects over blocks of weeks to maintain the integrity of the subject and allow pupils and teachers to immerse themselves and fully engage with the discipline whilst reducing cognitive load. Blocks of learning are supported by complementary subjects to allow pupils to build inter-disciplinary connections.

Knowledge is at the heart of our curriculum; we want our pupils to know more and remember more. Underpinning each subject is a clearly defined progression of knowledge and built in opportunities to retrieve and activate prior learning. The Fairlawn Curriculum is designed to ensure that key knowledge from previous linked Enquiries is revisited and then built on in each year group.

Component substantive knowledge is carefully sequenced within units to allow pupils to answer more complex composite questions. We also want pupils to engage with the disciplinary process of how subject knowledge is established. Pupils focus on working as disciplinary states of being e.g a scientist or historian. Disciplinary Knowledge is sequenced to allow pupils to develop the skills of working scientifically, geographically or historically etc. 

Finally, Enquiries culminate in a challenge that provides pupils with an opportunity to consolidate and present their learning.  As a STEAM school, we believe that STEAM subjects are integral to future careers and will equip our learners with the necessary skills for their future. STEAM subjects are taught in our dedicated STEAM room at Fairlawn Primary School. Our curriculum adapts to the needs and context of our school and is constantly being reviewed and evolving to ensure it remains relevant, broad and balanced.

A Local Curriculum

The Fairlawn Curriculum is designed so that pupils first learn about themselves, their home and their local area before building on this knowledge to learn about the wider world. We are passionate about our school, our community and our city – WE LOVE BRISTOL! We want our pupils to develop a rich sense of identity, pride, belonging and understanding of the world around them too. Many of our curriculum strands start locally before following the same themes and making connections with the wider world.

Literacy and Oracy

Oracy and the ability to read and write fluently are integral to our whole curriculum. We are determined that children’s confident use of English and a wide vocabulary will help empower them to access every opportunity. Pupils' knowledge is supported by clearly defined subject specific vocabulary taught explicitly using the Word Aware approach.

Cultural Capital

At Fairlawn, we believe that all our pupils deserve access to the same cultural experiences to ensure they leave our school well-informed and prepared for future success. Our curriculum is supported by rich and varied opportunities such as; local trips, residentials, forest school, trips to places of worship, libraries, museums, sports, music and arts venues, visits from professionals and experts as well as extra-curricular clubs and activities. We also draw upon the wealth of cultural capital from our local communities, sharing and enjoying food, music, dance and festivals. Our annual cultural picnic is the highlight of the Summer Term! 

Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise that Bristol is a diverse city, inextricably linked with inequality. Our curriculum is designed to educate pupils to recognise inequality and challenge discrimination. We recognise and champion inspirational figures from diverse backgrounds in our own community and beyond and celebrate their achievements around our school. We want all of our children to see themselves represented in the curriculum alongside local stories and influential Bristolians. Through our curriculum, pupils will consider different viewpoints, broaden their horizons and deepen their knowledge of the British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. We want to inspire our pupils to follow their passions, know their rights and overcome any barriers in their way.